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Some good news, the Kern County Dept. of Health representative responded to my email (sent Friday afternoon) late yesterday (Saturday) indicating that the COVID-19 Compliance plan that was resubmitted was finally approved. I still have a conference call with Kern County Parks & its agencies tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.

Race teams, we understand your frustration with this situation, we are frustrated as well but there's more going on than just the race and I'd like to take this opportunity to explain:

SCSC can't sustain a big financial hit, given that we've had no races (other than sanctioning the Burley Regatta) and while our expenses have continued, especially our annual racing insurance policy which we had to enact when SCSC sanctioned the Burley Regatta. coupled with the fact that we haven't had any races, especially Long Beach, which as most of you know plays a crucial part in keeping SCSC financially healthy, we need this race to happen. Sponsorships are down as well due to the fact we haven't had any races so that income that plays a vital role in helping SCSC hasn't been there and for Bakersfield, we hope our current sponsors will continue to support us.

Next, cancelling the Bakersfield race won't solve this financial issue as the club has already made two payments totally just under $10K and owes another two more prior to the end of the year so I/we are asking you to consider the financial ramification that club will be put in should we lose money producing the 2020 National Championships.

We know that the masks and other restrictions aren't ideal, far from it but at the end of the day we will be racing, with our family/friends (i.e.: crew members) and hopefully keep our sport alive. I can assure you that these restrictions continue into 2021, SCSC will plan to race elsewhere as three weeks ago, we had finalized approval and no restrictions other than no spectators.

Thanks for your consideration and understanding and I hope to see you at the races!

I will post the results of my conference call tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Ross Wallach, Race Director/President

SCSC

Race Teams, I’ve been speaking with Kern County Parks & Kern County Dept. of Health about the 2020 National Championships since Monday, after the NJBA drag boat races, about a COVID-19 compliance plan for the event (this just came up as a result of the NJBA races.) I believe we will get final approval tomorrow, Friday 9/25, based on the COVID-19 Compliance plan that was submitted & revised per their request.

That being said, we have requested Friday 10/2, to be a test day for all classes - $75 fee per boat (w/Rescue, ambulance, etc.) - with racing Saturday & Sunday (10/3 & 10/4). Again, we believe we should get final approval from the County tomorrow, Friday 9/25.

In preparation of the event the following is the list of items that must be complied with in order to have the event:

1. Everyone, entering the event at the pit entrance gate, must submit to a non-contact temperature check prior to entry.
2. Everyone at the event must wear a mask. Racers may remove the mask when getting into race gear.
3. Absolutely no spectators or visitors shall have access to the event. The Pit entrance gate and exit gate will be manned by SCSC staff during the entire time of the event in order to keep spectators or visitors from entering the event. Only race participants, crew members, SCSC Staff and volunteers will be allowed access to the event.
4. By entering, each person confirms that they are not currently experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms and have not been recently exposed to the virus. You may be asked related health questions.
5. Electronic and cashless payments will be utilized as much as possible for event sign up and racing costs.
6. Electronic online racing registration will be required for all pre-registration and encouraged for all registration even at event. Please contact Jody Tepper to get this handled prior to the event. Jodytepper@gmail.com
7. SCSC staff, race teams will limited to a maximum of 8 crew members per team only. We need to make sure the event is limited to between 200-300 per the permit application.
8. SCSC will use the PA system to communicate to all participants & crew on-site and supplement with signage and other communications. This includes Driver’s meeting. The Driver’s meeting will be done over the PA System.
9. No Concessions or Vendors allowed. Please plan accordingly regarding food/provisions.
10. Practice social distancing by maintaining a minimum 6-foot distance from others.
11. No gathering of peoples from unrelated racing crew.
12. No socially distanced gatherings. Gatherings are limited to race teams only (ie: racer & pit crew). All meetings, including driver’s meeting and announcements will be delivered over PA system.
13. All racers, crew, SCSC staff and volunteers shall wear face coverings at all times while at the event. While within their designated pit face coverings must be worn if not able to maintain 6-foot social distance from others. Only exception for face coverings are those that meet CDPH guidelines for exemption.
14. Each crew responsible to provide proper PPE to all of their members or be disqualified and removed from the event.
15. Minimize interactions between crew members when using tools and materials for race preparation.
16. Discourage team members from using similar tools while working on boats. If tools are shared make sure to disinfect after single use.
17. In areas visible to all participants, required hygienic practices including; not touching face with unwashed hands or with gloves, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use of sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces such as work benches, tools, tool boxes.
18. SCSC will maintain all restrooms and clean them periodically throughout the event. Handwashing stations will be posted adjacent to all bathrooms.
19. Last, SCSC is requiring anyone in the crew or staff to stay home it they are sick, experiencing symptoms, show a raised temperature, or have been exposed to someone who is showing symptoms.

Race Teams,

We spoke with Kern County and in light of them approving NJBA’s September race at Lake Ming, they see no problem with getting final approval for SCSC’s U.S. National Championships on October 3-4, 2020. The only caveat is no spectators will be allowed, NJBA has the same stipulation.

So, plan on racing and make your reservations asap with the Sure Stay Best Western (if staying in a hotel). Pit camping will be permitted as usual, $50/ day per motorhome/toy hauler (whether you sleep in it or not, per Kern County).

Please get your registration in, the pre-registration deadline is Friday September 25^th. View the event post for the race circular and entry form.

Any questions, please contact Jody Tepper (818) 321-6754 or jodytepper@gmail.com.