By First and foremost it’s great to be back reporting close up on pure road racing, there really is nothing like it.
Experiencing the ‘New Racing Normal’ was an interesting, unique experience. In essence the Barry Sheene Classic felt like a normal meeting at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough when in reality it wasn’t.
After all the UK’s been through throughout the past five months, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, it felt like all Christmas, new year’s, lottery wins had come early for road racing fans with three days of competitive action at Scarborough.
Racing was of top quality, there was still despite the social distancing measures in place, a first rate atmosphere and most of all a sense of relief for everyone involved in real road racing, lets be honest lots of us didn’t think any events would take place this year.
I can’t praise enough the organisers, marshals, stewards, everyone involved in helping make the Barry Sheene Classic run like clockwork.
To all those who go on, on, on and on via social media platforms about saying there shouldn’t be any spectators, your taking this risk, that risk, catching Covid-19, a few points.
One there was hand sanitiser products available in various places including for those returning from crossing the Bridge at the Esses.
Second in the trade stand area, everyone had to wear a face mask, the stewards in attendance did a good job making sure this happened.
Third it was reiterated countless about the importance of social distancing. Fourth and finally the race programme featured a whole page detailing Covid guidelines and requirements for those in attendance.
On the whole an excellent Barry Sheene Classic. It’s amazing to think that two years ago some said, including many high profile individuals that Oliver’s Mount was finished as a racing circuit.
It’s firmly back now and back right at the forefront of pure road racing, roll on the Gold Cup!
Words by Stevie Rial
