P6GENERAL NEWS

Allan Dean-Lewis retires after 20-year MSA career

GENERAL NEWS

BRC announces competitor ‘open day’ in September

P5 P18GENERAL NEWS

This weekend: GML - Scotland

P2 Three-year deal for Wales Rally GB

NEWS

SPORTING | TECHNICAL | DEVELOPMENT | EVENTS | RESULTS

PLUS+ TEAM UK / MSA ACADEMY / GO MOTORSPORT / TECHNICAL / REGULATIONS / CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATES / VOLUNTEERING /BACK ISSUES: WWW.MSAUK.ORG/NEWSLETTER

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@msauk

Updates from the

AUGUST 2015

msa_motorsport

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

2

Wales Rally GB

Three-year deal for Wales Rally GBIn a huge boost for UK rallying, International Motor Sports (IMS) – commercial subsidiary of the MSA – has reached agreement with the Welsh Government to continue its support of Wales Rally GB until the end of 2018.The UK’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) has been branded Wales Rally GB since the Welsh Government became principal funding partner in 2003. Now, a new deal will extend this successful partnership for an additional three years making it one of the longest running title affiliations in British sport.

Star driver and Welshman Elfyn Evans commented: “This is massive news especially for the local economy. Coming from the area I’m fully aware of what having a big event like this in North Wales does for the region. It’s not just in one

part either – these benefits are spread all over North and mid Wales, so it’s fantastic that the Welsh Government has decided to reinvest again. Obviously I’d love to be on the podium and, perhaps, even win Wales Rally GB before 2018!”

Ben Taylor, Managing Director of IMS said: “We are delighted to have agreed a new deal with the Welsh Government whose support has been critical to the long standing success of Wales Rally GB. Their forward thinking strategy allows our event to deliver around £10m of economic value to the Welsh economy.”

“The Welsh Government’s support has been critical to the long standing success of Wales Rally GB. Their forward thinking strategy allows our event to deliver around £10m of economic value to the Welsh economy”

Hyundai to return as car partnerHyundai Motor UK is returning as Official Car Partner of Wales Rally GB, providing a fleet of liveried vehicles for use on the event by event organisers and officials.

The company’s i20 WRC will also feature prominently on the event’s promotional materials, including posters, ticketing leaflets and publicity flyers, programme and www.walesrallygb.com website.

Tony Whitehorn, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor UK Ltd, said: “Rallying here in the UK has a significant, engaged and massively enthusiastic audience. We hope that through our continued support we can engage with our consumers in a more dynamic way as well helping to further raise awareness of Wales Rally GB.”

Shell backs WRGBShell will be the Official Fuels and Lubricants Partner to British round of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship (12-15 November).

Last year, Shell supported Wales Rally GB’s ‘Rally Legend’ programme, which honoured Ari Vatanen who famously won in 1984 alongside co-driver Terry Harryman.

“We are delighted to welcome Shell as an official partner to Wales Rally GB,” said Ben Taylor, Managing Director of Wales Rally GB. “Last year, we were able to leverage Shell’s amazing heritage in the sport but this year it is all about the modern day and the company’s exciting Technical Partnership with Hyundai.”

Issued by the Motor Sports Association Motor Sports House, Riverside Park Colnbrook, SL3 0HG

Tel: +44 (0)1753 765000 Email: media@msauk.org

www.msauk.orgtwitter.com/msaukfacebook.com/msauk

Ben Taylor @ben_taylor_msa Aug 5 Mega day for UK rally news. Welsh Govt commits to @WalesRallyGB until 2018 and @maxvatanenrally becomes the first name in the 2016 BRC

Louise Goodman @LouGoodmanMedia Aug 5 Great news for rally fans ... like me! Nice work @MSAUK @WelshGovernment Roll on @WalesRallyGB 2016 #WRC

Andrew Coley @Andrew_Coley Aug 5 Some pretty good news for UK rallying eh?! @WalesRallyGB in 2016 WRC, and Max Vatanen registers for 2016 BRC.

Matt Cotton @MattCottonRally Jul 24 Its official, I’m licenced! Awesome service by the @MSAUK took just just 1 day! @WalesRallyGB another step closer.

Matthew Jackson @MJRallying Aug 8 @MSAUK off up to the Solway Coast junior rally, on the spanners this time #hopetheydontgetused

Graeme Cameron @GNCameron Aug 7 @MSAUK Making sure the @DunlopBTCC camping community is safe, happy and not on fire at @SnettertonMSV. Donations of barbecued meats welcome!

@msauk

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

3

Wales Rally GB

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

4

Wales Rally GB

WRGB teams up with the Welsh Rugby World Cup squadElfyn Evans, Osian Pryce and Tom Cave visited Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay to wish members of the Welsh team the best of luck in their Rugby World Cup campaign.

After training, Welsh rugby captain Sam Warburton, Scarlets and international centre Scott Williams and other players joined the drivers for discussions and a photo shoot, which also featured Evans’ M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC and Pryce’s Junior World Rally Championship Citroen DS3 R3.

Evans said: “Coming from mid-Wales, there’s no escaping rugby and it’s the only sport outside of motor sport that I actually follow. Now to have these two fantastic world sports events in Wales back-to-back later this year is just fantastic.”

