PUTTING the sale of Bathurst 1000 campground tickets on hold is unfortunate but necessary, mayor Bobby Bourke and councillor Warren Aubin say.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Camping was due to go on sale for the general public yesterday but has been delayed due to uncertainty about the COVID-19 situation, according to Supercars' Bathurst Camping Team.
"We ask that all of our loyal fans be courteous and understanding as Supercars navigates these unprecedented times," the team said in a statement on the weekend.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Cr Bourke said Bathurst Regional Council knew the delay was possible.
"We have had talks with V8 Supercars and they are still unsure about what the position will be in October," he said.
"Things are changing every day."
Council would like the certainty of knowing how many people will be at the Mount well before the event, but all health regulations need to be followed, he said.
"They [the ticket sales] are only on hold. We have still got two months," Cr Bourke said.
"A lot can change; a lot has changed in the last two months.
"A lot of things have been cancelled and, if this is one of them, we will just have to wear it."
Cr Aubin said the popularity of the camping spots meant that, even if a decision had to be left until quite close to the Bathurst 1000 week in early October, the sites would still be likely to sell out.
"If we did get three to four weeks out from the race and we can have camping, no doubt they [camping tickets] would be put on and they would go quick sticks," he said.
"It's [the delay] a precautionary measure and one that has to be done.
"You can't go selling camping spots and take them back off people; it's just not on."
Both Cr Bourke and Cr Aubin said the camping had been popular with Victorians in the past, who are suffering through the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak at the moment.
"A lot of Victorians do come to the Mount," Cr Bourke said.
"We would have to make sure all health regulations are in place."
The statement on the weekend said Supercars "is working closely with NSW Health authorities to confirm details for camping" for the Bathurst 1000.