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Revolution
July 2019
The official magazine of
BEST OF BRITISH –
THE ULTIMATE MONTH
OF MOTORSPORT
DAVID RICHARDS CBE MARSHALS CLUB CORNER
THE HEALTH SOME CORNWALL
OF BRITISH HEROES WEAR MOTORSPORT
MOTORSPORT OVERALLS MONTH
PLUS + CLUB CORNER + WHAT’S ON + NEWS + RESULTS
Motorsport UK
LATESTNEWS
The national membership
organisation and governing
body for four-wheel
motorsport.
720 Clubs
4,100 Officials
10,200 Marshals
30,100 Competitors
4,400 Events each year
Created by Olena Panasovska
from the Noun Project
Sport Governance Member Services Promotion of Events
Setting, reviewing Putting customers the Sport Organising national
& improving the at the heart of Inspiring & enabling & international
framework for a everything we do & even more people to motorsport & exclusive
safe & fair sport providing excellent experience the thrill of member experiences
value for money accessible motorsport
To find out more:
motorsportuk.org
Revolution - July 2019
2
CEO’s MESSAGE
THE REVOLUTION
“The last 18 months have seen a lot
of changes here at Motorsport UK,
with our name change symbolising
a change of focus to put members
like you at the heart of everything
that we do.”
J
uly is the busiest month of the year for British Festival of Speed. I want to personally thank all
motorsport. A month when all eyes are on the marshals and officials for their ongoing dedication
UK and our headline events. In this issue we and commitment to our sport. Without them the
celebrate these events and take a moment to sport simply could not operate. Our volunteers are
reflect on the health of British motorsport at a time renowned globally for the highly skilled manner in
of unprecented change. which they execute their duties, week in and week
out – often despite our great British weather!
The last 18 months have seen a lot of changes
here at Motorsport UK, with our name change This month’s competitor column is written by
symbolising a change of focus to put members Charlie Lower, a 19-year-old Autotest competitor
like you at the heart of everything that we do. who is a champion of accessible motorsport. He
began competing at 14 and now works in the sport
In an interview with Dan Prosser, Chairman thanks to the connections he has made through
David Richards CBE warns against complacency Autotesting. As an organisation we have placed
and outlines the work we’re doing to ensure the much more focus on the grassroots of the sport
motorsport sector remains as vibrant as its but accept we need to do a better job of making
ever been. the sport easier to get into and more compelling to
stay. Some of that is about reducing cost, and some
Together we continue to administer and protect reducing bureaucracy and red tape.
the fundamental pillars of our sport; providing
comprehensive training across 14,500 volunteers, I hope you enjoy this issue, but as always,
safeguarding the integrity of the sport for all, we’d love to hear your feedback.
maintaining high levels of safety across hundreds Email media@motorsportuk.org with your
of motorsport venues and strike the right balance comments and story ideas.
with appropriate and sensible regulation and
governance. Best wishes,
In this issue we also shine a light on the volunteers Hugh Chambers
behind the British Grand Prix and Goodwood CEO, Motorsport UK
Revolution - July 2019
4
CONTENTS
From David Richards’ views
on the health of British
motorsport, to the thrills
and spills of marshalling.
34
Club
Corner
Welcome to Revolution.
18 27 36
Photo Diary
40
Best of Some Heroes
British Wear Overalls
07 Championship
Results
Latest results across the
different types of motorsport
44 goverened by Motorsport UK
Forthcoming Events + National Court +
Latest News - from page 7
+ Member Directory + Motorsport UK
and Guest Columnists…
Revolution - July 2019
5
UP TO SPEED LATEST NEWS
British Grand Prix Special
SILVERSTONE SECURES
FIVE YEAR EXTENSION TO
FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX
Silverstone Circuit, the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) and Formula 1 announce that
the British Grand Prix will remain at the venue until 2024. This deal secures the future of
the British Grand Prix and ensures that Silverstone remains its home for at least a further
five years.
Revolution - July 2019
7
LATESTNEWS
Stuart Pringle, Managing Director of
Silverstone said, “The British Grand Prix
at Silverstone is rightly recognised as
one of the highlights of both the F1
championship and the annual British
sporting calendar. This is thanks to our
track being one of the greatest drivers’
circuits in the world, but also the
enormous passion for motor racing that
exists in the loyal and knowledgeable
fans that we have in this country.
The prospect of not hosting a grand
prix at Silverstone would have been
devastating for everyone in the sport
and I am delighted that we are here
today, on the eve of what is sure to be
a fantastic event, making this positive
announcement about the future.” David Richards, Chairman of Motorsport
“I am delighted
F1 CEO Chase Carey explained, “We UK, commented, “I am delighted at
are really pleased to confirm that the this news. Not just for Silverstone at this news. Not
British Grand Prix will stay on the and the BRDC, but for motorsport in just for Silverstone
FIA Formula 1 World Championship the UK and, most importantly, fans of
calendar for at least the next five the sport. Silverstone is synonymous and the BRDC, but
years, with the event remaining at with Formula 1 and part of the for motorsport in
its long-standing home, Silverstone championship’s DNA. Since the drivers’
Circuit. We have always said that, if it championship was first awarded in the UK and, most
is to have a long-term future, our sport 1950, the UK has delivered ten Formula importantly, fans of
must preserve its historic venues and 1 champions in 17 different years.
Silverstone and Great Britain represent The UK is home to the engineering
the sport”
the cradle of this sport, its starting excellence that delivers these
point back in 1950. Today, Formula 1 is champions and eight of ten teams have
a global sport, held on five continents, a presence in the UK. It made no sense
watched by an audience of over 500 not to have a championship round in
million fans around the world and our the UK, when the UK is so central to
aim is to grow this number by bringing the fabric of the championship. It is
the sport we love to new countries, tremendous that the legion of fans will
while also maintaining its roots: be able to continue to enjoy first-hand
Silverstone and the British Grand Prix the spectacle that is the pinnacle of
are an integral part of that vision.” our sport.”
