Image: Foremost Media.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has cancelled the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship, unable to commit to launching the revamped series due to the uncertainty of state border restrictions.

Following longtime promoter Williams Event Management’s exit from the sport in June, MA was poised to take over the series, which has continually been delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the Australian Supercross Championship already being cancelled last month, it was expected that the motocross season could take place during November and December pending border closures, however, that option has now been dropped by the sport’s governing body. It will instead now work toward planning for 2021.

“Due to the ongoing uncertainty around state government COVID-19 border restrictions, Motorcycling Australia, after consultation with key stakeholders, have been forced to make the difficult decision to abandon any further attempts to conduct the 2020 Australian Motocross Championship,” a statement announced.

“MA reviewed the championship operations including the format and potential event dates, in consultation with industry, teams, riders and clubs to see if it was possible to run the championship during this COVID-19 period.

“Despite significant work by MA over recent months in exploring all possible options to hold the championship, the uncertainly around state government COVID-19 border restrictions, has meant it is not possible to run the championship in 2020.

“MA sincerely thank all stakeholders, clubs, teams and riders for their support and patience, but this late in the year has proven too difficult to start the championship without clear plans from state government’s around state borders being reopened.”

The decision comes as a devastating blow for the professional teams and riders set to compete in the AUS Motocross series this season, following what has been a year filled with uncertainty since the coronavirus put the world on pause earlier this year.