No racing yet, but we can practice, says AAP

There has been no racing action held since the nationwide lockdown. Sure, the IATF made an amendment allowing some non-contact sports to resume. However, there was no mention of motorsport. So, is it permitted in the first place? The Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) Motorsport Department has this to say.

Since motorsport is technically a non-contact sport, it is technically allowed. However, don't expect to see any tournaments to restart this year. Because of Joint Administrative Order 2020-0001, any non-contact sport cannot hold any event. According to JAO Part 5, No. 3, “Non-professional sporting events such as tournaments, competitive events, and athletic meets shall not be permitted.”

Be it time trials, grid races, or rallies, the government will not allow any racing competitions to be held while the country is in quarantine. However, you can go to your nearest race track and hone your skills with a few practice laps. In JAO Annex A1, B1, it is stated that “Non-contact sports are allowed to hold practice sessions in medium risk (GCQ) and low risk (MGCQ) areas”.

There are six race tracks in the country, namely Clark International Speedway, Batangas Racing Circuit, Tarlac Circuit Hill, Carmona Racing Circuit, Palawan International Circuit, and City Kart Racing in Circuit Makati. Among the tracks mentioned, there are two located in GCQ areas. These race tracks are Batangas Racing Circuit and City Kart Racing. The rest are in MGCQ areas.

But just because practice sessions are allowed on circuits, you cannot bring a whole group of people to the track with you. In GCQ areas, there cannot be more than five people in the facility during the sessions. As for MGCQ areas, up to 10 people are allowed. Also, anyone under the age of 21 or over the age of 60 will not be allowed to participate in practices. People with pre-existing heart or lung conditions are not allowed as well.

At the moment, it is unlikely that there will be any motorsport event within the next couple of months. But if it's any consolation, some of us can get back to the racetracks to practice. That said, the AAP Motorsport Division is asking the government to give racing an exemption from the JAO guidelines. For instance, they argue that racing is one of the first sporting events to resume this year; just look at Formula 1 and NASCAR. It's a valid point, but it's up to the government to approve AAP's appeal to allow racing in the country again.