Warburton added: “To have so many Welsh sportsmen competing at the top level of world sport is good for Welsh sport as a whole. A lot of the boys are petrol heads and love the adrenaline sports so it’s great for us to mix the sports.”

“A lot of the boys

are petrol heads and

love the adrenaline

sports so it’s great for us to mix the sports”

CLICK TOWATCH

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

5

general news

“The feedback

from competitors

and teams to the outline

plans for next season

has been incredibly positive”

[pic plus Allianz and Mercedes logos]

BRC announces competitor ‘open day’ in SeptemberThe organisers of next year’s MSA British Rally Championship will hold an open meeting for competitors and teams on Friday 18 September at Castle Combe circuit. The event, to be held on the afternoon before Rallyday, will enable those considering an entry in any of the classes of the 2016 BRC to hear the latest news about the championship and to ask any outstanding questions about the series.

“The feedback from competitors and teams to the outline plans for next season has been incredibly positive,” said Ben Taylor, IMS Managing Director. “Things are really coming together nicely and there will be further announcements during the coming weeks, but this open day will enable everyone to get all the information in one place and importantly to ask the questions they need addressing. Dovetailing with Rallyday at Castle Combe makes a lot of sense as many people will be heading there anyway for the Saturday, so we look forward to catching up with as many people as possible over the weekend.”

The meeting will begin at 1.30pm on Friday 18 September with a sandwich lunch available from 12.30pm. Those wishing to attend should email their details to brc@msaevents.co.uk as access to the circuit will be restricted on the day. Those not able to attend are also invited to register their details at brc@msaevents.co.uk so that full information can be sent to them on the day.

BRC representatives will also be available for further discussions throughout Saturday’s Rallyday on the main Wales Rally GB stand.

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

6

general news

Allan Dean-Lewis retires after 20-year MSA careerAllan Dean-Lewis MBE has retired from the MSA after 20 years at Motor Sports House, most recently as Director of Training & Education.

Dean-Lewis first became an MSA consultant in 1995 and was a full-time employee from October 1998 to July 2015. His various roles focused mostly on volunteer training; he ran the annual MSA Officials’ Seminars for many years and has also been responsible for the MSA’s international training programmes.

In July HRH the Earl of Wessex, President of the Sport & Recreation Alliance (SRA), presented Dean-Lewis with the SRA Emeritus Award, awarded for life-long service to sport (pictured). MSA Chairman Alan Gow also gave Dean-Lewis a commemorative award in recognition of his distinguished career.

Read a Q&A with Allan Dean-Lewis on pages 24 & 25 >>

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

7

general news

Circuits hail track limits rulesDonington Park and Silverstone have praised MSA track limits rules, saying they have reduced operating costs and enhanced safety.New regulations brought in from 2014 state that ‘a driver will be judged to have left the track if any wheel of the car either goes beyond the outer edge of any kerb or goes beyond the white line where there is no kerb’.

After one-and-a-half seasons, two of the UK’s leading venues have said there is now less damage to trackside grass, which has lowered repair costs while also reducing risks to competitors.

Christopher Tate, Managing Director of Donington Park, said: “We are delighted to see the results of the MSA track limit regulations. As a business, we have noticed a reduced number of on- track incidents caused by poor grass surfaces beyond the kerbing or the white lines, and critically, we have been able to invest in other important areas of the circuit, knowing that the need to spend money on repairing grass and other run-off areas would be significantly less than in previous years.

Stuart Pringle, Sporting Director at Silverstone Circuits Ltd, was equally enthusiastic. “We have been very pleasantly surprised at the effect that the consistent application of the new MSA track limits has had at the circuit,” he said. “The Clerking at national race meetings has been consistent and fair - and there has been no adverse effect on competitors or on the spectacle of competition. We as a circuit have benefitted from a significantly less damaged track.”

MSA teams up with UKAD for anti-doping appThe MSA and UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) have launched Clean Sport, a new smartphone app for competitors.The app features comprehensive information on all aspects of anti-doping, from the Prohibited List and rule violations to testing procedures. It also details anti-doping contacts at both the MSA and UKAD.

To download the free app, search for ‘Clean Sport’ in Google Play or the App Store.

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

8

general news

HSF Challenge open for entriesThe fifth annual Henry Surtees Challenge (7 October) at Buckmore Park is now open for entries, with the MSA Academy set to field a team of six drivers.

Now in its fifth year, the annual karting event is organised by racing legend John Surtees OBE in support of the HSF, which was established in memory of his late son, Henry.

The HSF Challenge is open to young competitors aged 15 and over. The top three on the day will be awarded the prestigious Henry ‘H’ trophy title, plus exclusive prizes. There will also be prizes for the fastest lap, the most unlucky driver and a heavyweight prize for those weighing 80kg or above.

Surtees said: “The first Henry Surtees Challenge took place in 2010 and Buckmore Park seemed the natural venue to host it; it had been the circuit where Henry first sat in a kart, at the age of eight, but also where he had gained success.”

Jack Aiken, one of last year’s winners, added: “I’d like to thank John and the Foundation for putting on such a great event for young drivers. The prizes are incomparable to any karting, or racing, competition out there.”

