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Revolution
July 2020
The official magazine of
BUILDING
BACK
BETTER
FEATURE: FOCUS: WHAT’S ON:
MOTORSPORT POSITIVE ACTION DOUBLE SERVING
IS BACK FOR A SUSTAINABLE OF BRITS AT
ON TRACK FUTURE SILVERSTONE
PLUS HOW TO GO ROAD RALLYING + COMPETE IN YOUR OWN CAR
CEO’s MESSAGE
Hugh Chambers
“How do we take this experience and turn it into
an opportunity to reimagine so much of what we
do, and build back better?”
Build back better
Before March 2020, few of us knew last pound. So we are good at adapting and perhaps as a result a lack of
that the word Zoom meant a great and being efficient. connectivity to youth and subsequently
deal more than an onomatopoeic an ageing community of motorsport
Our own ‘necessity’ has been the
reference to speed. In the space of aficionados. And aside from Formula 1,
resumption of motorsport in the
just over 100 days we have become there is very little visibility in the
midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. And
accustomed to a new virtual reality, general media, and as a result,
the inventions that derive from this
in which we can simultaneously motorsport is at risk of becoming
fall into two categories. Firstly, how
speak with dozens of people, spread mainstream invisible.
do we operate our sport safely and
across the globe, as if they were viably with the ongoing situation? And Last autumn, Motorsport UK declared
sitting across the table. Our ability second, how do we take this experience its intention to ensure the long-term
to adapt and embrace change - when and turn it into an opportunity to sustainability of motorsport through
forced to do so - is a demonstration reimagine so much of what we do, and a bold plan of investment and sport
of the age-old maxim that necessity build back better? development. Built around four pillars,
is the mother of invention. this is designed to focus our resources
Before the crisis we had already
Motorsport has been at the forefront on better promotion, helping the clubs
identified a perfect storm of existential
of innovation in the automotive to recruit more people into the sport,
threats to the sport; with the real
world for over 120 years, with the elevating our programmes of learning
spectre of becoming a social pariah
pursuit of clever solutions born in the and development and being innovative
through the gathering opposition to
crucible of competition. That defining in the formats and delivery points. As
the internal combustion engine – and
characteristic of our sport has attracted we were beginning to deploy these
the seeming impossibility of bridging
more than its fair share of brilliant new interventions, so COVID-19 struck.
the gap between our almost universal
engineers, and talented managers; and On the 17th March, all motorsport
use of the ICE and the imperative
this permeates throughout the culture activity ceased, with no sense of when
to embrace society’s expectations.
of the sport. Even at the grassroots it may resume.
Allied to this is the fact that society’s
level of the sport, where budgets are love affair with the car as a symbol We should share a sense of collective
miniscule, the challenge that is met by and tool of freedom seemed to be pride that the UK motorsport community
every competitor is that of eking out ending, becoming increasingly a has done such a fantastic job of getting
the maximum performance from every utility machine with AI beckoning, back on track just 110 days after it was
Revolution - July 2020
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CEO’s MESSAGE
put on hold. The need to rethink every
aspect of the sport was greeted with
“We should share a sense of collective pride that
determination and commitment by the UK motorsport community has done such a
members from across the whole sport;
fantastic job of getting back on track”
and with leadership from Motorsport
UK we gained the approval of the
our chair, David Richards provides are, and so with connectivity comes
government to restart on the 4th of July.
his thoughts on the subject, and I communication and engagement. Our
Since then we have seen hundreds of
am delighted that Lewis Hamilton plan is to create the introduction of
competitors back behind the wheel, and
has provided Revolution with his pathways from indoor karting to the
before long we will also have co-drivers
perspective. Surely, we cannot let this next steps along the way, like arrive-
back in rallying.
opportunity go to waste to reset our and-drive Club 100, now a Motorsport
All of this would be an achievement in perspective on what all of this means UK permitted series.
itself, but what is much more important to our sport – and what we need to do
is what we have learnt that can have We also need to be innovative in how
to change it.
a long-term impact on the sport. I we bring more young people into
think that we have all appreciated the For some time now, the sport has motorsport. It is an easy assumption
potential benefits of IT, (from those begun to focus on ways to make it to make that we should try to bring
Zoom calls to home shopping), and so more appealing and accessible to girls all youngsters into karting and take
with our sport we have adopted digital and women, with important initiatives them on a pathway to professional
signing on, online driver briefings, led by the FIA Women in Motorsport careers. But I don’t think that is really
pre-event scrutineering and post-event Commission and our own support the point here. We have around 45,000
evaluations. These are all working well of Dare to be Different and Girls on licence holders, of which less than 100
and beg the question “why go back to Track. But when females represent just are professionals. We need to start to
how it was before?” To communicate 9% of our licence holders, we clearly promote the diversity of motorsport, as
the new ways of working, we conducted have a very long way to go. For me, in so many ways, a great opportunity
a series of webinars with officials, the most promising initiative that we for kids as young as 14 would be to
marshals and COVID-19 officers. In had planned for 2020, pre COVID-19, compete using a low-cost second-
the space of ten days we reached 544 was the tie up with TeamSport, the hand hatchback, with no helmet or
people with the key details. Each year, indoor karting leaders, in order to expensive overalls, in autosolos. They
in January, we run a series of training enable their keener racers to access
are fun, social, low cost, and run by
sessions across the UK, and yet now we a pathway into more advanced forms
small clubs that embody the very
have to ask if we are better off doing of karting. Together we developed the
best of motorsport’s generous and
these with an even wider group, but all KI (kart indoor) licence for their most
welcoming culture.
done remotely through the innovative competitive customers across all their
use of technology. No wasteful travel 33 tracks. The intent was clear; to Motorsport UK is fully committed to
or imposition on volunteers’ free time. engage their town and city dwelling come back from this crisis stronger and
customers and inspire them through more dynamic than before. We need to
As a result of the pandemic, I think it
the purest and most affordable form fight the corner of motorsport, and use
is true to say most people have been
forced to reflect on many aspects of of motorsport. Equally exciting is all of our collective inventiveness and
their lives, and in a wide range of areas that 30% of their customers are innovation to Build Back Better.
have a desire not to return to the old female! We have to get a much higher
Kind regards,
way of doing things. It is this zeitgeist proportion of girls into contact with
Hugh Chambers
that has invited such a broad response the sport and provide an environment
CEO, Motorsport UK
to the debate on equality, diversity where they will be comfortable and
and inclusion. Later in this magazine, welcomed; now we know who they
Revolution - July 2020
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CONTENTS
How Motorsport UK is addressing Equality,
News feature:
Diversity and Inclusion, the effort to get A renewed
motorsport back on track, looking forward sense of
purpose
to F1 at Silverstone and the many ways you
08
can compete in grassroots events with your
regular road car.