500m
The
Big Formula 1
is held on
continents
5 Fans watch
F1 globally
Numbers
Revolution - July 2019
8
LATESTNEWS
British Grand Prix Special
HAMILTON RECEIVES
HAWTHORN TROPHY
Lewis Hamilton has received the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy for an
eighth time, after ranking as the top Commonwealth driver in F1 last year.
Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK Chief Executive, victories en route to his fifth Formula 1 World
presented the trophy at Silverstone, where Championship – sealed with two races to spare.
Hamilton won a record-breaking sixth British
His efforts also helped the UK-based Mercedes
Grand Prix. While Hamilton is Britain’s latest F1
AMG Petronas Team to secure its fifth
champion, Mike Hawthorn was the first, winning
consecutive manufacturers’ title and extend its
the title in 1958. Hawthorn tragically died a
dominance of the V6 turbo hybrid era.
year later and the Memorial Trophy has been
presented every year since to the highest place
British or Commonwealth Grand Prix driver.
Hamilton’s 2018 season yielded 11 race
Revolution - July 2019
9
LATESTNEWS
MOTORSPORT UK AND THE
DANIEL RICCIARDO SERIES TO
COLLABORATE FOR 2020
Seven-time Grand Prix winner Daniel Hugh Chambers explained, “We are delighted to
Ricciardo visited round four of his kart race work with the Daniel Ricciardo Series to establish
series at Whilton Mill last weekend and a bridge from entry-level indoor karting to
took the opportunity to announce with Motorsport UK kart racing. We continually look
Motorsport UK CEO, Hugh Chambers, that at the grassroots of the sport, searching for new
for 2020 the series will partner with the pathways into the sport which are affordable and
sport’s governing body.
accessible. Daniel’s series, with its focus on reduced
Daniel Ricciardo Series Director Andy Cox, costs and a level playing field, has an important
commented on the news, “There have been some role to play in completing that jigsaw puzzle.”
big changes at Motorsport UK through this year
The Daniel Ricciardo Series will continue as
with a renewed focus on karting in particular. I
a national series in 2020 with its competitors
feel that we have a lot in common with the desire
enjoying all the benefits of Motorsport UK
to try to get more youngsters into karting and,
membership. The new collaboration will also be
working together with our ethos of fair play and the
extended with Daniel Ricciardo Series competitors
lower costs of the Daniel Ricciardo Series, I’m very
racing at some Motorsport UK kart clubs.
confident that we will attract new youngsters into
karting and simplify the process and experience for
families.”
Revolution - July 2019
10COVERSTORY
LATESTNEWS
MOTORSPORT UK LAUNCHES
TENDER PROCESS FOR
BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPs
Motorsport UK has launched a tender process for the
organisation and promotion of the Motorsport UK
British Rallycross and Motorsport UK British
Superkart Championships from 2020.
In the tender document, the governing body is seeking
interested parities to run and promote the series for a
minimum of 3 years from the 1 January 2020.
Please click here to view the full British Rallycross tender document
Please click here to view the full British Superkart tender document
Submissions should be marked for the attention of Sheila Barter, Facilities Manager,
Motorsport UK House, Riverside Park, Colnbrook, SL3 0HG no later than 12:00 noon on
16th August 2019.
Revolution - July 2019
11LATESTNEWS
RECORD-BREAKING
CLASSIC WOWS
HUGE CROWDS
The curtain has come down on another record-breaking Twenty-one retro races, off-track entertainment, packed car
Silverstone Classic that wowed the crowds from Friday club displays and iconic anniversary
morning through to Sunday evening. parades elevated the world’s biggest classic car motor
racing event to even greater heights.
This 2019 edition of the popular event attracted record
grids, record car club attendees, record spectator numbers If you missed the action, ITV4 will broadcast highlights
giving a total attendance of 109,000 over the weekend – a immediately after live coverage of the BTCC from Thruxton
significant increase on previous years. on 18 August, and will be presented by Louise Goodman and
Tiff Needell, while all 21-races are available on YouTube.
Revolution - July 2019
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IM.20OFF.ONMAGAD.0719.CRS-401LATESTNEWS
TOCA TO OPERATE THE
BTCC UNTIL END OF 2026
“ The British
Motorsport UK and BARC (TOCA) Limited announce contract
extension; TOCA to continue to operate and promote the British
Touring Car Championship (BTCC) until the end of 2026.
Motorsport UK previously with packed grids, high profile Touring Car
reappointed TOCA as the
organiser and promoter of the
manufacturer support, live
television coverage and crowds Championship is
one of the
BTCC for five years from 2017, with of up to 40,000 attending every
the option to extend for a further event.
best-loved and
five years from 2022.
“TOCA has done an exceptional
Given the continued success job in organising and promoting
and profile of the series TOCA
has extended the agreement
the Championship, which
continues to deliver exceptional,
most successful
early in order to provide for the
organisation to enter into major
action-packed racing at circuits
throughout the UK. Motorsport Championships
agreement with them until at least in the world”
obligations beyond 2021. UK is delighted to be extending its
Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive,
2026.”
said: “It’s important for the long-
term stability of the BTCC for us
to be able to confirm that we will
continue to operate this great
championship until at least the
end of 2026.
“This enables us to now embark
on firm planning and making those
extended commitments – including
the introduction of hybrid energy
– that are vital to ensure the
continued growth of this fantastic
championship.”
David Richards CBE, Chairman
of Motorsport UK, added: “The
British Touring Car Championship
is one of the best-loved and
most successful championships
in the world, let alone the UK,
Revolution - July 2019
14LATESTNEWS
NEW JIM CLARK
MOTORSPORT MUSEUM OPEN
New Jim Clark Motorsport Museum opens to the public following the completion of
a £1.6million partnership project, with two of Clark’s cars at the heart of the modern
exhibition space in Duns, Berwickshire.