For more details, email info@henrysurteesfoundation.com

“I’d like to thank John

and the Foundation

for putting on such a great

event for young drivers. The prizes are incomparable

to any karting, or racing,

competition out there”

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

9

general news

MSA members get Autosport International trade ticket discountTickets to Autosport International (14-17 January 2016) are now on sale and once again the MSA has teamed up with Haymarket Exhibitions to offer competitors and volunteers a £5 discount.This exclusive offer will only be available for the show’s trade days. If booking online:

�� Visit www.autosportinternational.com/trade

�� Click ‘Register Now’ to visit the registration page, then click ‘Register’

�� Select the MSA licence holders option

�� Enter promotional code: MSA1616

�� Complete the registration form

�� Please note the form will only allow licence holders to book one ticket at a time.

If tickets are purchased onsite, MSA members will need to show their competition licence to take advantage of the discount.

Now in its 26th year, Autosport International is Europe’s premier motor sport show, bringing together many of the sport’s top cars and drivers. Held at Birmingham’s NEC, the event also features a 5,000-seat Live Action Arena.

For news and updates, follow @Autosport_Show on Twitter or visit www.autosportinternational.com

Development AssistantThe MSA has an exciting opportunity for a Development Assistant on a six-month internship basis, working on the MSA Academy and Go Motorsport programmes.

Based at Motor Sport House, Colnbrook, and reporting to the MSA Academy and Development Managers, the successful candidate will support and help promote the MSA’s talent development and grassroots participation initiatives.

The post offers a great opportunity to apply relevant qualifications and develop associated knowledge in a professional environment. The holder will also be well placed to evaluate future career opportunities in motor sports.

Duties will include – but not be limited to – the following:

�� Supporting the planning, organisation and administration of the MSA Development pro-grammes

�� Helping to ensure the smooth running of both MSA Academy and Go Motorsport events through pre-, on- and post-event support

�� Assisting the MSA Academy and Development Managers in developing existing programmes and initiatives to help meet customer needs.

For further information and application details, please click here.

Closing date: 12.00 noon 28 August 2015 Start date: No later than early October 2015 Based: SL3 0HG

APPOINTMENTS

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

10

general newsCLUB CORNER

West Suffolk Motor Club Autosolo Taster Evening

West Suffolk Motor Club held an Autosolo taster evening at Depden in Suffolk on 15 July.

Three regular AutoSOLO competitors were on hand to show how it should – or should

not – be done. Some participants had previously taken part in motorsport events and were trying AutoSOLOs for fun, or considering them as an affordable form of motorsport. Others were totally new to this type of event.

A test was laid out following a U-shape along the old airfield track. The same test was kept for the evening, giving participants the opportunity to measure their improvement over four runs.

Chelmsford Motor ClubThree Chelmsford Motor Club members took a diverse selection of cars to Essex’s Wings and Wheels Damyns Hall. The club reported that while the event did not have much of a motorsport theme this year, the organisers seem amenable to their running

a grass autotest next year, together with passenger rides on a demonstration event.

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

11

general newsCLUB CORNER

Calder RescueCalder Rescue and Calder Response 3 attended Rescue Day 2015, featuring emergency services and marine search and rescue, plus all major support organisations at 7 Lakes Country Park near Doncaster.

The event gives the public insight into rescue operations on land or water. Calder Response 3 attended alongside Calder Rescue to showcase motorsport rescue and recovery.

Calder Rescue’s Neil Cahill said: “We aimed our display towards the younger people and our junior marshal cadets Bradley Smith and his sister Sophie Smith enthusiastically interacted with other children to explain the importance of seat belt harnesses and how they should be worn with demonstrations.”

Young drivers to take part in Autosolo challengeYoung drivers will be showing off their skills at Ormskirk MotorFest (30 August) where the Under-17 Motor Club North West is organising the Autosolo Challenge.

Club committee members will educate teenagers about the importance of responsible motoring. This includes giving 14- to 17-year-olds driving practice before they hit the road and encouraging them to gain more advanced driving skills once they have passed their test.

Steve Johnson, an experienced competitor and North West RDO, said: “The Ormskirk MotorFest is a great free event and as a club we are delighted to be involved. The Autosolo Challenge will be an exciting part of this fantastic occasion.”

If you want to be a volunteer MotorFest marshal please apply as soon as possible through www.ormskirkmotorfest.com/marshals-registration/ or email nick@ormskirkmotorfest.com

Under 18s can apply but will need a responsible adult with them on the day.

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

12

updates

TECHNICAL / SPORTING REGULATIONS

250 National engine registration

The next period of engine registrations for the 250 National class commences on 1 January 2016, as detailed in MSA Kart Race Yearbook regulation E2.2, and caters for engines up to 250cc.

The process of engine registration is underway, and in accordance with MSA requirements any engine which completes its registration between now and the end of the year will be eligible to compete in the 250 National class – albeit not for points, prizes or titles – with immediate effect, and for the remainder of 2015.

Therefore please note that the IAME X30 Super Shifter 175cc engine has now completed its registration successfully and can now be used within the 250 National class (though not points/prizes/titles). The engine registration document can be downloaded from the ‘Technical: Kart’ Resources Centre on the MSA website.

Camera mountings

The image is an example of a camera mounting that appears to have been given little thought. As shown, the end of the clamp handle was within 75-100mm of the driver’s head. In a side impact a driver’s head may easily move that distance, thus imposing a point loading on the side of the helmet and consequently on the driver’s head. Competitors are advised to mount their cameras with due consideration, noting that scrutineers have been advised to be vigilant.

