Photo: PSP

Knockhill confirms no fans for BTCC event

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Knockhill has confirmed that the fourth round of the BTCC season next weekend will be run behind closed doors, despite hopes that it could be the first event this season to permit fans.

With the Scottish government taking a different approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, circuit bosses were hopeful that a limited number of fans would be able to attend the race – with the possibility that the Knockhill meeting could be used a test event for Scotland.

After Motorsport UK gave the green light for racing to resume on Scottish soil, the government then announced that live outdoor events can take place from 24 August.

However, discussions between the circuit and the authorities have revealed that only 200 spectators would be permitted in line with government guidelines.

That left the circuit with no option but to run the event without fans given there would be “no fair way to determine who should be allocated one of those very limited 200 tickets”.

“Like many fans we are bitterly disappointed with today’s news,” Knockhill MD Jillian Shedden said. “We had put in place an effective plan to manage a limited crowd at the British Touring Car event, commensurate with the size and scale of our 220 acre venue.

“Unfortunately, the number we had planned for didn’t quite match the government’s figure and we’ve taken the decision to host the event without spectators next weekend.

“Although we are disappointed, we must all bare in mind that these rules and regulations are in place for the best reasons…to protect public health.

“I’m sure the Knockhill round will be as spectacular as ever next weekend and I’d urge race fans to tune into ITV4 to watch all the action live.”

News that fans will not be able to attend the Scottish meeting comes after the opening three events were forced to run behind closed doors after the UK government deemed that the BTCC is classed as ‘elite sport’.

Round five at Thruxton next month will also run without fans after the circuit emailed ticket holders today [Friday] to inform them of the decision.