The iconic Lotus 25/R6, which Clark drove to Doug Niven, a trustee of The Jim Clark Trust
victory in four Grands Prix, including the British and Jim’s cousin, said: “The new museum brings
Grand Prix in 1964, is joined by his 1964 British together the story of Jim’s life both in and out of
Saloon Car Championship-winning Lotus Cortina. racing cars.
They have been loaned to the new museum
“Jim was a very humble person and would be
by Tinguely Museum, Switzerland, and Dario
astonished to see this museum honouring him.
Franchitti respectively, with Franchitti personally
But, I think he would be extremely proud that it
delivering his car to the museum.
sits here in Duns – his home town from a young
Operated by charity Live Borders, the museum age and at the heart of the community that
includes new image galleries, film footage, embraced him and still feels such a connection to
interactive displays and a simulator. There is him to this day.”
also expanded exhibition space showcasing
Ben Smith, Secretary of The Jim Clark Trust, added:
memorabilia and the trophy collection.
“A new museum to honour Jim has been a goal for
The Jim Clark Trust, of which Franchitti is a Patron, so many people for a significant period of time
has helped fund the museum development and it is deeply satisfying to see that hard work
through donations from around the world and has and commitment come to fruition.”
been instrumental in securing the loan of the two
cars for the museum.
Revolution - July 2019
15LATESTNEWS
“In addition to the new
museum, the Trust has
been working on a variety
of other complimentary
projects. These will bring
more visitors to Duns
and will ensure that Jim’s
legacy lives on and
continues to inspire
future generations”
“The support from across Scotland and
internationally for this project has been
overwhelming and reflects the high esteem in
which Jim is held, both amongst fellow racers,
including the Trust’s Patrons, but also those who
were lucky enough to see Jim race in his day.
“There has also been significant support from
many who have learnt about Jim’s story and
achievements and wanted to see it told to an even
wider audience.
“In addition to the new museum, the Trust has
been working on a variety of other complimentary
projects, including a Jim Clark Tourist Trail and a
range of future events. Together with the museum
these will bring more visitors to Duns, and the
wider Scottish Borders, and will ensure that Jim’s
legacy lives on and continues to inspire future
generations.” Clark tragically died at Hockenheim in Germany at
the age of just 32. He was much admired for his
The Scottish Borders’ latest visitor attraction has modesty and humility alongside his remarkable
been delivered by Scottish Borders Council in natural ability in all forms of motor racing. He is
partnership with charity Live Borders, The Jim still considered one of the greatest ever racing
Clark Trust and the Jim Clark Memorial Room Trust. drivers and remains to this day one of Scotland’s
Funding for the project has come from the most admired sporting heroes.
Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund,
Museums Galleries Scotland and The Jim Clark
Trust, the latter also including a grant from the Further Information
Fallago Environment Fund.
Adult admission to the museum costs just £5, with visitors
Jim Clark won the Formula One championship able to return as often as they like for free for the following
in 1963, becoming the then youngest ever 12 months. There is a small additional cost for the simulator.
World Champion. He followed it up with victory
Follow the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum on social media
again in 1965 and in the same year also won
#JimClarkMotorsportMuseum @liveborders @JimClarkTrust
the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in America. He
@scotborders www.jcmm.org.uk
remains the only driver to have won both the
Formula One and Indy 500 titles in the same year.
Revolution - July 2019
16LATESTNEWS
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Revolution - July 2019
17LATESTNEWS
WALES RALLY GB TO CELEBRATE
MOMENTOUS 75TH MILESTONE
This year’s Wales Rally GB (3-6 The celebratory display will include entered and the £25 prize for
October) will be the 75th running many icons from previous eras having recorded the lowest number
of the globally renowned event – including significant Ford Escorts, of penalty points was awarded to
a significant milestone that will be Group B machines and victorious cars Colonel A. H. Loughborough driving a
celebrated in style when the FIA rallied by British heroes Colin McRae Lanchester 15/18.
World Rally Championship (WRC) and Richard Burns.
arrives in the UK this autumn. Motor Sport magazine reported:
Illustrating the rally’s remarkable “People with the knowledge and
A special showcase featuring many
history, the collection will provide experience of the Monte Carlo Rally
of the stand-out cars from past
visitors with an engaging insight may, perhaps, have regarded the
generations will be one of the
into the sport’s evolution over time, R.A.C event as a meek and mediocre
highlights at Thursday evening’s
whetting appetites for the arrival of counterpart of the former, but as
spectacular opening competitive
the latest generation of WRC stars and a preliminary effort there can be
stage at the popular Oulton Park
cars – the fastest and most impressive no denying the fact that it was a
circuit near Chester.
machines ever to set wheels in the great success. It showed that British
forests. motorists are really keen to indulge
in motoring fixtures when the
Back in 1932, the inaugural Royal
opportunity occurs provided they are
Automobile Club Rally took its lead
organised by a competent body.”
from the Monte Carlo Rally with crews
driving standard road cars setting off Though there was a break in the
from nine different towns and cities action following the outbreak of the
all bound for Torquay on the English Second World War and again in 1957
Riviera via a variety of 1000-mile for the Suez Crisis, the RAC Rally
routes, each one with four control followed a similar format, albeit with
points. No fewer than 342 competitors the introduction of more competitive
Revolution - July 2019
18LATESTNEWS
tests, until the start of the sixties
when Scandinavian style off-road
forest stages were first introduced
– a move which cemented the
rally’s reputation as one of the most
challenging and respected on the
calendar.
In 1973, the event’s international
reputation earned it a founding
position in the newly created World
Rally Championship and, together
with Finland, remains one of only two
rounds that have featured on every
year’s WRC roster ever since.
The switch to gravel tracks in the
forests and a wintry, end-of-season partners such as Lombard, Network
slot on the schedule resulted in Q and Dayinsure. The UK’s round of
30 years of Nordic success only the WRC has been titled Wales Rally
interrupted by Roger Clark’s two home GB for the past 17 years since the
wins in 1972 and 1976. Welsh Government became principal
funding partner in 2003.
