Nogaro: “There is no question of organizing the Easter Cups behind closed doors”

For more than half a century, the Easter Cups contested in Nogaro (Gers) have been the launch of the motorsport season on French circuits. The 53rd edition, scheduled for April 10 to 13, 2020, is however shifted to the middle of July (July 10-12) due to measures taken by the government to prohibit any gathering of more than 1 people linked to the coronavirus.

Caroline Diviès, the Director of the Nogaro circuit, acknowledges to AUTOhebdo.fr that this report constitutes “a first in the history of Easter Cups”. Even if the event will take place in summer, the name Easter Cups continues “because it is a registered trademark”.

RELEASE
>> The Easter Cups will take place but… not at Easter. Postponed to July 10-11-12, 2020
>> Postponement of @driftfrance / Nogaro Motor Festival June 28-29, 2020

Communicated : https://t.co/IKThmeTmPS pic.twitter.com/n9gs0xZznT

— Nogaro Circuit (@CircuitNogaro) March 10, 2020

However, the Covid-19 epidemic is not new. Moreover, the event was still maintained on its initial dates despite the first announcement from the Ministry to cancel events exceeding 5 spectators in a confined environment, on February 000.

“10 days ago (March 1), we had already discussed with SRO (organizer of the French Championship FFSAGT. Editor’s note) a postponement date, in back-up, explains Caroline Diviès. I never thought I would have to follow this plan. What accelerated everything was Roxana Maracineanu's announcement to ban gatherings of more than 1 people, whether confined or not. »

After this decision, a crisis meeting took place on Monday March 9, led by the Gers prefecture, with the participation of the regional health agency. The Prefect's proposal was to preserve the Easter meeting but to refuse any public participation. Idea vigorously rejected by the Gers route.

“There was no question of organizing the Easter Cups behind closed doors. We had already had this conversation with the President of the Armagnac-Bigorre Associative Sports Association (ASAAB). The Easter Cups represent more than 300 euros in organizational costs for the Circuit. We need spectators to balance the books. We take the financial responsibility, which is rare for a circuit in France. »

The FFSA GT as well as the six additional disciplines planned for Easter (Porsche Carrera Cup France, Alpine Europa Cup, Formula 4 France, Clio Cup, 308 Racing Cup, Sprint Cup by Funyo) will arrive in Gers in July. “We couldn’t postpone the 60th Nogaro Grand Prix (September 11-13), because the program is filled with historical competitions, continues Caroline Diviès. 

We had to find a weekend where everyone could come, without being too close to a major external event, although we were a little close to the 24 Hours of Spa (July 23-26). It was complicated because some championships do not compete in the entire French Circuit Championship. This was done in consultation with SRO and the manufacturers. »

Financially, the operation currently remains neutral for the Paul-Armagnac circuit. “At this moment T (10 March), we had not incurred many costs that were not deferrable. There is no real impact. » The number of spectators could even increase with this postponement. In 2019, 23 enthusiasts attended the Easter Cups. 

“The Easter crowd is loyal, they come every year. Now, the move to July will perhaps allow us to activate another clientele, to communicate on the beaches, because we will be on school holidays. » Hoping that the summer weather will be nicer than the sometimes capricious spring weather in the southwest.