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2020 Isle of Man TT, canceled over COVID-19 concerns

One of the most dangerous races in motorsports plays it safe.

Monzit Purugganan Monzit Purugganan on Mar 18, 2020
Isle of Man TT Race

The Isle of Man TT has been identified as one of the most dangerous races in motorsports. This year, they decided to play it safe. The Isle of Man government recently announced that they would be canceling this year’s races scheduled to take place between May 30, and June 13, 2020. The decision was made in its efforts to step up its measures to protect the population and spectators from the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This is not the first time the Isle of Man TT canceled a race over an outbreak – or in this case, a pandemic. In 2001, the Isle of Man TT Races were also canceled over fears of foot and mouth disease.

Isle of Man TT
Isle of Man TT
Isle of Man TT

The Isle of Man Government, through Laurence Skelly MHK, Isle of Man Minister for Enterprise, in an official statement said, “The decision to cancel has not been taken lightly, and all options including postponement and delaying the decision have been considered in detail. Representatives from the Isle of Man Government will now discuss the implications with all relevant businesses, stakeholders and individuals affected by this cancellation, which it recognizes will be significant,”

Skelly added, “With the visitor restriction in place for the foreseeable future, we wanted to make the decision now to give businesses, visitors and all involved stakeholders time to manage the impact going forward. The Isle of Man, and the Isle of Man TT, are faced with unique challenges regarding COVID-19 and making this decision will provide certainty to teams, competitors, sponsors, and stakeholders of the event and to visitors across the globe.” The Isle of Man government is reassuring its residents and healthcare professionals that the health and well-being of its residents is their single biggest priority and focus.

Currently, the 2020 Classic TT Races and Manx Grand Prix scheduled on August 22, 2020, have not been canceled. Changes would be made if necessary. Until then, the races would still proceed as scheduled. 

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