In more recent times, though, the
victories have been shared more “Only the Monte Carlo Rally can boast
widely with further home-grown a longer or richer pedigree than
winners Colin McRae (1994, 1995 and Wales Rally GB and only Finland has for both competitors and visitors, we
1997), Richard Burns (1998, 1999 and also retained a place on every World are proud of the rally’s unique place
2000) and most recently Elfyn Evans Rally Championship calendar – it’s in the sport’s history and will be
75
in 2017. Coming 25 years ago, the first this incredible esteem and heritage celebrating that with this special 75th
of McRae’s victories was in the 50th which make Rally GB, in all its guises, anniversary showcase at Oulton Park
running of the event. so special,” remarked Hugh Chambers, in October.”
CEO of Motorsport UK, organiser of
The UK’s premier rally has also
Wales Rally GB. “While continuing to
seen several title changes over
innovate and keeping the event fresh
its long history with the advent of
title sponsorship from commercial
Tickets
Adult tickets to the opening Oulton Park Special Stage on Thursday
are priced at just £25 and must be purchased in advance –
grandstand seats are also available as well as a hospitality
upgrade for those seeking the ultimate entertainment
experience. Children aged 15 and under enjoy free admittance.
Full details of these – as well as a wide choice of tickets
for the 21 Special Stages that follow on Friday, Saturday
and Sunday – can be found on the walesrallygb.com
website.
Revolution - July 2019
19NEWS
LATESTNEWS
Billy Monger becomes youngest
recipient of Segrave Trophy
This week (31 July) the Royal to digest how amazing this award is. and team drivers Tom Kristensen
Automobile Club awarded the But I stayed at Pall Mall last night and Loïc Duval for their contribution
prestigious Segrave Trophy to and it’s starting to sink in just how to Allan McNish’s dramatic victories
double amputee racing driver incredible it is. I’m super proud.’ at Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA
Billy Monger. Acknowledging the World Endurance Championship.
The Club also awarded Trevor
young man’s remarkable return to
Carlin of Carlin Motorsport the
racing after an horrific accident, the Upon receiving the Segrave
Segrave Medal in recognition of
citation for the award reads; ‘for Medal, and commenting on Billy’s
the fundamental role that he has
demonstrating exceptional courage remarkable achievement, Trevor
played on Billy’s journey back to
and determination after great Carlin said ‘I’m delighted to be
motorsport. The Segrave Medal,
adversity and returning to high included on such a staggering list
presented at the Club’s discretion,
levels of motorsport.’ of legends. In a hundred years’ time
is only awarded in conjunction with
when people look back and hear
Upon receiving the Trophy, Billy said: the trophy when the Committee
Billy’s story, they will say how on
‘My life has become so busy with feels it’s justified. It was last
earth did he ever manage that – I’m
my Formula 1 commentary and my awarded in 2014 to Dr Wolfgang
overjoyed to be a part of that story.’
own racing I haven’t had a chance Ullrich, Audi’s Head of Motorsport
Revolution - July 2019
20t h e b e s t
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FUNDING THE HABIT!
Racing anything with wheels can potentially have an inherent element of expenditure –
there’s no other way of putting it. And it’s not just the cost of the car – to run any vehicle in
a race series can require a significant investment in both time and money. But as you and
anyone else involved in the sport knows, it’s most definitely worth it!
It is, however, not widely appreciated
that covering all aspects of the cost of
the habit can be financed in some way
or other - but we have been doing it
for years with competitive structured
payment plans. From junior karts to
LMP cars, racing services equipment
to motorhomes, transporters and
single vehicle trailers to show stands
and support vehicles. We can even
finance software for use in team and
race car management. In basic terms,
if an item has value you can borrow
against it, reducing the need for capital
expenditure and freeing up cash flow.
So how does this work? The purchase
of a race car, for example, can be an
easy and straight forward process with What does this involve? The credit corporate entities or individuals.
repayment plans for up to seven years assessment side of the process is again The costs involved are competitive
in some cases. The loan to value ratio quite simple and the part we work and you are working with an institution
varies according to the asset involved closely with you on. The majority of that understands the sport and
but is generally 80%. However, we will modern race cars are funded through surrounding environment.
often consider higher amounts if the a business entity of some kind (which
Rob Johnson is the Managing Director
asset has a clearly identifiable market helps with the VAT recovery), but can
and founder of Classic & Sports
value. The main historic issue has been be bought personally too. In either
Finance, a keen historic racer and strong
that a race car is generally not insured case the same three elements of
advocate of motorsport.
for use on track, which has been part underwriting apply. Is the applicant
of the terms and conditions of loan clearly identifiable? Proof of being able For further information contact:
agreements in the past. We will look at to service the debt? And is the asset Rob@classicandsportsfinance.com
each case carefully and work with you being loaned against worth the money Tel: 01869 351512
to establish whether on track insurance being borrowed against it? With all the
is actually needed; there is clearly a suitable information provided, this can
difference between an MX5 for example be cleared within 2-3 working days,
and an original Shelby AC Cobra. And with a drawdown time line of 3-5
of course, there is also much more days maximum.
availability in terms of track and race
To summarise, any race vehicle, from
day insurance, albeit at a cost. With the
a Kart to LMP car and beyond, can be
insurance issue covered, the term and
financed. The process is simple and
loan structure agreed, there is only the
quick freeing capital to operate through
underwriting of the application to
the season uninhibited. The terms are
be concluded.
structured around you and available to
Revolution - July 2019
22COVER STORY
BEST OF
BRITISH
THE ULTIMATE
MONTH OF
MOTORSPORT
With the British Grand Prix,
the Goodwood Festival of
Speed and the Silverstone
Classic all falling within July,
Motorsport UK chairman
David Richards CBE chooses
this month to reflect on the
health of British motorsport
Words: Dan Prosser
23COVERSTORY
N o other month of the year
illustrates the scale and variety of
British motorsport quite like July.
