It's not just the current national public health
situation which is worrying, nor is it just the cessation of our sport in our
leisure time, but the longer term future. Last November Motorsport UK published
its 2020 Investment Strategy, but with one third of its staff now on furlough
that might just be delayed somewhat.
Earlier this year came another proclamation. In February they published
a guide on how to get started in rallying where potential newcomers were urged
not to spend too much money on their cars and kit. That struck a chord in the
pockets of rallyists right across the country. Over the years the governing body
has sought to restrict the use of 'clubman' cars and home-built 'specials' urging
competitors to go down the 'homologated' route whilst kit prices have gone
through the roof due to 'lifeing' and additional mandatory safety requirements.
So it's difficult to advocate thrift when costs are continually rising.
The latest missive from the south is an offer of access to a £1m fund
to support clubs. Motorsport UK is offering to financially assist clubs which
have been affected by the shutdown, but only after they have exhausted all
other means of funding through central government and regional Sports Councils.
But since the Scottish Government will only deal with 'governing bodies' we
will have no access to that central funding. Here in Scotland we might have had
a chance through the Edinburgh based Scottish Motor Sports - but oh, wait a
minute, Motorsport UK have pulled out of that partnership so it is no longer
available to us.
Admittedly we shot ourselves in the foot with that one. We didn't make
full use of it while it was there. You only have to look at the disappointing
numbers of clubs and individual who participated in the SMS club development
schemes.
Given his early rallying background there were hopes for more with DR
in charge, but the biggest obvious decision the new-look Motorsport UK has made
so far is selling off the Colnbrook site and moving to a 'cheaper' location at
Bicester.
Much work has also been done on the governing body's finances and
whilst we may not like it, it has certainly put the brakes on past profligacy
and misdirection.
Neither is separation the answer, but devolution offers a chance to create
a strong representative body and work WITH Motorsport UK to achieve our joint aims.
In the absence of SMS, perhaps the Scottish Association of Motor Sport Clubs might
provide a way forward?
First task on the agenda would be to get individual clubs and organising
teams to work together. No easy task! The SRC has a committee as does the STRC,
but from an outsider's point of view, many of these teams still put their own club
and event interests first, way ahead of the sport's collective interests.
As I see it we've got 8 months to concentrate efforts and ensure that
there is a 2021 rallying season.
I'll probably get shot down for this outburst - so be it. Fire away -
but please read the full article before you load up!
NOTE: This is a much
shortened version of the full article (Link below) with all the facts and opinions:
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