1000 Miles of Sebring axed after US travel ban

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World Endurance Championship cancels the 2020 running of the 1000 Miles of Sebring after US travel restrictions were imposed over coronavirus

2019 1000 miles of Sebring

DPPI

A US ban on most European visitors has forced the cancellation of this year’s 1000 Miles of Sebring, nine days before it was due to take place.

America’s borders have been closed to travellers from 26 European countries, as part of the country’s coronavirius prevention measures, blocking teams from France, Italy and Germany, among others, from attending.

“After a careful review of the situation, it has been determined that the World Endurance Championship (WEC) race will be cancelled,” WEC said in a statement.

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“Given the large number of drivers, team staff and officials who are still in Europe and who were scheduled to travel to the USA in the coming days, it would not be possible or appropriate to stage the race in their absence.”

The Sebring round is the first WEC race to be affected by coronavirus; this season’s races in Japan, China and Bahrain took place before the end of last year. Two races of the season remain — the Six Hours of Spa, and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said Gerard Neveu CEO of WEC. “Our teams and officials place great value on racing at Sebring in front of its enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans.

“While this cancellation has been forced upon us because of the travel restrictions from Europe to USA, WEC remains committed at all times to the health and welfare of its teams, officials and race fans.”