For David Richards, chairman of Motorsport
As the Festival of Speed reached its
conclusion, the Motorsport Industry
Association’s annual National Motorsport
Week got underway.
“With seven
of the ten
UK and founder of Prodrive, July should be
the month in which the United Kingdom
Run every year since 2006 with the backing
of Motorsport UK and its affiliated motor
current
asserts its position within the global
motorsport industry. And it is during its
clubs, the initiative aims to promote
motorsport in Great Britain to new audiences F1 teams
31 days that British motorsport should
demonstrate its sizeable contribution to the
with a view to expanding the number of
spectators and competitors, reaching out to based here,
automotive sector and society as a whole.
This year the curtain was raised on Britain’s
new marshals and officials and even creating
jobs. It does this through various programmes the UK
continues to
and activities across the country, from novice
month of motorsport at the Goodwood
taster events run by local clubs to open
Festival of Speed, where more than 200,000
be a global
days at a number of the UK’s best-known
visitors descended on the Duke of Richmond’s
motorsport organisations.
West Sussex estate over four days.
A more comprehensive snapshot of the
history, the here-and-now and the future of
National Motorsport Week runs concurrently
with the British Formula One Grand Prix,
hub for
motorsport in all its forms you will not find
anywhere else.
the jewel in the crown of this country’s
motorsport calendar. For three days the eyes motorsport”
Goodwood Festival
of Speed
Revolution - July 2019
24COVERSTORY
Goodwood Festival
of Speed
of the motor racing world are trained on concern myself with the long-term health of
Silverstone for one of the longest-running motorsport if we don’t make it more relevant.
and most celebrated Grands Prix of them all.
“We’re seeing radical changes in the
Later in the month the Northamptonshire
technologies car companies are using
circuit will also host the Silverstone Classic,
and a new focus on environmental issues,
one of the biggest and best-established
autonomous vehicles and a whole range of
historic motor racing events in the world.
other topics that quite frankly, motorsport
To outsiders looking in, the month of July today does not address.
reinforces this country’s lofty standing within
“Motorsport has historically led the way
the international motorsport community. And
- many automotive innovations were
not without justification, because with seven
pioneered within racing - and we have to get
of the ten current F1 teams based here - and
back to that position. Our sport cannot afford
along with them a substantial tranche of the
to simply follow.”
world’s motorsport engineering expertise
- the UK continues to be a global hub for Richards doesn’t agree that this inactivity
motorsport. necessarily means disaster, but he does
believe it “wouldn’t have been very good
But as technologies evolve rapidly within
if we had just carried on as usual without
the wider automotive sector, Richards warns
addressing these issues”.
against complacency.
Within Motorsport UK there is now a team
“Everywhere you go in the world you’ll
of people that understands the challenges
see the influence of the British motorsport
faced by the motorsport sector, he says, and
industry,” he says. “That is still true. But I do
proactive work is being done.
Revolution - July 2019
25COVERSTORY
For Richards, the key point is relevancy: “The activities,” notes Richards. “That’s how far the
changing face of automotive technology pendulum has swung.”
doesn’t need to make motorsport less
This point about relevancy applies to far
relevant than it is today. In fact, I’m convinced
more than just electric powertrains and
that motorsport can be made even more
autonomous cars, however. “It isn’t as simple
relevant. What we’ve seen in recent times is
as that,” says Richards. “Motorsport has got
companies like my own and a number of F1
to be more relevant across the spectrum and
teams diversify into other areas away from
that isn’t limited to relevance in technical
motorsport with real success.”
terms. It also means relevance in terms of
The likes of Richards’ Prodrive, as well as society in general.
McLaren Applied Technologies and Williams
“Take education as an example. One of
Advanced Engineering, are now operating
our initiatives at Motorsport UK is the
in the automotive, aerospace, medical,
appointment of an education officer,
defence and marine industries, among others,
responsible for integrating motorsport into
applying the very same expertise and pace
the schools’ curriculum and making sure
of development that made them successful
university motorsport engineering courses
within motor racing and numerous other
deliver appropriate skill sets for the industry.”
fields. Or, to phrase it another way, ensuring
their own relevancy. “It is true that motorsport has encouraged
lots of young people into STEM subjects, but
“I recently spoke to somebody at board level
that’s happened in a reactive way; almost
within an F1 team who was questioning the
as a consequence. Looking to the future,
value of their F1 operation versus their other
Upwards of 40,000 people are
employed by the UK motorsport
sector, mostly in value-adding
engineering roles
Revolution - July 2019
26COVERSTORY
‘‘ “We’ve got to find
ways of encouraging
participation among
inner city youngsters,
among those with
Silverstone Classic
Motorsport UK is committed to a proactive
approach, in order to become much more
effective in this respect.
“Schools today are quite rightly focused on
curriculum subjects and we must ensure
that, where relevant, motorsport is integrated
within that curriculum.”
If there is a form of relevancy that matters
more to Richards than any other, it is
relevance to the country’s wider population.
Motorsport, he believes, must not be
blinkered any longer.
disabilities and the
“It needs to be more engaging,” he says.
“We can’t just talk to a small section of the
community who are privileged and affluent
50% of our population enough to be able to afford to go motor
racing. We’ve got to find ways of encouraging
who are female”
participation among inner city youngsters,
among those with disabilities and the 50% of
our population who are female. I complement
and applaud everything that’s been done
to date in these areas, but it’s time for
Motorsport UK to be more proactive.
Revolution - July 2019
27COVERSTORY
“By way of example, we’re ensuring that of power? David Richards believes it is, to
Motorsport UK’s committees, the Council and an extent. “There are certain members of
the Board itself are a far more diverse body Parliament and the House of Lords who
of people. Whilst experience is important are very aware of this,” he comments, “but
it’s no longer acceptable to rely on grey- ultimately we are a minority interest group.
haired, middle-aged gentlemen like myself to We need to be mindful of that.
determine the future of motorsport. We must
“If we’re going to exert any influence we
have a succession plan that embraces youth
have to become a broader-based body. We
and diversity.”
can’t just be perceived to be a small group
It has often been claimed that the motorsport of people who are very privileged. We’ve
industry in this country contributes a great got to make sure we are far more inclusive,
deal to UK plc. Figures issued annually by and a fundamental part of this is making
the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) motorsport more affordable.”
suggest this is as true today as it’s ever been,
This ties in with Motorsport UK’s new focus
the sector’s sales in 2018 totalling £10bn.
on grass-roots competition, as outlined
Upwards of 40,000 people are employed by
by Chief Executive Hugh Chambers in last
the UK motorsport sector, mostly in value-
month’s issue of Revolution. Richards says
adding engineering roles.
it’s time for the governing body to rethink its
What’s more, the motorsport sector ploughs approach: “There are two theories here. The
a substantial proportion of its turnover first says get the top of the sport right. Create
back into research and development. The great ambassadors, like Lewis Hamilton,
MIA’s figures put this at 25-30 per cent, far and you will create a new generation of
outstripping the amount that is reinvested competitors joining the sport at the bottom
even by innovation-heavy sectors such as the end. And that’s how the sport evolves.
pharmaceutical industry (15 per cent) and
engineering as a whole (four per cent).
“That’s all very well, and it’s the methodology
There can be no denying the sector’s that has been followed for some time, but it’s
contribution to the UK economy, but is not the only way.
this fact recognised within the corridors
“The second theory, the one I prefer, says that
British Grand Prix
28COVERSTORY
British Grand Prix
you must broaden the base of the sport and that gives UK motorsport the international
“The changing make it more accessible to a wider, more
diverse group of people, otherwise the route
recognition it deserves.
face of to the top gets narrower and narrower until it
“In fact, I believe Britain should be an
exemplar of everything that is so great
automotive “Lewis Hamilton said to me recently that he
falls away.
about motorsport at an international
level. We should host the big international
technology didn’t believe we’d ever see the day again series, whether it’s F1, the World Rally
doesn’t need where a youngster and his father from
Stevenage get to the top of F1. Unless those
Championship, the World Rallycross
Championship or the World Endurance
to make offearushe’s
with the power to do so make changes, I
absolutely right.”
Championship. That’s the case today and
ensuring it remains the case in the future is
motorsport By winning once again at Silverstone this Lewis Hamilton
less relevant month, Hamilton became the British GP’s wins a record sixth
British Grand Prix
most successful ever driver. And he did so just
than it is days after F1 rights holder Liberty Media and
today. In fact, Silverstone’s owner, the British Racing Drivers’
Club (BRDC), jointly announced a contract
I’m convinced extension for the next five years.
that The future of Britain’s round of the series had
been thrown into some doubt when the BRDC
motorsport triggered a contract break clause in 2017.
can be made This year’s event was the last of the existing
contract, but the new arrangement means F1
even more will return to the Northamptonshire circuit
until 2024 at least, stabilising the British
relevant” Grand Prix for the foreseeable future.
“My personal view is that it’s essential to the
health of British motorsport that we host a
Formula 1 Grand Prix every year,” comments
Richards. “I’m delighted an agreement has
been reached. The Grand Prix is a halo event
Revolution - July 2019
29COVERSTORY
“My personal view
is that it’s essential
to the health of
British motorsport
that we host a
Formula 1 Grand
Prix every year”
British Grand Prix
one of our specific targets. and make our sport more inclusive and
affordable, in order to avoid it becoming the
“Perhaps more importantly, we’ve also
domain of the privileged few.”
got to look at all aspects of motorsport at
grassroots level. Something we should never As the automotive sector and the role of
forget is that 95 per cent of motorsport in the car in society evolves, motorsport in
this country is at a club level. It is simply this country faces as many challenges as
for fun. In my view we’ve burdened these it does opportunities. But every month of
competitors with unnecessary bureaucracy the year, the work that’s being done within
and complex rules and regulations, when all Motorsport UK continues to ensure Britain
they really want to do is go out and have a retains its status as a global leader; but, just
bit of fun in their motor cars. as importantly, the sport continues to thrive
at Club level. Never more so than in July.
“When I talk about this to participants
and clubs, they get it immediately. They
understand why we have to embrace change
Revolution - July 2019
30FEATURE
SOME
HEROES
WEAR
OVERALLS
The Goodwood Festival of
Speed and British Grand Prix
are highlights of the year for
marshals, just as they are for
fans. To find out what life is like
‘on the bank’, we met three of
the most experienced marshals
on the scene.
Revolution - July 2019
32FEATURE
Words: Dan Trent. Photographs: Drew Gibson, Max Earey and Jakob Ebrey.
Motorsport UK Chairman, David Richards CBE,
meets the newly married Mr and Mrs McCloud.
Standing out in all weathers, running race licence upgrade; an interaction with the
across knee-deep gravel traps in heavy
work boots to push stranded cars, dealing
folks in orange too few drivers explore, and
one that will come as a real eye-opener for
“Lifelong
with competitors when the red mist has
descended and they’ve just crashed their
any competitor. friendships
pride and joy – all this, and a constant risk
to life and limb, are part and parcel of the
Two consistent themes come through talking
to the marshals. – even
motorsport marshal’s life. One is the huge sense of pride in the job
they do, and the rigour of the training that
marriages –
And yet these brave volunteers keep coming
back, dedicating huge chunks of their spare
equips them with the skills required to do
this physically demanding and – potentially –
have been
time to keep motorsport alive and everyone
involved safe and secure.
dangerous job.
