Why we need 'National Motorsport Week'

The UK motorsport industry leads the world, but needs more business on home soil. The more UK motorsport activity there is, the more work and jobs there will be for our industry. So, the undisguised aim of National Motorsport Week (NMW) is to help grow the sport for the benefit of the industry.

NMW introduces newcomers to every facet of the sport and demonstrates to them that it is:

1. A fantastic pastime in which they should participate
2. Far more open and accessible than most imagine

The latter point is key. Motorsport has the reputation of being elitist and unaffordable yet, in most cases, it is neither. Yes, budgets for a season of F3 or even Formula Ford are pretty eye-watering, but it doesn't cost a great deal to go hill climbing, sprinting, club racing or grass track and banger racing. The fact is, there is a huge amount of affordable fun to be had within the world of grassroots motorsport. The problem is getting that message over to those who might wish to participate, when the national media is focused on F1.

Ironically, the 'Hamilton Factor' is a double-edged sword in this regard. Single-handedly, Lewis has increased interest in and coverage for motorsport out of all recognition. That's the good news. The danger is that because he's so gifted and competing in the surreal megabucks world of F1, most people, while greatly enjoying the spectacle he creates, see his success as confirmation that motorsport is beyond their reach.

Enter NMW. It is through this annual feast of national motorsport that we can marry people's aspirations with reality. It is a ready-made platform for the motorsport industry to help itself – to do everything in its power to attract new spectators, drivers, engineers, photographers, marketers, sponsors etc, and so increase the demand for its products and services.

Said Chris Aylett, CEO of the MIA, "We secured massive support for this year's week from across the motorsport spectrum - from Jenson Button and Stirling Moss to Honda F1 and the Cirencester Car Club! We are already working with the MSA to deliver next year's NMW (the dates are August 9-17) and I urge all those working in the motorsport industry to join us and maximise this great opportunity for all concerned."

For further information or early guidance on what type of contributions companies can make, email clare.stone@the-mia.com.