The Lake Superior Performance Rally, which was originally set to conclude the 2020 American Rally Association National season, has been canceled because of coronavirus implications.
In a statement, the ARA said that the ongoing pandemic had led to a “loss of permission to utilize key areas and stages that have made LSPR one of the oldest, meanest and toughest rallies in North America.”
The canning of the Michigan event, scheduled for October 16-17, comes after the Oregon Trail Rally, the New England Forest Rally, and the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally were all recently pulled from this year’s calendar owing to public concerns.
“As we all struggle with the daily changes and uncertainty brought upon us by the pandemic, we realized that we are unable to proceed with this fall’s rally,” said Joanne Polzien, LSPR chair.
“While seeking alternatives, it became clear that we would not be able to put on an event that we would be proud of, while ensuring the safety of everyone involved. That includes competitors, workers, volunteers, spectators and the local community.”
Just three rounds of the 2020 ARA National season now remain, making up a five-round calendar following Sno*Drift in January and last month’s Southern Ohio Forest Rally.
Next week the season will resume with the Ojibwe Forests Rally on August 28-29, before heading to Missouri in the first weekend of October for Show Me Rally – a two-day replacement event taking the place of the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood that was originally set to take place in March.
The 2020 ARA National season will conclude on November 14-15 with the Olympus Rally, moved back from its regular April date. Barry McKenna is the current National points leader, after winning the first two rounds of the year, ahead of Piotr Fetela and Ken Block.
Two ARA Regional events also remain – Rally Nevada in November and the Nemadji Winter Rally in December.
