Market Rasen motorcycle racers face uncertain delay to season start

The biggest casualty of the sport so far has been the Isle of Man TT which was cancelled for 2020, and the British Superbike Championship has also fallen foul of Government restrictions as the situation escalated.

Series promoter and organiser Motorsport Vision said: “We are continuing to work closely with teams, circuits, broadcasters and partners to evaluate the constantly-changing situation and will provide further updates when available.”

British Superbike rider Jason O’Halloran, who lives at Market Rasen, said: “While everyone in the team is gutted that the start of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship has been postponed, we fully support the decision made by MSVR and the MCRCB, which is in line with Government guidelines.

“McAMS Yamaha has put a lot of effort in over the winter with the new 2020 R1 and we are all ready for round one, whenever that might be!

“It’s obviously disappointing to know we won’t be lining up on the grid in a few weeks’ time, but we have to follow the guidelines and advice given to us for everybody’s wellbeing.

“We all love motorbike racing and look forward to the first round after a long winter - we will all just have to wait a little longer”

Fellow Rasen racer Phil Crowe said: “We have put so much effort into preparation and I feel it was going to be a big year for me and the team.

“I was also looking forward to competing in some of the major events this year and because of the problem with mass gatherings they have all been either postponed or cancelled.

“I thought the club races might have continued, but sadly this is not the case so unfortunately we have to wait until this virus has run its course.

“It is disappointing as we had a very good test at Cadwell recently and we are all ready to race.”

Market Rasen twins Tom and Tim Neave are disappointed they cannot race, but will put their time to good use on the family farm.

Tim said: “I am racing for Hawk Racing Buildbase Suzuki in the Superstock 1000 class this year and am really excited for the season.

“But of course this will be on hold until the coronavirus outbreak is over.”

Tom Neave will once again ride for Honda UK in the same series after missing much of last season through injury.

Events have been even more disappointing for North Kelsey sidecar racer Todd Ellis who was hoping to contest the World Sidecar championship this year with passenger Charlie Richardson.

The first round has already been cancelled, with overseas racing also looking unlikely in the next few months.

Ellis was also to defend his British championship which runs with the British Superbike championship and is also very unlikely to go ahead.

Stepfather Gary Bryan and his passenger Phil Hyde were due to race at the Isle of Man TT festival.