Counterfeit equipment

We have previously published examples of counterfeit seats, harnesses, helmets and homologation labels, so it is no surprise that a counterfeit Frontal Head Restraint (FHR) has now surfaced, albeit abroad. Look closely at the image; the device is not symmetrical, the corner radii are not identical, the yoke section is unusual, the upstand is not of the normal profile and the threaded inserts are not of the design you would expect to see. Another clue was its weight – it was overly heavy at 1.35kg. Manufactured from fibreglass and body filler, it

was demonstrated to have little in the way of strength. With FHRs having recently been made mandatory across several disciplines of the sport, competitors are advised to inspect any FHRs closely prior to purchase.

Harness requirementsThe MSA Technical department wishes to remind competitors of the requirements for harnesses/seat belts. The relevant requirements are set out in (K)2. The only time that three attachment points are acceptable is when the restraint is a diagonal lap-strap, as fitted to an everyday production car. (K)2.1.2 makes it clear that four anchorage points are required for a four-point harness, comprising a lap strap and two shoulder straps. The shoulder straps cannot merge into one strap, nor can the shoulder straps share a single anchorage point. The same applies to the shoulder straps for five- and six-point harnesses.

To have your say on the latest

proposed regulation changes,

visit http://www.msauk.org/

The-Sport/Regulations

MSA Team UK driver Alex Lynn claimed his first GP2 victory in scorching conditions at the Hungaroring. (24-26 July)

The Essex racer started from pole and later blasted past Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne en route to victory. “I underestimated how good it would feel to win a GP2 Series feature race,” said Lynn, 21. “Races like that are really important for my career, and it felt so nice to put it all together on a weekend.”

Also at the Hungaroring were fellow Team UK GP2 drivers Jordan King and Nick Yelloly. King finished sixth in race one with Yelloly having problems causing him to retire with just six laps to go in the feature race.

Lynn scores maiden GP2 victory

Alex Lynn in action at Hungaroring

Team UK driver Matt Parry claimed his second GP3 podium in the Sunday sprint event at the Hungaroring, Budapest

TEAM UK

14

MSA NEWS | JULY 2015

As part of the Squad’s bespoke programme, other drivers took part in an injury prevention workshop. Led by MSA Academy coaches, the drivers also completed a session focusing on planning and preparation.

The MSA Academy Squad is a hand-picked group of 25 drivers aged 14 to 24. For more information visit msauk.org/Development/MSA-Academy/Squad

Louise Goodman @LouGoodmanMedia Jul 13 Good turnout for today’s @MSAAcademy media training session @MSAUK #DrivingTalentForward

AlexTothJones Racing @AlexTJRacing Jul 14 @MSAAcademy @PorscheGB @LouGoodmanMedia fantastic day looking forward to the next event.

Dan Rooke @danrookeracing Jul 23 Great day yesterday at the @MSAAcademy lots learnt, now time to apply what I’ve learnt @MSAUK

Porsche - PHP @PorschePHP Jul 22 Great morning with some of the @MSAAcademy boys. Teaching them all about training techniques to reduce injury

@MSAAcademy

Squad returns to SilverstoneYoung drivers on the MSA Academy Squad visited Silverstone’s Porsche Human Performance Centre last month for a media and communications training session with ITV’s Louise Goodman. This was followed by a session based on the psychology of coping with pressure.

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

15

MSA Academy

MSA coaches cross country to deliver PMCsMSA coaches have travelled across the country in recent weeks to support young competitors in a range of disciplines, from racing and rallying to rallycross.Adam Gould has been working with BRDC Formula 4 at Snetterton, BRSCC Ford Fiesta at Castle Combe (with support from MSA coach Phil Glew) and the Northern Ireland, Scotland and UK Junior Rally Championships. His sessions have focused on anti-doping, technical driving, nutrition and goal development, as well as other performance elements. The Junior Rallycross drivers also attended a media session involving mock TV interviews.

Meanwhile Gould’s fellow MSA coach, James Wozencroft, hosted a hydration and nutrition session for MSA Formula drivers at Snetterton. With most of the grid in attendance, he spent the afternoon working on individual performance profiles.

Barnicoat makes history at KartmastersTeam UK star and Formula Renault 2.0 racer Ben Barnicoat returned to karting at the Kartmasters British Kart Grand Prix, becoming the first person to win two GP plates on the same day.

His success at PF International circuit in Lincolnshire means Barnicoat now has five GP plates to his name, second only to the seven plates held by Michael Simpson. “To be the first person to ever win it twice in a day is great because that’s something that nobody can ever change now, it’s a great achievement!” he said.MSA Chief Executive Rob Jones watched Barnicoat in action. “Ben’s performance was extremely impressive and overall the event was a credit to PF International and Trent Valley Kart Club.”

