IMSA “Actively Monitoring” Coronavirus Outbreak

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

IMSA is “actively monitoring” the coronavirus outbreak, although it has stressed that there are currently no changes to the schedules for any of its sanctioned events.

In a bulletin issued to competitors on Wednesday, the sanctioning body provided details on its newly established ‘task force’ that will monitor developments in the outbreak, which has rapidly spread from China to nearly all corners of the world.

It comes amid increasing numbers of those infected with Covid-19 in the U.S., with more than 130 reported cases across 16 states, including nine deaths.

Three cases have been reported in Florida, site of the planned Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in two weeks’ time.

“The health, safety and well-being of our industry, employees, fans and everyone associated with our events remains our top priority,” the statement from IMSA read.

“We are actively monitoring this situation and are closely following updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and The World Health Organization (“WHO”), as well as communicating with federal, state and local authorities.”

IMSA confirmed it has established a “senior leadership task force” that is meeting regularly and reviewing updates from government authorities.

“It is through this process that we will continue to assess this situation and keep everyone informed as to any prospective operational or scheduling changes,” the statement continued.

“We are asking fans, employees and partners to follow basic hygiene precautions as recommended by the CDC, such as frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitizer and covering coughs and sneezes appropriately.

“At this time, there are no changes to regular operations and our competition schedule across all series remains unchanged.

“We will continue to work closely with international and local authorities where we race to assess each situation correctly. We understand this situation is of great concern to your employees and partners and we will communicate any changes as soon as such are decided.”

A number of motorsports events outside of the U.S. have been either canceled or postponed, including pre-season tests for DTM and International GT Open, with a contingency plan already in place for the SRO’s GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup season-opener that is scheduled for Monza in April.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John