SPEEDWAY, IND. ~ Over the past few weeks, American Rally Association officials, in lockstep with ARA event organizers, have been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected not only motorsports, but the daily activities of millions around the world.
Due to several restrictions, including a prolonged hold on permitting needed to run on public roads, the DirtFish Oregon Trail Rally scheduled for May 29-31, 2020 will be postponed. Event organizers are hoping to find a date later in the year to run the iconic rally.
As the COVID-19 outbreak grows in the United States, one of the evolving consequences has been the increasing strain it has put on local governmental and health organizations across the country. Most rallies take place primarily on public roads and utilize public spaces, making the permitting process an added pressure to those who manage these spaces during this time. This includes emergency medical and law enforcement resources utilized during the rally.
“We are thankful to our passionate competitors, volunteers, fans, and community members for their support over the years,” said Doug Heredos, OTR Chairman. “We are as disappointed as anyone that our event isn’t happening as planned. It’s impossible to see what the future will hold, but we are making the best decisions we can based on the information we have today.”
As for the remainder of the 2020 American Rally Association schedule, series officials are focused on hosting a complete rally season. The ARA is working with all of its event organizers to find a schedule that works for both the national and regional championships.
“Our intent is to get a full season of rally in this year,” said Doug Shepherd, ARA series manager. “We are asking all of the event organizers, teams, and sponsors to be patient, and flexible, as we work through an ever-changing landscape.”
Decisions regarding other ARA scheduled events, including the rescheduling of the Olympus Rally, will be done as early as possible. For more information on upcoming events, please contact the ARA at: www.americanrallyassociation.org/contact.