The second is the sense of camaraderie
formed
What makes them do it? And how can we,
as competitors, help them in their many and
and community, and the social side of an
activity that unites folk from all walks of life
among the
varied jobs? I thought I’d talk to a few to find
out.
with a common sense of purpose. Lifelong
friendships – even marriages – have been
marshals”
From a driver’s perspective I’ve benefitted formed among the marshals.
hugely from the help of marshals; whether
Silverstone regular Pam McCloud tied the
it’s something as simple as being in the right
knot with her long-time partner at Towcester
place at the right time on the grid, or after
registry office the Thursday before this year’s
it’s all gone a bit wrong and I’ve needed a
British Grand Prix, before swapping her
helping hand to get back on track.
wedding dress for orange overalls; her new
I’ve also had a brief taste of life behind the husband by her side at her post. Not your
barriers when I was after signatures for a conventional honeymoon perhaps, but a sign
Revolution - July 2019
33FEATURE
of how committed these volunteers are to the was talking about the marshals running to
sport – and people – they love. the cars and saying these people are all
volunteers and I thought ‘that sounds like
“I’ve been marshalling 34 years now – far
fun’, and that was it.”
longer than any other job I’ve had!”, laughs
Peter Greenhalgh, fresh from his role as He now marshals throughout the year in a
deputy Chief Incident Officer at the British variety of roles, mostly at Silverstone, but
Grand Prix. A local to Silverstone, his dad further afield when opportunity arise. Fitting
prepared race cars in his spare time and, from in training days through the off-season,
an early age, he was spending his time at the all the while holding down a job as an IT
circuit and immersed in the sport. manager.
“I remember one touring car race. I must have Newly-married Pam, meanwhile, got into
‘‘
been 18 or so, and there was this big pile-up,” marshalling with her now-husband. “Thruxton
he says. “The commentator on the tannoy is our local circuit and we’d always gone
along to events. One day we saw a stand
asking for volunteers and we thought ‘shall
I’VE BEEN MARSHALLING 34 we give it a go?’” she recalls.
YEARS NOW – FAR LONGER ‘‘ That was eight years ago, and in the time
since the couple have built an entire network
THAN ANY OTHER JOB I’VE HAD! through motorsport. “You meet different
Revolution - July 2019
34FEATURE
people everywhere, we have a great circle of
friends - you’ll always turn up at a circuit and
meet someone,” she says.
London-based Dot Utowa got into
marshalling off her own bat, having grown
up a petrolhead and deciding the next best
thing to competing was to help run races
herself. She’s progressed to the point where
she’s now a specialist Pit Lane marshal
and clerk, often to be found at events like
the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Members’
Meeting and Revival, but also further afield,
marshalling across a variety of motorsport
disciplines.
“No two days are the same,” she says, “it’s
all about the atmoshpere. Being a people-
person, I get to meet all sorts of different
folk.”
Even from my brief time ‘on the bank’ I
got a sense of what attracts people to this
often unsung and frequently misunderstood
component of the motorsport machine.
Marshalling involves long days, often in
exposed positions with no shelter from
wind, rain or sun. There are extended periods
where not a lot happens, interspersed with
moments of frantic activity, even potential
peril.
Revolution - July 2019
35FEATURE
admitting they sometimes know a car is
going off before the driver has realised
themselves. But there’s a serious side to this
too – indeed their very lives can depend on it.
“When you get to your post the senior
marshal will check everyone knows what they
are doing and we all discuss escape routes
and so on. I was at an event recently with a
trainee and two Clios crashed just metres
away from us, but I’d been listening to the
commentary and knew they were battling
hard along the Pit Straight and something
might happen. So, when it did, we were ready
for it and we knew which way to run.”
Preparation, training and shared expertise
underpin all aspects of marshalling too,
whether that be knowing where to stand,
what kit to bring on the day or even what to
drink.
“Avoid Coca-Cola,” advises Peter in one piece
of sage advice. “It doesn’t sit well on the
stomach when you’re running across a gravel
trap! You can’t expect to have a lunch break,
so bring food and snacks. And you always
Maintaining spirits through all this comes need to be prepared for all seasons in one
They down to those friendships, the banter, sharing
stories and snacks and – literally – watching
day.”
And what of comfort breaks? “You have to be
sometimes each other’s backs. They all love the sport
and are passionate about motor racing, but
conscious that once a race starts you’re not
going to be able to leave your post,” he says.
know a car for all that, nominate the friendships and
community as the main reason they keep
“So, you need to think about that versus your
liquid intake!”
is going off coming back.
In the heat of the moment there are jobs to
before the And if you dared to think it was all about
getting the best seat in the house, be
do and training to fall back on. But in the
aftermath of an incident there are other
driver has prepared for a rude awakening. “You are
closer to the action,” admits Peter, “but the key
factors to consider, like what to do with two
drivers who may be fired up and ready to
realised message is once you become a marshal you
stop being a spectator.
knock seven bells out of each other. Keeping
them apart and talking them down is a skill
themselves I was at Castle Combe earlier in the year
and standing 10 feet away from cars going
in itself, but all part of the job.
If Pam, Peter and Dot agree on one thing too,
over 100mph – you are trained to do things it’s the importance of drivers and competitors
properly and learn the risks. So, if you want spending more time with marshals -
to continue as a spectator, don’t become a something I can attest to after my experience
marshal!” at Snetterton.
That’s not to say the guys in orange aren’t I learned a lot about the commitment and
enjoying the spectacle. “Marshals are the seriousness with which these guys take their
best armchair commentators,” laughs Pam, job. And the verbal to-and-fro was fun. But
Revolution - July 2019
36FEATURE
hearing a driver’s perspective informally in Little things like drivers waving to marshals
these settings, or at training sessions, offers on cool-down laps might seem like nothing,
marshals valuable insight into how they but they mean the world to the folks with
can work more effectively – and therefore the flags. “We love it when we know we’re
improve everybody’s safety. appreciated,” says Pam. “We have long days,
sometimes the weather is foul, but we choose
“When I give my drivers’ briefing I use the
to do it and the best thing is the marshals
word respect a lot,” says Dot. “I tell them I
feel recognised.”
don’t expect them to arrive at every corner
blurting out R-E-S-P-E-C-T, but whether it’s The message here is clear – drivers and
fellow competitors, marshals, officials or marshals alike can all benefit from having
media, we all deserve to be treated properly.” a closer relationship. And if competitors, at
all levels, are willing to share a little time
“The opportunity to have drivers with us is
and expertise with those giving their time to
the best thing,” agrees Peter. “I don’t care
make events run safely and smoothly, it’s to
if you’re at the back or the front, I want to
the good of everyone.
see you guys racing. You’ve spent time and
money to be out there and I don’t want to see And if you can’t do that? Always, always,
you stuck. If you have a problem we want to always give them a wave.
get you racing again.”