10 36
Statement:
Motorsport UK Chairman
12
David Richards
What’s on:
Lewis Hamilton: Double serving
of Brits at
Levelling the
Silverstone
playing field
Feature:
How motorsport
Latest news 52
got back on track
Inside HQ:
Creating a
14
sustainable
20
future
+ A lasting legacy + My Motorsport + Results
Cover Image © XPB Images
Revolution - July 2020
7
A RENEWED
SENSE OF
PURPOSE
Motorsport will not only recover, it can build back better
Even the most turbulent of times offer a ray of light, and the That Hamilton has reached the very pinnacle of motorsport,
COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. It has created a unique is one of the nation’s greatest sporting ambassadors and is
opportunity to reassess, and inspired hope for a better future. well on his way to becoming the most successful Formula 1
driver of all time could be interpreted as proof enough that
When motorsport restarted on the 4th July, it did so against British motorsport is, indeed, open to all. But as the only black
a backdrop of renewed optimism, triggered in part by the driver in Formula One, and a sportsman with a huge personal
global Black Lives Matter protests. Lewis Hamilton has been stake in the themes of inclusivity and equality, Hamilton’s
central to the narrative, vociferously championing the need experience also speaks of the challenges he has met along
for greater equality in the sport. the way. And those faced by many across the sport.
Revolution - July 2020
8
NEWSFEATURE
Equality on all fronts, be that gender, opportunity, education eponymous commission of his own. Dedicated to encouraging
or in careers, is central to Motorsport UK’s future plans, and talent from underrepresented communities, the Hamilton
informs a huge amount of the work it carries out, much of it in Commission aims to make a difference by supporting young
partnership with the FIA. people who may otherwise be excluded from exploring careers
within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
For its part, the world governing body announced its
#PurposeDriven movement in June, which encompasses a (STEM) sector.
number of initiatives and programmes ranging from the The UK and its motorsport community is fortunate to have
environment, technology, sustainability, equality, and more. such a strong figurehead for what can be achieved with a
Meanwhile, on the eve of the new season, Formula 1® renewed focus on purpose.
launched its #WeRaceAsOne initiative, aimed at tackling For Motorsport UK, the coming months will see an even
the major issues that motorsport and society are facing, greater commitment to accessibility. It has already taken steps
and which are key to a successful longer-term future for the to open up opportunities for women in motorsport, lending
sport. Designed to underpin F1’s strategy to make a tangible its full support to the W Series and developing plans for new
difference in motorsport and society, #WeRaceAsOne echoes female-oriented initiatives such as a UK edition of the FIA Girls
the FIA’s #PurposeDriven pledge and is a way of harnessing the on Track programme. It has also made progress in its efforts to
unity shown around the world during the pandemic. shine a light on the opportunities for disabled competitors.
During the Austrian Grand Prix, Formula 1 said thank you to Motorsport UK is learning more and more about how equality
key workers and individuals by displaying rainbows on every and diversity apply to its activities, constantly reviewing
car and around the circuit, Lewis’ Mercedes team made its own policies, procedures and practices to ensure they are fit for
robust statement by unveiling a new black livery. There was purpose and eliminating barriers for underrepresented groups
also a demonstrative display of support for the fight against within the sport. At a grassroots level this is about supporting
racism, with many drivers taking the knee before the season- the many thousands of volunteers running clubs, events and
opening race. other activities to ensure the spirit of diversity is evident in
The F1 drivers had issued a collective statement saying that all-important first motorsport encounter.
that they “stand united with their teams against racism The organisation’s determination to effect positive change is
and prejudice, at the same time embracing the principles articulated in a statement by Motorsport UK Chairman David
of diversity, equality and inclusion and supporting F1’s Richards, which is printed in full in the pages that follow and
commitment to these. available at: www.motorsportuk.org. He also invited Lewis
“Together the drivers will all show their public support for this Hamilton to bring his important message straight to the heart
cause on Sunday ahead of the race, recognising and respecting of the motorsport community, an opportunity Lewis embraced,
that each individual has the freedom to show their support for and which features in this edition.
ending racism in their own way and will be free to choose how
Furthermore, two new committees will bring together experts
to do this.”
in these fields to inform all aspects of the organisation’s
Nobody would argue that it takes more than slogans on cars policies and programmes, and you can read more about these
and snappy hashtags to effect real change. Lewis Hamilton plans in this month’s Inside HQ. Expect to hear a lot more on
has channelled his passion and campaigning spirit into an these topics over the next few months.
Revolution - July 2020
9
EQUALITY,
DIVERSITY
& INCLUSION
A STATEMENT FROM
MOTORSPORT UK
CHAIRMAN
DAVID RICHARDS
Revolution - July 2020
10NEWSFEATURE
“As the governing body for motorsport in this “Motorsport has the opportunity to be totally
country one of our key functions is to provide inclusive, but we are far from that today. We have
the regulatory framework for the sport and tried numerous initiatives to get more women
I honestly think we do a pretty good job of racing and things are improving, yet they still
that. So, when Lewis Hamilton raised the represent only 9% of our licence holders. Those
issues of prejudice in our sport and the racial with disabilities find that barriers to participation
abuse he has faced throughout his career, it are there at every turn. We might claim to embrace
is easy to think everything can be solved with diversity, yet we still have a long way to go.
yet another entry in the rule book.
“Our Vision as a governing body should be
“However, we all need to recognise that new to represent the interests of all motorsport
regulations or policy statements alone will not enthusiasts in this country, not just some of them.
achieve what is required. It is a far deeper issue We need to address this issue with a cultural
that goes right to the culture of our sport and change that democratises a sport that has for far
requires each and every one of us to examine the
too long been seen by the outside world as the
way we behave and the values we want to uphold.
bastion of the white middle class male.
“I remember all too well the early days of karting
“We, the governing body, need to take advantage of
with Lewis and his father, Anthony. It never
the momentum that Lewis has created to look far
occurred to me at the time that Lewis felt like
deeper into our own organisation and ask ourselves
an outsider, let alone the racial abuse he was
searching questions about how we reduce the
experiencing behind the scenes.
barriers to entry and embrace diversity in all its
“When I look back now and consider what a father forms. But it is up to each and every one of us, within
and son from such a modest background achieved, the motorsport community, to ensure the cultural
it is nothing short of a miracle, given all of the
change required is something that we all embrace.
challenges that they faced. But more importantly I
ask myself ‘has anything really changed in the last “So we will not be writing any new regulations but
25 years?’ Do the same barriers and prejudices still instead we’ll take a proactive approach to adopting
exist today and what are we as a governing body new initiatives that lead to our sport becoming
doing about it? genuinely diverse, inclusive and welcoming for
everyone.
“Unless we recognise the reality of the situation
things will never change and I trust that all in “After all, how can we applaud our own British
our sport would agree that what happened to World Champion if we continue to place barriers in
Lewis is unacceptable. the way of his successor, whoever they might be?”
David Richards CBE
Chairman, Motorsport UK
Revolution - July 2020
11LEVELLING THE
PLAYING FIELD
BY LEWIS HAMILTON
David Richards invited six-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton to share his hopes for the future of the sport
with Motorsport UK’s community. Having driven in over 250 Grands Prix and with over 150 podiums to his name since his
F1 debut in 2007, Lewis has used his platform to good effect to help draw attention to causes close to his heart.
As the world of sport returns to some sort if nothing in the background of the sport changes.
of normality following lockdown, the first Looking at team photos at the end of last season,
point on the agenda is equality. The current there were very few people of colour. It seems if you
conversation around race is having a huge impact are male and white then you take centre stage and
across all industries, and sport is no exception. Sport black and female engineers are virtually non-existent.
is traditionally a great leveler within society, but we I often get asked about where the next black driver is
have come to realise that many sports have deep coming from, but it isn’t just about the drivers – after
rooted issues of racism and inequality. The type of all we are just a small part of the sport. The truth
discrimination present differs depending on which is, people of colour and female team members are
sport you look at, and I can only speak to my own hugely underrepresented within the paddock and in
experience but it’s clear that across motorsport there factories too.
is very little diversity, which hasn’t changed in all my
I wanted to understand the reasons behind the lack
years competing. The industry has remained mainly
of representation within the Formula 1, so that we
white and male throughout its history and no one,
can improve for future generations. Obviously, I was
including myself, has done enough to encourage
already aware how expensive it is for emerging
diversity. The recent Black Lives Matter movement is
drivers to get into the sport, which immediately
a great reminder of the importance of equality and is
excludes kids from more humble backgrounds. I was
the perfect fuel needed to change the sport for good.
able to overcome those odds through the support of
The need for racial inclusion within motorsport my father and his sacrifices, but sadly not everyone
is not new to me however, as I have always felt is that lucky and we urgently should look at how we
isolated as the only black driver in F1. While I have lower the costs associated with karting. I was also
experienced racism during my career, it is the lack surprised by the effect the lack of diverse students
of awareness and action to combat it which was the pursuing science, technology, engineering and maths
most concerning. At first, I thought my success could (STEM) is having on motorsport. The barriers facing
help to change that, to show that someone who many students from minority backgrounds in pursuing
looked like me could have a career in motorsport. STEM subjects throughout the education process
But I soon realised, it was not enough for me to win, are significant. This directly relates to the inclusivity
Revolution - July 2020
12NEWSFEATURE
we see in our teams, as many don’t know the careers
subjects like engineering can lead to. The future of
the industry relies on us ensuring we keep diverse
talent on their journey to motorsport.
That is why I recently announced the Hamilton
Commission, my research partnership with the Royal
Academy of Engineering. The research will explore
how motorsport can be used to engage more young
people from black backgrounds with STEM subjects
and, ultimately, employ them within our Formula 1
teams. While this report is focused specifically on
young black people, I hope the Hamilton Commission
will act as a guide for all teams and organisations
who want to investigate issues of racial inequality.
I hope our findings will throw the conversation
of inclusion wide open and I welcome the insight
and knowledge that other motorsport teams and
organisations can provide. I truly believe that Formula
1 should be as diverse as the world around it, because
by employing a more multicultural workforce you
unlock different perspectives and experiences, which
will ultimately make the sport thrive. So, now is the
time for everyone in the sport to stand united and to
make a commitment to levelling the playing field for
everyone. It is when we work together that we see
the best results, and the future stars of motorsport
deserve our unity on this issue. Photo: © XPB Images
Revolution - July 2020
13LATESTNEWS
BRITISH GIRLS ON TRACK FOR
MOTORSPORT SUCCESS IN FIA
TALENT DETECTION PROGRAMME
British drivers Jessica Edgar and Ella Stevens have been selected by the governing body
of world motorsport, the FIA, and Ferrari’s Driver Academy, as contenders in their search
for Ferrari’s first-ever female racing professionals.
The two drivers have been chosen as part of an exciting and Having karted since an early age, Jessica and Ella are no
innovative talent detection programme by the FIA Women in strangers to success. Both have multiple wins, championship
Motorsport Commission and its first major partner, Scuderia titles and a wealth of experience between them, including
Ferrari. The programme reviewed hundreds of FIA Girls on Ella’s 2017 BirelART UK Cadet Championship win and Jessica
Track – Rising Stars applications to make the best possible representing the UK in the FIA Motorsport Games last year,
decision about who should take part in the programme, held in Rome.
planned for October.
Jessica is also a part of Motorsport UK’s Academy programme,
As a part of the long-term pathway to support young female
a talent development pathway equipping the UK’s most
racing drivers, Jessica, 15, and Ella, 13, will compete against each
promising young drivers with the knowledge, skills and
other and 18 other competitors aged between 12 to 16 from
attitude needed to maximise their performance.
around the world to try to earn a place as one of two drivers
accepted on a four-year programme, with the ultimate aim of Motorsport UK wishes both Jessica and Ella the very best of
joining Ferrari for an FIA Formula 4 Championship season. luck during the programme.
Ella Stevens Jessica Edgar
Revolution - July 2020
14LATESTNEWS
BRITISH KART CHAMPIONSHIPS
ANNOUNCE MORE CALENDARS FOR 2020
Having already published the calendars for the IAME, TKM, Honda Cadet and Rotax
series, Motorsport UK has confirmed details of the last two classes to complete the
2020 British Kart Championships.
The Motorsport UK KZ2 Championship will once again The Motorsport UK Bambino Championship is for the
join the British Kart Championships’ bill this season, youngest drivers, giving them the chance to compete at
with a three-round contest for the gearbox class. British Championship level events in 2020.
The fastest and most spectacular short circuit class in In previous years, the Bambinos were a guest class but,
the UK will begin in August, with Rowrah opening the for the 2020 season, Motorsport UK is delighted to
proceedings before a double-header finale at Fulbeck bring them into the fold full-time with a three-round
in October. This short, sharp series will be further championship. The contest will get underway at Rowrah
strengthened by a fantastic support package from Zip in August, followed by a trip to Mansell Raceway in
Kart, the Le Cont tyre distributor in the UK. September, before the curtain call at PFI in October.
Any driver already registered for the Championship, or The Championship registration fee is £185 and
any driver that registers before 1 August, will receive includes a set of Le Cont all-weather tyres, with race
their race tyres free of charge when entering for round entry costing £155 per meeting. For further information,
one. In addition, those drivers will also pay a reduced please contact danielle.short@motorsportuk.org
registration fee of £85, kindly supported by Zip Kart and
Le Cont once again.*
2020 Motorsport UK 2020 Motorsport UK
KZ2 Championship Bambino Championship
Round 1 Rowrah 14-16 August Round 1 Rowrah 14-16 August
Round 2 Fulbeck 10-11 October Round 2 Mansell Raceway 26-27 September
Round 3 Fulbeck 10-11 October Round 3 PFI 23-25 October
REGISTER
Championship registrations are open now at: www.kartinguk.alphatiming.co.uk/register/series
*Championship offers and events are subject to minimum numbers by 1 August
Revolution - July 2020
15LATESTNEWS
LANDO NORRIS AND
F1 MEDIA SELECT 2020
FIA F1 FUTURE STARS
McLaren driver Lando Norris has joined a host of motorsport
media personalities in selecting ten FIA F1 Future Stars to take
part in the virtual national anthem ceremony of the 2020 British
Grand Prix on Sunday 2 August. Norris was joined by Sky Sports
FI presenter and former F1 driver Karun Chandhok, BBC Radio 5
Live F1 presenter Jennie Gow, and The Sun’s F1 correspondent
Ben Hunt as they viewed the video entry submissions.
Motorsport UK’s nationwide The winners will represent the
competition invited young karters NHS and UK Karting to millions
and children of Motorsport UK watching the British Grand Prix
members who work for the NHS around the world, joining 2019
to submit a 30-second video Motorsport UK Bambino Kart
explaining why they want to be an Time Trial and Race Champions
F1 Future Star, who their F1 hero is Harry Freeman and Jesse
and why, and what it would mean to Philips as virtual FIA F1
represent the discipline of karting Future Stars.
or the NHS at the British Grand Prix.
‘F1 Future Stars’ was
The panel selected the following launched in 2018, offering
winners: young motorsport
enthusiasts the chance to
Archie Clark (9)
accompany drivers on the
Charlie Warren (10)
start grid for the national
Donell Straton (10)
anthem before each race.
Fiona Moffatt (7)
For 2020 the experience
Josh Bugembe (10)
will be offered virtually, in
Joshua Smith (10)
keeping with the current
Kyle Moffatt (7)
global health context.
Noah Pikes (9)
Ollie Hart (8)
Sasha Bagley (10)
WATCH Click to watch Lando Norris, Karun Chandhok,
VIDEO Jennie Gow and Ben Hunt judging our FIA F1
Future Stars competition.
Revolution - July 2020
16LATESTNEWS
“I have never driven a rally car before; it will
be my first time in a proper car. I think my
skills will be transferable and I can’t wait to
meet the team and absorb all the information
I can and give the day a good go.”
Revolution - July 2020
18LATESTNEWS
MOTORSPORT UK PCSPECIALIST
ESPORTS BRITISH RALLY
CHAMPION CROWNED
Scottish driver Alan Scott has been
crowned the inaugural PCSpecialist Esports
Revolution joined
British Rally Champion (eBRC). Scott lifts
the Esports fun
Having devoted much of last month’s
the first Motorsport UK Esports title, and a
Revolution to Esports, editor Dan
test drive in a Ford Fiesta R2T with front- Trent bought a steering wheel
running BRC team, EDSL Sport. and pedals to plug into his PS4,
configured an improvised sim rig out
Following the coronavirus outbreak, Britain’s premier rallying of a coffee table and camping chair,
series launched the eBRC, using the popular DiRT Rally 2.0 game and set about the fourth and final
by Codemasters. The series consisted of four rounds, with asphalt round of the eBRC.
events in Spain and Germany, and gravel challenges in Wales and
“I’ve spent more of lockdown than
Scotland to bookend the three-month contest.
I’d like to admit to racing online
The series was open to members of the Motorsport UK informally against friends and family,”
community with over 580 registered competitors, as fans, says Dan, “but the reality of digging
marshals, Esports drivers and rallying stars all coming together out my race licence to sign up for
to go head-to-head in the virtual contest. the eBRC rather brought it home this
With the prize coming in the form of a test in a real Ford was a more serious undertaking.”
Fiesta, all drivers used an identical car in the game, which was With a fresh copy of Codemasters’
contested by PlayStation, XBOX and PC users. 23-year-old Alan DiRT Rally 2.0 installed on his PS4,
Scott, who runs under the gaming tag Alan6R4, was the class of it was time to practice the four,
the field as he took two wins from four events. intimidatingly fast Scottish gravel
stages selected for the closing round
A second place to open his account in Wales was backed up by a
of the eBRC.
win in Spain. However, disaster struck in Germany as Alan went
off the road, forcing the car to reset, resulting in a time penalty. “The game is pretty unforgiving,” says
He could only fight his way back to claim eight points, reducing Dan, “and you get one shot at setting
his grip on proceedings to just five championship points. Normal a time, with no option to hit reset if
service resumed on the finale, as Alan threw everything at the it goes wrong. I realise I was sat in
Scottish stages, chalking-up his second win and sealing the title my living room rather than a genuine
by 19 points. rally car but the competitive pressure
was real enough, as was the sense of
“I have never driven a rally car before,” said Alan upon winning
consequence if I’d gone off and hit
the title. “I have driven in local navigational rallies in my road
a tree. I managed a relatively clean
car, but it will be my first time in a proper car. I think my skills
run, having opted to go relatively
will be transferable and I can’t wait to meet the team and absorb
steady and give myself a margin for
all the information I can and give the day a good go.”
error. Congratulations go to Alan on
a phenomenal achievement.”
Revolution - July 2020
19FEATURE
MOTORSPORT
IS BACK ON TRACK!
How Motorsport UK has supported the restart of competition while
maintaining the safety of competitors, officials, and the wider public,
by Dan Trent
Revolution - July 2020
20FEATURE
Revolution - July 2020
21FEATURE
“The process As we come to terms with the ‘new normal’
of living and working during the COVID-19
presented by the pandemic has been
the major focus of Motorsport UK over
of unlocking pandemic, Motorsport UK has been working recent months, as a plethora of guidance,
hard to make sure the sport gets back training and support documents has been
is a lot more on track, with the safety of all concerned drafted to help the sport resume under the
complex and the number one priority. This is, of course,
a challenge facing every aspect of life,
#BackOnTrack initiative. These resources are
located at: www.motorsportuk.org/restart
nuanced, and as workplaces and public venues of all
“This project has involved a wide
types balance the need to prevent further
needs to transmission of the virus and the desire to
representation of the motorsport community
coming together and examining how each
be adapted reopen and get back to business.
aspect of every discipline can be adapted
to specific The implications of moving too fast – or too
slowly – weigh heavily on anyone hosting
to respect government advice on social
distancing, and the broader needs of the
circumstances” events or running activities where people can community,” says Motorsport UK CEO Hugh
gather outside of household groups or social Chambers. “As ever with motorsport, our
bubbles. Some people may not consider sport responsibility is to the safety of both our
an ‘essential’ element of post-lockdown life or community and the wider public.”
a priority to reopen. But, for many thousands
of people, it is more than just a pastime It is a serious message, but one the
or form of entertainment – it is a life and motorsport world has responded to with
livelihood keeping roofs over the heads of typical dedication. “Motorsport has always
households across the nation. In the case of thrived on innovation and adaptability
motorsport alone, we are talking about over to overcome problems, and it has been
4,500 businesses, 40,000-plus skilled jobs, enormously encouraging to see the
a £10bn contribution to the economy and a community come together and freely
significant role in the health and mental well- contributing to reimagine every part of our
being of the tens of thousands of competitors, sport, and the practicalities of each event,”
marshals, officials and millions of fans who says Chambers.
attend events across the country every year.
At an organisational level, this has included
Balancing those needs against the drafting guidance to help clubs, venues and
unprecedented health and safety concerns event organisers decide the appropriate time
British and World Rally
Championship competitor
Tom Williams and British
Rallycross rising-star Patrick
O’Donovan joined Motorsport
UK CEO Hugh Chambers to
pack the 150 parcels of PPE
sent out from Motorsport UK
ahead of the first weekend of
racing since lockdown
Revolution - July 2020
22FEATURE
Photo: Ollie Read/Radical Sportscars
The Radical SR1 Cup was
among the series getting to restart respective activities, specific to 4-5 July, £50,000 worth of complimentary PPE
underway, organisers praising the particular demands of the 11 disciplines was distributed to clubs across the UK. Over
the implementation of the 150 parcels containing face masks, aprons,
Motorsport UK governs. Given the diversity of
guidelines
events, there can, of course, be no one-size- gloves, wipes, shields and guidelines on how
fits-all directive. But these common guidelines, to use them were packaged up and sent from
together with provisions such as remote Motorsport UK’s Colnbrook HQ at the end of
signing-on, licence checks and scrutineering to June, supporting the 12 events taking place on
help minimise person-to-person interactions, that opening weekend and the 160 events for
are vital tools to help each of the 720 clubs which permits have been granted throughout
and 4,500 events make informed decisions July. Additionally, Motorsport UK has provided
about the right moment to restart. individual pocket hand sanitiser to all officials
“Ahead of Everyday scenarios have been scrutinised,
working at events over the coming months,
supported by Baylis and Harding.
the first post- streamlined or adapted to suit the situation,
So, how did all this work in practice at
lockdown with clear and simple-to-understand rules
for all to abide by. These are spelled out those first events? Motoring journalist Matt
weekend of in accessible, downloadable guides for Bird of PistonHeads.com has competed in
everything from Caterhams to GT4, his return
procedures such as how to put on and remove
competition PPE, protocol for marshals and rescue crews
to motorsport coming in the slightly more
on 4-5 July, attending incidents, guidance to support
modest EnduroKa series, but no less exciting
for that, especially given the circumstances.
the newly appointed COVID-19 Officers, and
£50,000 events hosting media. If you are attending an
“Everyone just seemed really happy to be
back in competitive action again,” he says of
worth of event in any capacity in the coming weeks or
the 12 Heures du Norfolk, which ran among
months, you should familiarise yourself with
complimentary these resources.
several events at Snetterton over the opening
weekend of 4-5 July. “Racing felt even more of
PPE was Practical assistance is also part of Motorsport a privilege than it ever has, and you could see
distributed to UK’s support for competitors, volunteers,
officials, and clubs and, ahead of the first
that in everyone taking part - more generous,
more grateful, more appreciative than they
clubs” post-lockdown weekend of competition on would normally be.”
Revolution - July 2020
23FEATURE
Porsche Sprint Challenge GB got off
to a flying start with its inaugural
weekend held at Snetterton circuit
How did it feel to race under the new guidance, though? “There
was certainly some initial trepidation around the paddock
as everyone was a little unsure about what they could do
and where they could go, although sufficient space, and the
requirement to bring a gazebo for outside, meant teams sharing
a garage could keep a sensible distance from each other. Series
and other cars were also well dispersed throughout the paddock
to keep all competitors safely apart,” says Matt. “MSVR was great
at communicating the updates to the regulations and procedure
changes that would happen ahead of the weekend, too.”
The Radical SR1 Cup also took place at Snetterton. “The event
ran seamlessly, and everyone was very happy to be back on
circuit,” says Radical’s Carly Latcham, while acknowledging
the responsibility for all involved to swot up on the new
rules. “There is so much information to read and distribute,
particularly ahead of an event, rather than on the day.” She also
noted digital signing-on was a challenge for some less tech-
savvy competitors, and that venues without a strong phone
or Wi-Fi signal may struggle to communicate the essential
information people need throughout an event. Overall, though?
“So long as people stick to the guidelines everything will be
fine,” she says.
James Dorlin is another competitor glad to be back in business,
firstly as a coach at the BARC’s opening weekend at Cadwell
Park, and secondly with a successful weekend (and two wins
from two) in the Porsche Sprint Challenge UK, held at Snetterton
the week following the EnduroKa and Radical races. He was
impressed at how quickly everyone has adapted. “Everyone was
very understanding, and made that conscious effort to follow the
guidelines,” he affirms. “We have all missed racing, and everyone
respects the rules because we understand why they need to
be there. It is going to be tricky to cover off every aspect, but
everyone felt comfortable knowing what to prepare for. And once
you are in the car with your helmet on, everything else goes out
of your mind and you are back to the racing.”
This is reassuring news for other clubs and disciplines as they
consider the particular demands of their situations. While the
controlled environments of circuits and similar venues make
it relatively straightforward to manage the number of people
on-site, activities taking place in public settings, or with more
than one person to a car, have faced additional challenges.
Rallying is one example, with the unfortunate cancellation
of Wales Rally GB being an especially difficult decision for
the governing body. While the rally community looked on
enviously at the circuit racing world getting back up and
running, the nature and specific demands of holding stage
events, and the greater number of stakeholders involved,
meant it took a little longer to sort out.
Revolution - July 2020
24FEATURE
“Racing felt even
more of a privilege
than it ever has, and
you could see that in
everyone taking part”
Revolution - July 2020
25FEATURE
James Dorlin had a successful Thankfully, that moment has now come, with As more and more events get up and running,
return to motorsport and says Motorsport UK confirming permits can now be Motorsport UK has also confirmed that
once in the car, it felt like
business as usual issued for single and multi-venue, closed road, applications for the popular RS Clubman
navigational and road rally events. Guidance licence are now open once more, which is
is issued to afford flexibility, given the especially helpful for the grassroots forms of
devolved territories of the UK may be moving motorsports we are looking at elsewhere in
at a different pace in easing restrictions, and this month’s Revolution.
applications for event permits will be subject
As we are discovering in motorsport and
to approval based on the prevailing local
life beyond, while lockdown was a shock
government advice.
to the system and caused a great deal of
For his part, Hugh Chambers points out, hardship, it was at least relatively simple to
“Rallying had to follow at a later date, as we implement. The process of unlocking is a
worked upon the relevant information and lot more complex and nuanced and needs
followed the latest government guidelines. to be adapted to specific circumstances.
Following the updates from the Driving and There is still plenty to do in getting
Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), this has motorsport #BackOnTrack. But through a
enabled us to work on similar procedures spirit of consultation, collaboration and
to accommodate both driver and co-driver cooperation, huge steps have already been
in a vehicle. We have also put together taken and it is a credit to all involved that
information for event organisers, giving them the guidance enabled the first events to pass
time to implement appropriate measures and off successfully. Most importantly, as clubs,
Motorsport UK is here to help support our competitors, and volunteers alike, we are once
clubs restart this popular discipline.” again ready for the flag to drop.
Revolution - July 2020
26FEATURE
Cheltenham & Cotswold Rover Owners Club got action
underway at Indemnifying Farm, Little Compton
“Activities taking place in
public settings, or with more
than one person to a car, have
faced additional challenges”
“Provisions such as
remote signing-on,
licence checks and
scrutineering can help
minimise person-to-
person interactions”
Packed grids and close racing were the best possible
way to celebrate motorsport’s return to action
Revolution - July 2020
27LATESTNEWS
MOTORSPORT UK AND M-SPORT WORK
TOGETHER TO RETURN TO THE STAGES
M-Sport is delighted to announce the M-Sport Return to Rally Stages – a one-off event
taking place in Greystoke Forest on Saturday 22 August 2020. Celebrating all things
M-Sport, the entry will be limited to any M-Sport manufactured Focus or Fiesta, while the
event itself will act as an example of how the UK can return to rallying.
Back in March, Greystoke and the Malcolm Wilson management of information and documentation,
Rally marked the last UK gravel event before socially distanced time controls and the safe recovery
COVID-19 brought the industry to a standstill. Five of vehicles and crews.
months later and the Cumbrian forest is set to host
The entry is limited to 45 M-Sport manufactured
the return of competition whilst showcasing how club
vehicles only, with the intention of showcasing the
rallying can return safely and responsibly.
breadth of rally cars built by the firm over the past 20
Plans came about after M-Sport reached out to years, and how it has nurtured what it calls a ‘ladder
Motorsport UK to see how it could help get the of opportunity’ to help competitors progress through
industry back up and running as quickly as possible. the sport, from the grassroots to the very pinnacle in
After a number of brainstorming sessions, a day in the FIA World Rally Championship.
Greystoke was organised to produce a series of short
Further information, regulations and special
films explaining the necessary safety measures and
announcements will be issued on the M-Sport
advising event organisers how to run rallies during
website. Although spectators will unfortunately not
the COVID-19 pandemic.
be permitted to attend the event, fans will be able to
The M-Sport Stages will showcase these new follow the action and preparations on the company’s
practices in operation, including the electronic social media platforms.
Revolution - July 2020
28The need for speed
Motorsport is naturally a fast paced and dynamic environment.
Dealing with a specialist insurance adviser helps to ensure
that your specific risks and exposures are covered.
As the appointed broker to Motorsport UK we can provide
a range of products and services to suit your needs.
• On track accident damage • Event liabilities
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motorsport@bluefinsport.co.uk
bluefinsport.co.uk/motorsport
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respect of that information, please refer to the Marsh Privacy Notice https://www.marsh.com/uk/privacy-notice.html
This is a marketing communication.
Bluefin Sport is a trading name of Marsh Ltd. Marsh Ltd is authorised and regulated by
the Financial Conduct Authority for General Insurance Distribution and Credit Broking
(Firm Reference No.307511). Registered in England and Wales Number: 1507274.
Registered Office: 1 Tower Place West, Tower Place, London EC3R 5BU.LATESTNEWS
BRSCC LAUNCHES NEW
CITYCAR CUP SERIES
The CityCar Cup is a new saloon car sprint racing series from the
British Racing and Sports Car Club with ambitions to attract a whole
new generation of competitors, given its focus on accessible and
realistic running costs and affordable cars.
The CityCar Cup is open to the 2005-2013 Citroën C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo, all three having
been built on a common platform in the same factory, as part of a joint project between Toyota and
PSA. This widens the pool of potential donor cars, all of which are widely available at very low cost and
make an ideal basis for an entry-level racing car. Although more heavily modified than the Citroën C1
Racing Club cars, the BRSCC’s Paul McErlean is confident a full car could be built for around £7,000, or
even less for those able to carry out preparation work themselves.
The CityCar Cup race series was officially previewed at Croft Circuit on 9 June, where fully-prepared
versions of each model were given a shakedown prior to sign-off for the technical specification. This
will be followed by a full race launch at Cadwell Park Circuit on Sunday 2 August, where a number of
race cars will take to the circuit in the BRSCC’s ClubSport endurance series.
The BRSCC has thereafter committed to hosting the CityCar Cup series as a class in the successful
Clubsport Trophy races, before scheduling its own dedicated calendar for 2021.
Revolution - July 2020
30LATESTNEWS
DESIGN A TOYOTA RALLY
CAR LIVERY COMPETITION
Toyota GB and Wales Rally GB are calling for schoolchildren and
pre-university students across the UK to enter a competition to
design a livery for a Toyota rally car.
The winner will see their dream design come to life as a moving to Hyundai, new signings Sébastien Ogier and
wrap for a Toyota GR Yaris, the eagerly-awaited, rally- Welshman Elfyn Evans both scoring wins in the Yaris
inspired hot hatch due on sale this autumn. Due to serve this year, before the championship was suspended.
as the homologation model for the next generation of
Entry forms with the official design templates and
Yaris WRC car, the four-wheel drive GR Yaris has been
full competition details are available at:
built with input from both Toyota Gazoo Racing and
www.walesrallygb.com/spectators
Tommi Mäkinen Racing.
The competition closes at midnight on Friday 28 August.
After returning to the WRC in 2017 after a 17-year
absence, Toyota won the manufacturers’ world title the The overall winner will receive a framed picture of the
following season with its Yaris World Rally Car. Ott Tänak GR Yaris and be invited to an unveiling of the car in
then won the drivers’ title for the team last year before their livery in the presence of Elfyn Evans.
To enter visit: www.walesrallygb.com/spectators
Revolution - July 2020
31LATESTNEWS
MOTORSPORT UK COMMUNITY
COMES TOGETHER TO INNOVATE
IN FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
The professional expertise and community spirit of two Motorsport UK representatives on
FIA Commissions have resulted in the successful development of an innovative product to
help healthcare workers treating patients with COVID-19.
Dr Cristiana Pace and Dr Clare Morden, has been redeployed to simulate the “Both businesses are
representatives of the Environment and contamination of airborne particles as
Sustainability Commission and Medical a result of coughing, in order to model part of the Silverstone
Commission respectively and also speed, direction and air flow, and has Technology Cluster,
ambassadors for FIA Girls on Track UK, been used to establish a time in which
which pools expertise
worked with another volunteer from that airborne particles settle.
same initiative – Dr Samantha Harmer, and shares knowledge
Oxford University Hospitals NHS
one of Silverstone’s doctors – to assist
Foundation Trust has approved the among various
Oxford University Hospital in the design
of an ‘aerosol box’, drawing on Dr Pace’s
use of the Oxford Box across its four motorsport companies
hospitals and it is now available to the
engineering background and previous
medical sector. A paediatric version is
in the area.”
role within the FIA safety department.
also being trialled.
Developed by Enovation Consulting (of For more information visit:
which Dr Pace is the director) and One www.theoxfordbox.com
Group Engineering, with significant
input and laboratory testing by Oxford
University Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust under the leadership of Dr Bianca
Tingle, the innovative shield helps
protect clinical staff and patients
during the process of intubation
and extubation in the treatment of
COVID-19. Both businesses are part
of the Silverstone Technology Cluster,
which pools expertise and shares
knowledge among various motorsport
companies in the area.
The compact, collapsible box is
placed over the head and chest area
of patients, thereby greatly reducing
the risk of contamination to medical
practitioners and the surrounding
area. Its design has been enhanced
with Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD), carried out by Renault DP World
Formula 1 Team. CFD is usually reserved
for the development of race cars but
Revolution - July 2020
32LATESTNEWS
BRITISH MOTOR SPORTS TRAINING
TRUST ANNOUNCES SUPPLEMENTARY
‘RECOVERY UNIT SUPPORT FUND’
Following the launch of the ‘Rescue Unit Support Fund’, as announced in the June
edition of Revolution, the British Motor Sports Training Trust (BMSTT) has also agreed a
supplementary support fund for non-commercial Motorsport UK licensed Recovery Units.
The purpose of the fund is to help offset some unavoidable ongoing and non-recoverable costs
incurred during the cessation of the sport caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Professor Richard Parry-Jones CBE (Trust Chairman) said, “The British Motor Sport Training Trust
recognises that, in addition to the essential rescue and medical cover provided by licensed
Rescue Units, licensed Recovery Units also provide a required safety function on events, and
the Trustees have agreed that we provide some supplementary support to help retain the
continuity of these volunteer operated units as Motorsport UK permitted events progressively
resume.”
Applications have opened, and an online application form, together with guidance notes and
full details about the Recovery Unit Support Fund, can be accessed on the BMSTT website at:
www.bmstt.org/recovery-unit-support-fund.html
All applications must be received before 4 August for all disciplines without a co-driver/
passenger. For stage rallies and sporting trials, applications must be received within one month
of the to-be-announced resumption date. The fund will be terminated after these deadlines.
NEW DIGITAL EVENT MANAGEMENT
SOFTWARE FOR ALL CLUBS
Motorsport UK has been with Alpha Timing to bring online Upgrades to the new functionalities
further initiatives, including digital are free of charge for current
working closely with Alpha
signing-on, digital scrutineering, Motorsport UK clubs registered with
Timing to expand its portfolio
digital briefings and an equipment Alpha Timing, with prices starting
of products to support barcoding system, the latter mainly from £30 per month (excluding VAT)
motorsport clubs, making used for managing tyres. for new clubs wishing to join.
it easier for them to comply
Dan Parker, Motorsport UK Karting Further information can be found at:
with COVID-19 guidance.
Manager, has been instrumental in www.alphatiming.co.uk
Alpha Timing’s online club persuading Alpha Timing to offer its
management system has always been services to all Motorsport UK clubs
at the heart of its karting-oriented across all disciplines, in addition to
software. In response to the COVID-19 supporting them having the software
pandemic, Motorsport UK has worked live in time for the restart in July.
Revolution - July 2020
34REFER A FRIEND… RECEIVE A GIFT Your free gift You know the benefits… and now your friends and family can too. If they join Trackside, you’ll get a FREE copy of Jenson Button’s How To Be An F1 Driver.. Simply enter your Motorsport UK membership number in the referral box if buying a Trackside membership as a gift for others, or ask your friends to enter your membership number if they’re buying the membership for themselves. Trackside member benefits • Get more for less with a comprehensive range of discounted benefits and activities • Bring the sport to your home with our partners • You could save hundreds of pounds a year on general motoring and the high street trackside.motorsportuk.org
WHAT’S ON July / August 2020
BEST OF BRITISH
AT SILVERSTONE’S
F1 DOUBLE
Haydn Lloyd Davies/Aintree Circuit Club
Courtesy of McLaren
The 65th Anniversary of the 1955 British Grand Prix at Aintree was
marked by Sir Stirling Moss’s 1956 Monaco Grand Prix winning
Maserati 250F
Revolution - July 2020
36WHAT’S ON
31 July–2 August Formula 1® Pirelli British Grand Prix
7-9 August Emirates Formula 1® 70th Anniversary Grand Prix
70 years ago in May, Silverstone hosted the support to show what he is capable of, and offer
very first round of the FIA Formula One® World the team a boost for the races ahead. Meanwhile,
Championship, an event we would have been British-born Alex Albon of Red Bull will be keen
celebrating in suitable style at the circuit this July, to make Hamilton work hard for his hoped-for
were it not for the current circumstances. seventh win, not least after the first-race tangle
Obviously, our day to day lives have changed at Austria that seemingly cost Albon a podium
beyond anyone’s imagination and the racing position.
will be taking place behind closed doors. But A week later we get another opportunity to cheer
every cloud has a silver lining and this year we on the Brits as Silverstone hosts its second F1
will be treated to a double dose of F1 action at event of 2020. The 70th Anniversary Grand Prix
Silverstone, with an abundance of British teams will celebrate that historic race on 13 May 1950,
and drivers for the home crowd to cheer on, albeit when polesitter Giuseppe Farina triumphed in
from the sofa rather than the grandstands. And, his Alfa Romeo to win the inaugural round of the
after a long, hard lockdown, not to mention a first FIA Formula One World Championship. In
considerable amount of work behind the scenes to the intervening years, the British Grand Prix has
ensure the racing can take place safely, the return presented us with many memorable moments.
of Formula One to the circuit where it all started is On 16 July, the Aintree Circuit Club hosted a
something to celebrate. celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the first
Accordingly, we will all be at Silverstone at the British Grand Prix to be held at the circuit, now
end of July, if not in body, then in spirit, for the better known for its famous racecourse. There,
British Grand Prix, ready to support the teams Sir Stirling Moss’s Monaco Grand Prix winning
based here in the UK. Mercedes’ Brackley base is, Maserati 250F car was the star of a 65-car parade
of course, just down the road, and the team has and evoked the sights and sounds of Formula One’s
already shown dominant pace in the opening three rich history when it completed four laps of the
races of the season. Lewis Hamilton will be hoping historic Grand Prix track.
for a seventh victory on home asphalt, with few In total, 12 British drivers have won the British
doubting his chances of doing so. Grand Prix: Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brooks (shared
But Hamilton could have a fight on his hands, not with Moss), Peter Collins, Jim Clark, Sir Jackie
least from his former team, McLaren, and another Stewart, James Hunt, John Watson, Nigel Mansell,
home-grown hotshot looking to follow his path Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert, David Coulthard and
to the top step of the podium. It has been a long Lewis Hamilton. Between them, they have won the
time since the Woking-based team has been in event an astonishing 25 times over the 70 years.
top-three contention, but the sight of Bristol-born While much has changed in this time, with the
Lando Norris taking huge chunks of time out of sport constantly seeking to innovate and teams
Hamilton en route to a podium in the first race of always pushing the technological boundaries
the season demonstrates the former Motorsport UK in order to find the quickest route to victory, its
Academy driver’s star is in the ascendancy. Norris’ capacity to thrill has never waned.
emphatic third place finish displaced Hamilton as
If the 1950 event signalled the birth of F1 as we
the youngest ever Brit to stand on an F1 podium.
know it, the 70th Anniversary edition will stand, in
George Russell of Williams is another home driver part, as a symbol of motorsport’s rebirth after the
with a British team and has been showing true grit COVID-19 lockdown and a wonderful milestone for
and determination, despite a challenging start to everyone involved to savour. And that will be all
the season. With his seat at Williams settled for the more poignant if it involves domestic success
2021, he will hopefully be channelling that home at the home of British motorsport.
Revolution - July 2020
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