There was another thought provoking column (I might
be ever so slightly biased!) in 'Motorsport News' a couple of weeks back, here
is the full version. It was titled 'Cost is a Deterrent' but that was only the
start ...
The news that 14-17 year olds will be able to contest forest rallies is
certainly most welcome. The current scheme based on single venue events and 1
litre cars has proved the viability and attraction of the idea. This latest
initiative will open it up further and hopefully attract more participants and
generate new interest.
New interest is needed. Even with the 'GoMotorsport' scheme, motor
sport is struggling to attract and retain new blood compared to many other popular
and more easily accessible sports.
There are currently around 30,000 MSA competition licence holders in
the UK. Oddly enough the same number as over 20 years ago, in 1996. In the
early 1980s the total number of competition licence holders was estimated to be
around 36,000.
Although the decline in numbers appears to have been halted, the failure
to attract significant numbers of youngsters must be a concern to us all.
Despite all the effort being expended on attracting newcomers to the sport,
there is still one major obstacle. Cost.
That is one reason so many older participants are entering and
re-entering the sport in their historic, classic or period machinery. They have
made their money and can afford it. Take those numbers into account compared to
newcomers taking up the sport, the failure to attract the X-Box generation
becomes even more worrying.
The stagnant number of Competition licence holders reflects the fact
that the sport is difficult to enter and expensive once you get there. It could
also be argued that motor sport is inherently unfair. Those with a bigger
budget always have an advantage.
That's why the cost of participation in this sport must always be constantly
re-appraised. The news that the MSA is considering a review of the competition seat
and seat belt 'lifing' rule is to be welcomed. Instead of blithely adopting FIA
rules and recommendations, surely it is up to each individual country's own
National Sporting Authority to question whether these are right for the amateur
level sport in their own country. Maybe Brexit could have a silver lining for
British motor sport?
On that basis, motor sporting rules require a regular clear-out.
Instead of constantly adding to the burden we should be seeking ways to change
it and make it more affordable. Road car autotests and autosolos are a great idea, but the minute you move away
from standard road cars and add 'timing and speed' to any type of event requires more money to
be spent on personal safety equipment and more car modifications to be implemented.
Safety is cited as the reason for much of this, but we all know that
motor sport carries an element of danger which can never be eliminated, no
matter how many precautions are introduced. It should be recognised and
understood that this is also part of the appeal, and despite the risk element,
motor sport has a better safety record than some other sporting pursuits.
Life without risk is like an engine without a spark, you need fire and
a bang to make it go.