Picture: James Wozencroft works with MSA Formula drivers at Snetterton

Nathan Edwards @NathanEdwards21 Jul 20 Thanks @philipglew for all the coaching this weekend! @Fiesta_Junior @MSAUK @MSAAcademy

BRSCC Fiesta Junior @Fiesta_Junior Jul 20 @MSAAcademy Anti-Doping seminar Saturday, a massive thankyou to @TheAdamGould and @philipglew #youngdrivers

BRSCC Fiesta Junior @Fiesta_Junior Jul 22 @MSAUK #FJC track walk with @philipglew @MSAAcademy @CastleCombeUK should be cover photo #DoItLikePhil #trackLimits

@MSAAcademy

MSA Academy

16

MSA NEWS | JULY 2015

Credit K

artpix.net

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT TO THE 10 GOLDEN RULES

ROAD CRASHES ARE THE #1 KILLER OF 15-29 YEAR OLDS. WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY TO MAKE ROADS SAFE!

GO TO FIA.COM/PLEDGESIGN THE PLEDGE

PAYATTEN-TION

DRIVE SOBER

STOP WHEN I’M TIRED

LEWIS HAMILTON

2014 FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPION

SIGNATORY #002

01 02

03

04

08

09

05

10

07

06

BELT UP

CHECK MY TYRES

RESPECT THE HIGHWAY CODE

OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT

PROTECTMY CHILDREN

BE COURTEOUS AND CONSIDERATE

WEAR A HELMET

LEWIS HAMILTON

2014 FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPION

SIGNATORY #002

RESPECT THE HIGHWAY CODE

OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT

PROTECTMY CHILDREN

BE COURTEOUS AND CONSIDERATE

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

18

www.gomotorsport.net www.gomotorsport.net

Go Motorsport

SCOTLAND16 August 2015

This weekend sees Scotland’s first ever Go Motorsport Live! Event at Knockhill Racing Circuit. 10 clubs will be present on the day representing karting, rallying, cross country and everything in between.

There will be live action courtesy of the 750 Motor Club

who will be doing Autotest demonstrations, as well as

the opportunity for visitors to experience club motor

sport from the passenger seat in an Autosolo.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover the

many volunteering roles that exist within the sport. The

event itself is set to the backdrop of a live Scottish

Motor Racing Championship meeting and is available

for visitors to experience for free by pre-registering at

the Go Motorsport website.

For more information or to register for tickets visit www.gomotorsport.net

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

19

Go Motorsport

Go Motorsport at the Border Union ShowThe Border Union Show is one of the largest agricultural gatherings in Scotland and RDO Alison Clark joined forces with Border Ecosse Car Club to display a variety of cars, a TT motorbike and sidecar on their stand.

With an estimated 18,000 visitors over the weekend, this was a fantastic opportunity to engage with the farming community and local people in a bid to boost membership and spread the word of the car club’s activities.

“Most youngsters on farms will have been driving quads since they were knee-high and they develop great driving skills and enthusiasm for cars,” said Clark. “Agricultural shows give us the chance to meet such people and to encourage them to channel their enthusiasm into joining their local car club. There is also the opportunity to chat to farmers about the use of fields for grass autotesting. I don’t know any farmer who would refuse the chance of some cash in their back pocket in exchange for the use of a grassy patch for a couple of hours every month.”

A free prize draw on the stand ensured that the club gathered contact information from interested visitors. This will be used to keep enthusiasts up to date with the club’s upcoming events, marshal requirements and training opportunities.

The GoMotorsport stand at the Border Union Show

Endean’s Month

Updates London and South East England RDO Suze Endean RDO“Let’s be honest, a number of clubs have sat round the table at the monthly committee meeting thinking, ‘Is this what’s left of the club?’ The same people are organising the same events, with no one to take over the future of the club. Eastern Counties Motor Club hit that point last year; luckily we had already committed to running a couple of events in local championships for 2015 and had started to dabble in the ‘interweb thingy’ - we had a webpage!

“Recognising your weakness is often an invigorating process… ‘What the hell is social media?’ People kept telling us it’s the answer but we didn’t understand the question! So we found ourselves a couple of social media friendly people, which led to a slicker webpage and a Facebook presence. We re-established the monthly club night, not in the pub but in a local restaurant and bar.

“Being a rural club, we also reverted to type and got ourselves invited to a number of local spring shows. At many of the shows we received no immediate interest, which was very frustrating (though we became experts in prize winning fruit cakes)! But, when we came to run the South Suffolk Classic in May we received record entries and things looked promising.

“Recognising your weakness is often an invigorating process… ‘What the hell is social media?’”

“The omens were not good for our annual Autosolo on 19 July. The venue was lost two months before the event and had to be re-located. Despite this, we experimented with online entries and BACS payments for the first time and received our biggest entry to date and had the biggest entry in the local championship.

“This is all very much an ongoing process and we are not sure where it will lead but our efforts early in the year have allowed us to open discussions with the local cruising community and the local drifters. Both groups have the cars and enthusiasm; we just need to show them where it can be directed.”

Go Motorsport will soon be advertising for two Regional Development Officers to represent the East and West Midlands. Please keep an eye on the MSA

website from next week for more information.

Any queries contact: info@gomotorsport.net

Metcalfe’s Month

Updates from North East and Cumbria RDO Peter Metcalfe“During my time as an RDO, I’ve become more aware of how many car shows there are, especially over the summer months. There are thousands of people who spend their Sundays displaying their pride and joy. Many motorsport clubs have a display at one or more shows over the summer and their stands offer something very different to the regular displays as the stand is a way of showing what the club does other than just showing off their cars.

