WITH the escalation of the foot-and-mouth epidemic, the majority of both local and national motorsport events continue to be suspended until further notice whilst the situation is brought under control.

The opening round of the Yorkshire Dales Autograss Championships were scheduled for last weekend at Kiplin near Northallerton but this meeting, along with the one planned for next weekend also has been postponed.

Croft circuit, in conjunction with the organising Darlington and District Motor Club, have announced that the March Hare race meeting planned for tomorrow has been postponed because of the risk to the local farming community.

With virtually all rallying at a standstill due to the bans on access to Forestry Commission and National Park properties, the organisers of the third round of the BTRDA Championship which was scheduled for the region at the end of the month, has also been postponed.

The North Humberside Rally was due to take place in the Yorkshire forests on March 31 but the organisers took the decision last week to reschedule the event for July 14 instead.

Round two of the BTRDA series, the Malcolm Wilson Rally planned for the Lake District, was postponed last weekend and now runs on May 12 whilst the opening round of the British Rally Championship scheduled for this weekend in Wales, also falls victim to the crisis. Fears are also starting to grow for the second round - The Pirelli International Rally - to be held in Kielder Forest at the end of April and a decision is expected soon from the organising committee.

However better news is on the horizon with the announcement of two forthcoming major events to the region later in the year.

The National Autograss Sport Association (NASA) has announced that the blue-riband men's nationals finals will take place in the region during the summer. The Dales Autograss League will host the two-day event over the weekend of August 4 and 5 at Carr Sides Farm near Rushyford after overcoming opposition from a venue in the Midlands.

Also announced recently was a new speed championship for classic and vintage motorcycles to be run over eight rounds in the region.

The Scarborough-based Auto 66 Club in conjunction with Middlesbrough and District Motor Club will run the Historic Speed Championship at six different venues including a number of new sites not used by motorcycles for many years.

As well as the traditional Oliver's Mount events at Scarborough, the Dalby Forest Drive hill climb will take place on national park land near Pickering on October 21 as well as another hill climb at Saltburn. In addition, sprints are planned for Elvington, near York and at a venue to be confirmed in Middlesbrough.

Four of the rounds incorporate classes for modern machines and entry forms along with other information is available from Auto 66 Club on 01723 373000 or Ernie Crust on 01642 287164.

Motorcycle Historic Speed Championships - Provisional Dates:

May 5/6, Oliver's Mount Hill Climb; May 28, Elvington Sprint; June17, Middlesbrough Historic Sprint; July 12, Oliver's Mount Hill Climb; July 13, Oliver's Mount Sprint; August 27, Historic Sprint; Sept 16, Saltburn Historic Hill Climb; October 21, Dalby Hill Climb

NYRRSC Annual Awards Presentation

The North Yorkshire Road Racing Supporters Club held their 16th annual awards presentation at the Sundial Hotel in Northallerton. The event was attended by about 90 guests.

Guests of honour were world championship racer Jamie Whitham along with Eurosport commentator Jack Burnicle, who presented the awards to members as follows:

NYRRSC Scroll for best club rider: Karl Nicholson (Bishop Auckland).

Lee Pullan Trophy for best national rider: Dennis Hobbs (Guisborough)

Pete van Dijk Shield for best international rider: John McGuinness (Morecambe).

Paul Warwick Shield for overall rider of the year: Dennis Hobbs (Guisborough).

Shell Gemini Cup for best newcomer: Paul Veazey (Middlesbrough)

George Fogarty Cup for best sidecar driver: Greg Lambert (Scotton)

Grange Bros Cup for rider's rider of the year: Dennis Hobbs (Guisborough).

Shell Oils Shield for mechanic of the year: Gary Cartledge (York).

Steve Johnson Memorial Cup for best NEMCRC rider: Pete Turnbull (York).

Geoff Johnson Memorial Cup for best Isle of Man performance: Pete Turnbull (York).

Chris Herring Cup for most improved rider: Richard Harrison (Darlington).

NYRRSC Merit Award for supporters of the year: Mike and Janette Harris (York).

l The Auto Cycle Union have stopped all off-road motor cycle events until further notice due to the foot-and-mouth outbreak