THE Queensland government's hardline stance on Victorians being off-limits to the sunshine state has forced the scrapping of the Winton Supercars round on July 18-19.
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The event was transferred to Sydney on Thursday in another blow to the regional Victorian economy due to the surge of coronavirus cases in Melbourne.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is re-opening the state's border on July 10, but anyone entering the state from Victoria must quarantine for 14 days at their own expense.
There are three major Supercars teams based in Queensland.
"The disappointing thing is the Queensland Premier has bundled all Victoria together," Winton chief executive Chris Lewis-Williams said.
"We haven't had a case here for weeks.
"The trucks could drive down the middle, race here and never go near Melbourne or Sydney.
"Queensland's restrictions are blanket and the teams from that state could get out, but they couldn't get back."
BJR is unaffected by the border issue due to its headquarters being in NSW.
But the team owner was forced to watch the victory last week from Albury due to personnel restrictions on teams.
"The silver lining might be we get a date later in the year and with COVID restrictions gone we might be able to have crowd and camping," Mr Lewis-Williams said.
Crowds will be back for the Sydney round this month.
Supercars chief executive Sean Seamer said the decision was made to return to Eastern Creek for a second consecutive round.
"Following discussions with all government health authorities on the new interstate restrictions, the practicable solution is to go back to Sydney Motorsport Park later this month," he said.
"Sydney Motorsport Park was a logical choice as we have a proven track record of completing a safe event there based on what we achieved last week."
Member for Euroa Steph Ryan said it was yet another example of regional Victoria being penalised for Melbourne's situation.
"What is happening in Melbourne is having a severe impact on communities which don't have any active cases," she said.
"Supercars are a big economic boost to Benalla.
"It brings people to town who need somewhere to stay and need to eat.
"It might not have been at the same level as other years, but is still a very important event.
"It would have been particularly valued when we have lost so many community events and lots of tourism."