“Last month I spent a very pleasant couple of hours with my car-mad seven-year-old son at a local classic car show. Many of the stands were disappointing though, because the people on them weren’t interested in talking to us about their cars. I’m pleased to say the motorsport clubs present were the exception and encouraged my son to sit in the cars.

“If your club does attend any kind of show it’s so important to make sure that you talk to visitors and try and ‘sell’ your club. Most of the displays won’t be able to offer more than the entertainment that day; a motorsport club will be able to offer a lifetime of exciting activity and fun. If you’ve taken the trouble to attend the show make sure you put in that extra little bit of effort – it really will pay off.

“Last month I attended a show that was put on by York Motor Club. The show was a lot of work for the club but was a good money spinner for two local charities. As the promoter of the event YMC gained a great deal of publicity and also offered passenger rides on two competitive tests at the show. Not all clubs have the time to put on such a show but as other clubs have proved; it is a great way to encourage more people to move to the ‘dirty side’!

“Next month Wigton Motor Club hold their annual classic car show. Again the club should make money and gain new members. Those showing their cars also get a chance to compete in a ‘taster’ grass Autotest. In the past there have been plenty who have taken the chance to cover their layers of polish with a covering of Cumbrian mud and get their first taste of competition.”

Would your school like a visit from Go Motorsport? If so, simply click below to find contact details for your local Regional Development Officer (RDO) and drop them a line:

https://www.msauk.org/Development/Go-Motorsport/Go-Motorsport

www.gomotorsport.net

Go Motorsport

20

MSA NEWS | JULY 2015

Want to get involved in motor sport?

Want to be part of the team?Why not take up a volunteer role and get to the heart of the action?

All motor sport events need

volunteers to run them. From pits

and paddock to hillside and special

stage, volunteers are responsible for

essential administrative work and

life-saving safety cover.

FIVE REASONS TO VOLUNTEER1. You get closer to the action

2. You are part of a team

3. You learn new skills

4. You get free entry to events

5. It’s great fun!

Did you know that there are…

6,500 Registered Marshals

3,500 Registered Officials

5,000 Events per year

GETINVOLVED

Volunteer

Get the best seat in the house for FREE!

Cadet marshalfrom as young as 11!

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

22

www.gomotorsport.net www.gomotorsport.net

Go Motorsport

Veterans try club motor sportThe Baron Crew organised a Taster AutoSOLO at Wee-ton Army camp near Blackpool, for the limbless vet-eran’s charity BLESMA. Matt Kitson of the Baron Crew brought the hand controlled Renault along to allow the ex-service members the opportunity to drive. North West RDO Steve Johnson was on hand to highlight that AutoSOLOs and Production Car Autotests are run by many motor clubs round the UK and open to any motor club member.

Neil Robertson behind the wheel for the first time in 17 years

Paul Blair aboard his Striker in action at Maximum Attack autotest

Alison Clark – Maximum Attack AutotestSouth of Scotland Car Club hosted a round of the British Autotest Championship, the Maximum Attack Autotest in Dumfries – the first round north of the border since the 1990s.

The event attracted 32 of the best autotest drivers from the UK and Ireland, earning great exposure and featuring on ITV Border news.

Passenger rides were on offer and several spectators took the opportunity to be thrilled by Britain’s top precision drivers.

Scotland RDO Alison Clark was on hand and said: “South of Scotland Car Club did a fantastic job of putting this event together. Hopefully, the results of an economic

impact study and the exposure that the Autotest received will encourage the Council to support the event and give it a more prominent location in the town with more footfall. The fact that youngsters of 14 are able to take part in Autotesting is something that we need to promote more.”

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

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Go Motorsport

Moore’s Month

Updates from South West RDO Kevin Moore

Drifting into motor sport“Whilst out on Go Motorsport business recently I was made aware of a Cornish venue used regularly for ‘Drift’ events. I approached the venue owner, who has previously worked in more mainstream motor sport, regarding the likelihood of convincing the ‘drifters’ to compete in other disciplines. His feelings were that this would be unlikely as he has tried before.

“If that is the case why then do the AutoSOLO style events organised at the South West Autosport and BHP Shows attract a constant stream of entries throughout the day? I have come to the conclusion that it is the event format used at the two shows that is the secret.

“The ‘magic’ format seems to be a fee of around £10 (maybe less at a drift day to encourage ‘having a go’) for three attempts at the test. Keep one route all day and have a ‘Top Gear’ style leader board. If organised on a taster permit, the simplicity of this ‘arrive-and-drive’ format seems to work well.

“I am proposing to attend a couple of these existing drift events to assess the possibilities and then encourage the local motor club to look at organising something to test the theory, possibly with some current AutoSOLO competitors there to set the ball rolling.

“If you know of similar drift events in your area then let your local GoMotorsport RDO know about them or email me directly on SouthWest@GoMotorsport.net”

www.gomotorsport.net

HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE

TAKE A MATE:

Why not take someone along to

their first event and see the look

on their face when they realise that

they can do it too.

DO SOMETHING SPECIAL:

Help your club organise some kind

of activity or event to spread the

word.

GET STICKING:

Have you put Go Motorsport

stickers on your competition car?

We can supply stickers and other

promotional material for you to

hand out to reach new audiences.

GO BACK TO SCHOOL:

Organise for your club to make

a presentation in a local school,

invite the local paper and increase

awareness of what you do.

CONTACT YOUR RDO:

Speak to your local Regional

Development Officer (details on the

Go Motorsport website) and work

with them to benefit your club.

ANY OTHER IDEAS?

Let us know what you want to do,

or just do it!

GETINVOLVED

MSA NEWS | AUGUST 2015

24

Julian Godfrey took victory aboard his Ford Fiesta at Pembrey, leading from the first corner and beating Andy Scott to the chequered flag.Provisional championship standings 1 Julian Godfrey – 202 points 2 Andy Scott – 189 3 Ollie O’Donovan – 169

The Shannon Group MSA British Rallycross Championship

Ecurie Ecosse duo Marco Attard and Alexander Sims prevailed for the second time in 2015 after a thrilling sixth round of the season at Brands Hatch.Provisional championship standings 1 Alexander Sims – 138.5 points = Marco Attard – 138.5 2 Jonny Adam – 104.5 = Andrew Howard – 104.5

Avon Tyres British GT Championship

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Absent of team mate David Mason, Calum Lockie took the Ferrari 458 Challenge to a double win in both races at Donington Park.Provisional championship standings 1 David Mason / Calum Lockie – 205 points 2 Nick Holden – 193 3 Richard Neary / Martin Short – 192

MSA British Dunlop Endurance Championship

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Mike Moran took his third win of the season at round four of the Britpart MSA British Cross Country Championship, which was held in Hafren forest.Provisional championship standings Please visit www.marches4x4.com

Britpart MSA British Cross Country Championship

Jason Pritchard and Phil Clarke claimed an important victory on round five of the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship on the Harry Flatters Rally.Provisional championship standings 1 Pritchard/Clarke – 280 points 2 Elliott/Price – 247 3 Stokes/Weaver – 230

Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship

Colin Turkington ignited his title defence with a dynamic double win at Snetterton, where Jack Goff was also a race winner.Provisional championship standings 1 Jason Plato – 230 points 2 Colin Turkington – 214 3 Gordon Shedden – 198

Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship

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Colton Herta scored his maiden brace of wins at Snetterton, while Dan Ticktum also returned to the top step of the podium.Provisional championship standings 1 Ricky Collard – 244 points 2 Lando Norris – 234 3 Dan Ticktum – 208

MSA Formula – Certified by FIA, Powered by Ford EcoBoost

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Trevor Willis took a comfortable win in the first run-off at Wiscombe Park. Eynon Price won the second after a virtuoso performance.Provisional championship standings 1 Alex Summers – 173 points 2 Trevor Willis – 140 3 Wallace Menzies – 137

Avon Tyres/TTC Group MSA British Hill Climb championshipRobert Joosten’s new Plymouth Barracuda

claimed pole position at 6.205 seconds on its UK debut at Santa Pod Raceway, while Andy Robinson’s 234.93mph was the top speed.Provisional championship standings 1 Kevin Slyfield – 276 points 2 Philip Englefield – 216 2= Andy Wright – 216

MSA British Drag Racing Championship

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championship updates

Championship leader Simon Mauger took his third maximum score of the season by winning the Tyneside Stages Rally in his Metro 4M4.Provisional championship standings 1 Simon Mauger – 116 points 2 David Hardie – 98 3 Alex Laffey – 89

REIS MSA Asphalt Rally Championship

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Sam Webster was untouchable in the two finals at Rissington, winning both despite missing the start in the second.Provisional championship standings 1 Henry Easthope – 913 points 2 Scott Allen – 907 3 Adam Glear – 899

SSM MSA British Kart Championship

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Freddie Slater, Oscar Blanchard and Taylor Orridge shared the wins last time out at Rowrah. Orridge leads the title race.Provisional championship standings 1 Taylor Orridge – 454 points 2 Freddie Slater – 449 3 Chance Bennett – 442

MSA Bambino Kart Championship

Henry Kitching won the Cymru Car Trial for the first time after a day-long battle with reigning champion Mark Hoppe.Provisional championship standings 1 Mark Hoppe – 40 points 2 Henry Kitching – 22 3 Rupert North – 20

MSA British Car Trial Championship

The Maximum Attack Autotest attracted one of the best entries of the year, with Paul Blair taking FTD by 8.1 seconds from Alastair Moffatt.Provisional championship standings 1 Alastair Moffatt – 177 points 2 Paul Fobister – 173 3 Dave Evans – 156

Link Up Ltd MSA British Autotest Championship

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Reigning champion Colin Calder swept to victory in typical style aboard his GR55 on both track layouts at Kirkistown. Provisional championship standings 1 Mark Smith – 110 points 2 Craig Sampson – 100 3 Steve Miles – 91 = Colin Calder – 91

SBD Motorsport MSA British Sprint Championship Dan Clark gave his championship a boost

with a hat-trick of wins at Anglesey. However Gavin Bennett eased closer to the title.Provisional championship standings 1 Gavin Bennett – 377 points 2 Dan Clark – 283 3 James Hassall – 246

MSA British Superkart Championship

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David Bogie and Kevin Rae took their seventh victory on the penultimate round of the ARR Craib MSA Scottish Rally Championship, the Speyside Stages. Provisional championship standings 1 Bruce McCombie – 155 points 2 Jock Armstrong – 142 3 Mike Faulkner – 134

