CEO’ s Message
We finished the day with a walk through the marshals’ campsite. David and I spent time talking with volunteers who had travelled from all over the UK, and in some cases much further afield, to be part of the event. Their enthusiasm for the sport, and the pride they took in playing their part, was unmistakable.
That sense of commitment was recognised just before the British Grand Prix on the Sunday when George Russell presented the Pirelli British Grand Prix Marshal of the Year Award to Dorothy Uwota, our Chief Pit Lane Marshal. Dorothy has volunteered at 26 consecutive British Grand Prix.
Her award recognised an exceptional individual contribution, but it also reflected the work of thousands of volunteers across the country. Every weekend they are marshalling rallies, staffing rescue units, scrutineering cars, running
Hugh Chambers, with Susie Wolff, Andy Meyrick, George Russell, and Derek Warwick at the launchOf the BRDC
Driver Academy powered by Motorsport UK
signing-on, organising paddocks, and carrying out dozens of other roles that most competitors and spectators never notice.
Investment in the future extends well beyond elite drivers. Britain’ s motorsport industry contributes around £ 16 billion to the UK economy and supports approximately 50,000 highly skilled jobs. It is recognised around the world for its expertise in engineering, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation, with knowledge that increasingly transfers into sectors far beyond motorsport itself such as the defence industry.
It was therefore particularly encouraging to welcome the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle MP, to Motorsport UK’ s headquarters at Bicester Motion. Our discussions ranged from the contribution motorsport makes to the UK economy through to skills, engineering and the opportunities
JEP presented by emerging technologies. It was a valuable reminder that motorsport is not simply entertainment or elite competition; it is also a sector that contributes significantly to Britain’ s industrial capability and international reputation.
National Motorsport Week also celebrates the Goodwood Festival of Speed, another event that celebrates the breadth of our sport. It brings together manufacturers, competitors, engineers, clubs, volunteers and enthusiasts in a way that few events can, demonstrating that British motorsport is defined not by a single championship but by the strength of the whole community.
Looking back over National Motorsport Week, what struck me most was how closely all these elements are connected. A new driver academy investing in tomorrow’ s talent. A World Champion taking time to read the names on the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy. Volunteers gathering from across the country to play their part. A Chief Marshal receiving recognition before the British Grand Prix. