National Motorsport Week a huge success

“The inaugural National Motorsport Week (August 12-20) achieved far more than we could ever have hoped,” said Chris Aylett, Chief Executive of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA).

“Our concept was simple – ‘take a mate to motorsport’, ie introduce people to the sport we love so they can experience the fun and excitement firsthand. Everybody did their bit, from manufacturers who opened their doors to visitors, to event organisers who went out of their way to encourage fresh faces.”

Charity golf tournament including Nigel Mansell hits the spot
The week teed off with the ‘MIA Masters of Golf’ tournament – a Pro-Am event that gave motorsport industry members the chance to play with kings of the track such as Nigel Mansell, Derek Warwick and Riccardo Patrese, before being transferred to Silverstone to watch them practice for the Grand Prix Masters race.

The golf proceeds went to the MIA Motorsport Foundation, the charity adopted by Grand Prix Masters and the body behind National Motorsport Week. The Foundation’s ‘Putting it back’ logo was proudly displayed on the Grand Prix Masters’ two-seater demo racer and the overalls of the lucky passengers.

Star passenger – Katie Melua
Top selling female singer Katie Melua is a star example of what National Motorsport Week is all about. She was performing at the Grand Prix Masters event at Silverstone on August 13, was treated to a ride in the two-seater, and enjoyed it so much she now wants to race herself!

There was evidence of support among the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) runners, where Team RAC displayed National Motorsport Week stickers on both their MGs.

Top racing car manufacturer Lola Cars held an open day at their Huntingdon facility. Communications Manager Sam Smith said, “We had 65 people here in total, many of whom had no experience of any type of racing. It was a very rewarding two days for both the guests and our staff.”

Innovative interactive calendar and wallpaper
Many participants in the week took advantage of an innovative interactive calendar and wallpaper which could be downloaded from the National Motorsport Week website. Through the ‘screenza’ software provided by Lateral Syncing, fans were even able to add information and upload their own photos for others to enjoy.

Typical feedback included, “I never knew just how many motorsport events there were in the UK. You normally only hear about the big stuff like Formula One and occasionally some rallying, but it is great to see all the info in one place.” This included details on everything from the Welsh Automotive Forum exhibition in Cardiff and the Oxford Motor Club ‘Scatter’, through to the launch of Mattel’s new radio controlled Hot Wheels toy car range. There were hundreds of related events in total.

Firm foundations for the future
Everywhere the message was clear - motorsport offers great challenges, great camaraderie and great fun. National Motorsport Week received extensive national media coverage and the response from everyone involved was very encouraging. Firm foundations have been laid for developing the concept and exciting plans are already under way for 2007.

Said Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the Motor Sports Association (MSA), which did so much to inspire the members of its 700-plus affiliated motor clubs, “We were delighted with the response of our clubs to National Motorsport Week. Despite the short notice, the concept was warmly welcomed and endorsed, with many clubs and organisations making special arrangements to open up the sport to new audiences. We look forward to agreeing the plans for next year and helping to develop the initiative into a high profile annual event.”