ARR Craib MSA Scottish Rally Championship

Peader Hurson scored maximum points on the Tyrone Stages Rally, while Frank Kelly beat Camillus Bradley to second place.Provisional championship standings Please visit www.anicc.org.uk

McGrady Insurance MSA Northern Ireland Rally Championship

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What was your introduction to motor sports governance?I’ve always believed that whatever you do in life, it’s important to understand what goes on at the level above. So when I first joined my local motor club, the North Wales Car Club, I thought, ‘Who are we answerable to?’ That’s how I found out about Regional Associations. In 1972 the Association of North Western Car Clubs was looking for a new General Secretary; lo and behold, I got the position, which

gave me an opportunity to attend my first meeting at 31 Belgrave Square: the RAC Motorsport Division, which later became the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association.

So you must have worked with all of the sport’s Chief Executives over the years. Who stands out?Certainly I’ve worked either as a volunteer, consultant or employee with all who appear on the Roll of Honour inside the main doors at Motor

Sports House – I’m proud to say that. The first was Dean Delamont, a very diplomatically minded person who always kept calm and managed to find a resolution. In more recent times, one who sticks in my mind is Peter Hammond, who was only Chief Executive for a very short time because he was tragically killed in a road accident on the day of the British Grand Prix in 1988. He managed the move from Belgrave Square to Colnbrook, which was a key moment

In July, Allan Dean-Lewis retired from the MSA after 20 years at Motor Sports House and almost a lifetime in the governance of UK motor sports. Here, we look back at one man’s outstanding contribution to the sport and its volunteers.

Thank you…Allan Dean-Lewis MBE, retiring MSA Director of Training & Education

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Profile

for the MSA, and it would have been interesting to see how he would have developed the organisation, had the opportunity not been so sadly taken away from him.

How did you end up working at Motor Sports House?My first MSA job was offered by Colin Hilton under then-Chief Executive John Quenby in 1995; I was Training & Development Coordinator on a part-time consultancy basis. Colin said that would be 10 days a month; I think the first month was 12, the next was 14 and so on, and by the summer of ’98 Colin offered me the full-time role of Training & Development Executive. I later became Head of External Affairs during a restructure, and most recently I’ve spent the last four years as Director of Training & Education. That was really on the back of all the work the MSA was starting to do when we became a gold standard FIA Regional Training Provider (RTP).

Your personal and professional lives seem to have revolved around volunteering. Why?Training and the management of volunteers is certainly a theme that’s run throughout. I think the thing about volunteering is that’s how I started, as a rally marshal, back in the days when we didn’t even have the barest of luxuries like radios! I got huge enjoyment out of it and could therefore understand the huge enjoyment other people got out of it as well. I recently saw a sign in a shop in my hometown of Llandudno, which encapsulated my thinking about volunteering. It said: ‘We don’t pay our volunteers, not because we think they are worthless but because they are priceless.’ That sums up my ethos.

You mentioned the RTP programme – you must be particularly proud of that?Absolutely. People have always said that the British volunteers, whether marshals or officials, are second to none. However it used to be a bit of a throwaway line and I while I agreed wholeheartedly I often thought, ‘Well how can you justify that statement?’ Then the opportunity came up for us to be audited in quite some depth and it was very rewarding to see the FIA grant that gold standard accreditation in 2009, because it represented the world governing body’s seal of approval. Since then we’ve worked with ASNs in over 30 developing countries, from the Caribbean and Asia Pacific to Europe and South Africa, playing a key role in the safety training of volunteer officials.

What is the biggest honour or pleasure that working for the MSA has given you?One person in the sport who’s been like an older brother to me is Stuart Turner. Stuart and I have known each other for a long time; he’s mentored me and I’ve listened to innumerable of his after dinner speeches! To have been able to work with someone who has earned the level of respect that Stuart has is amazing. Looking back at the workshops we ran together in the early days, he taught me a lot about the importance of fine detail; there wasn’t a single seminar or workshop I ran with Stuart that didn’t result in our changing something afterwards. You can always improve on what you’re doing and in Stuart I had a great master to follow.

What’s next for you, personally and professionally?So many of my responsibilities within the MSA – and the FIA – continue and I’m fortunate to have been given a consultancy contract by Rob Jones [MSA Chief Executive]. I don’t think this is the sort of job that you could just do one day and then draw a line under the next, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to keep my finger on the pulse and to continue working on things like the British Motor Sports Training Trust and the Motorsport Safety Fund, of which I’m a trustee. Insofar as day-to-day life is concerned, my wife Jackie and I hope to spend at least a little more time in my native North Wales.

What would be your sign-off to the UK motor sports community?I felt privileged every morning that I walked up the stairs to my desk at Motor Sports House and I always took my responsibilities seriously. Equally it has given me fantastic opportunities to travel and meet interesting people from all walks of life, where love of motor sport has been the only common theme.

Above all it’s really the people that have made it – fantastic people and I thank every single one of them for their contribution to the sport. It’s been such a pleasure and a privilege to work with all those people; I wish them – and the sport – all the very best for the future.

“I felt privileged every morning that I walked up the stairs to my desk at Motor Sports House and I always took my responsibilities seriously”

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Profile