Kirton’s Clarke among those facing a delayed start to the motorcycle racing season

The upcoming motorcycle racing season has been decimated by coronavirus fears.

Even though some club racing was set to go ahead, the government has now sealed its fate by stopping the medical services from attending the events for the foreseeable future.

With no medical back up, there can be no racing – meaning the Isle of Man TT races, the North West 200, the Southern 100 events plus the Olivers Mount races in Scarborough have all had to be either cancelled or postponed to later in the year.

The Bennetts British Superbike Championship has also fallen foul to the pandemic.

A statement from Motorsport Vision said: “The UK Government has announced further and significant measures designed to suppress the spread of the coronavirus and limit COVID-19 infections.

“Following the MCRCB and the ACU’s suspension of all motorcycle circuit racing events until at least the end of April, a decision which will be kept under review as the situation progresses, MSVR can confirm that the forthcoming official test at Silverstone is cancelled, and the opening round of the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship also at Silverstone (April 10-12) will be postponed until later in the year.

“Series promoter and organiser MSVR is continuing to work closely with teams, circuits, broadcasters and partners to evaluate the constantly-changing situation and will provide further updates when available.”

Aaron Clarke, from Kirton, was looking forward to another season of racing in the Superstock 1000 championship – but he is having to put his plans on hold.

He said: “I was really looking forward to getting back out there but it doesn’t look very likely for the next few weeks if at all this year.”