Revolution - July 2019
37FEATURE
“No two days are the same.
It’s all about the atmosphere
and, being a people-person, I get
to meet all sorts of different folk”
Further Information
If you’re interested in volunteering your time, visit www.motorsportuk.org/get-started/volunteering.
38CORNER
CLUB
Cornwall Motorsport Month - metre stretch of the coastal road, an extension of
130 metres over the previous year, and spectator
September 2019 areas have been reconfigured to offer onlookers a
This month’s Club Corner isn’t about an individual better view of the action.
motor club, but a 14-strong cooperative of Cornish Throughout the month and across the county
clubs. They’re working together to stage Cornwall there’ll be off-roading events, kart races, drifting
Motorsport Month this September, the first time displays, drag racing and competition on two
such an initiative has been held across a county. It wheels, as well as a drive-in cinema at Watergate
incorporates 31 events in total, some pre-existing Bay on the 13th that’ll show the James Hunt and
but a number of them new to the calendar this year. Niki Lauda biopic, Rush. Cornwall Motorsport
“The initial idea came from a meeting with David Month gets underway with the two-day Motorfest
Richards,” says organiser Kevin Moore. “It started off (it starts on the 31st of August) in Crantock, also
modestly but the idea gathered momentum, more near to Newquay. Numerous car clubs will be in
people got involved and it’s grown into something attendance displaying classic and modern sports
quite ambitious. The various clubs have been car, along with automotive and motor racing
working together really well, which has been great traders. Camel Vale Motor Club will be holding an
to see.” autotest during Motorfest; run on a taster permit,
it’ll allow members of the public to try their hand at
The flagship event will be the Watergate Bay autotesting, in the club’s own cars, without the need
Hillclimb, which runs on the 14th and 15th of for a competition licence.
the month on the north coast, close to Newquay.
With panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean the “The main reason for staging Cornwall Motorsport
hillclimb, held for the first time last year, is already Month is to raise awareness of the various
one of the most spectacular events of its type motorsport activities that run across the county,”
anywhere in the country. “It ran beautifully last says Kevin. “By September the holiday season is
year but I know improvements have been made starting to draw to a close, so as much as anything
for 2019,” says Kevin. “Entries were sold out within this is a big PR exercise to help extend it for a little
hours.” The course will run this year along an 850 while longer. The local communities have been
enormously supportive of it, as has the local press.
“This year’s event will be the first, but it won’t be
the last. We really want this initiative to take off a
grow. We already have plans for next year’s Cornwall
Motorsport Month, which will be even bigger and
better.” To find out more visit
www.cornwallmotorsportmonth.com.
INFORMATION
September 2019
Events: 31
Starts: 31st August
cornwallmotorsportmonth.com
Revolution - July 2019
39Revolution - July 2019
40PHOTO DIARY Formula 1 British Grand Prix
My first Grand Prix
We gave 2018 Motorsport UK Young Photographer of the Year, Michael Holden, the chance to be
a pool photographer at the British Grand Prix. Check out his photos and diary from the event.
Day one Day two
So here we are then – my first ever Formula 1 event. I’m a So first day of track action for the F1 cars today. This was
little bit nervous, but incredibly excited to capture such a going to be a whole new experience for me, so I went in
prestigious event. I think this is going to be a bit different to with an open mind.
the clubbie meeting I covered last Saturday at my local track… For FP1 I positioned myself around the Becketts complex,
as I’ve noticed in the past they produce some amazing
My first taste of Formula 1 began in amazing style, with
sparks here – an absolute must for the portfolio! I also got
Jenson Button taking the Brawn GP001 (the car that won him
some great insight from fellow photographer Jakob Ebrey.
the 2009 title) round the track for a few hot laps. Absolute
Apparently FP1 is the best time to get the ‘spark shots’ as they
fever! I wish I saw the V8 cars when they were around, so this
are carrying a lot more fuel than normal. Plus, the sparks show
was a bonus to the day.
up best when it is cloudy rather than when the sun is out. For
Then it was time to wander round the paddock and find some once I was wanting dull clouds for a change!
drivers. It was surreal at first, as everywhere I looked there
Onto FP2 and this time I moved to the Luffield area. Already
were F1 legends all over the place – Johnny Herbert, Mika
the grandstands are brimming (it’s only Friday afternoon!),
Häkkinen, I could go on… then out of the blue Sebastian Vettel
meaning plenty of colour to experiment with and the chance
and Lewis Hamilton pop out of nowhere! Shortly after it was
to do some creative panning shots around the area. I did try
time to dash to the press conference, not everyday you’re in
another location but that didn’t work out, so I made an early
the same room with five Formula 1 drivers.
retreat to the paddock. Then yet again, a flurry of F1 stars were
To finish the day, I checked out what was happening with all in arm’s length. This is one part of the event I am enjoying
the Sky F1 show. It was at this point I realised how amazing the most – being able to get a wide selection of candid shots
the British Grand Prix crowd is. The buzz they generate is of drivers past and present, it all adds to
remarkable, I’ve still got goose bumps just thinking about it! the story.
But once Hamilton shows it is off the scale. I can’t begin to
Qualifying is on tomorrow’s agenda. Having got a feel for how
imagine what the atmosphere will be like in the coming days.
the F1 sessions unfold, I am keen to develop my learning and
And before I know it, the day has finished. Today has gone soak up another brilliant day at the British Grand Prix.
super quick but it has been an unforgettable introduction
to Formula 1. I’m looking forward to seeing the cars on
track tomorrow!
Revolution - July 2019
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