Image: Foremost Media.

A decision will be made by Motorcycling Australia (MA) by mid-October at the latest if the remainder of the 2021 Penrite ProMX is to restart this season.

Australian motocross has been on hold since Maitland on 27 June, the third round of the revamped series under the direction of the governing body.

With state border closures and stay at home orders halting much of the country throughout winter, it’s the second-straight year that the covid-19 pandemic has forced the sport to pause at the national level.

Despite understood reluctance from select teams for ProMX to restart in the final quarter when much of the country is expected to begin to reopen, a statement forwarded to teams this afternoon suggests that MA is still in fact considering strategies to complete the season.

“ProMX Management Team advises today that all Penrite ProMX Championship presented by AMX Superstores events continue to remain on hold due to the current national landscape around covid-19 state border restrictions,” MA confirmed.

“With all remaining championship events postponed, a final decision on the status of running the remainder of the championship rounds will be announced no later than 15th October 2021.

“ProMX will continue to examine the challenging environment around covid-19 state border restrictions, relying on clarity from state governments on plans to reopen borders.”

The current ProMX schedule still has Wodonga and Queensland Moto Park, plus double-headers at Coolum and Gillman listed, however a complete overhaul is anticipated should the championship get off the ground before the year’s out.

If the series doesn’t begin again, current points-leaders Luke Clout (MX1), Kyle Webster (MX2) and Blake Fox (MX3) will be crowned national champions in their respective categories since the minimum three-round requirement has been reached.

MA’s latest update also addressed its current position in regards to vaccination, continuing to monitor the evolving situation in line with federal and state government requirements.

“As the nation continues to vaccinate eligible Australians, ProMX management is monitoring the changing landscape of potential vaccine passports which may be required by state and federal governments for future air travel, entry to venues and as a condition of inclusion in some situations,” the statement read.

“Some sporting venues in Australia have already made announcements where proof of double vaccination will be required for entry, whilst other are considering their position on this topic.

“ProMX respects the choice of individuals when it comes to the topic of covid-19 vaccination, however, it is highly likely that proof of vaccination or vaccination passport may be required for entry into some states and venues moving forward. ProMX Management provides this as information only.”

Organisers of the Australian Supercross Championship have already said that a shortened 2021 season will likely be pushed back to January next year, which opens up the final months of the year for ProMX to recommence if a path forward can be established over the next month.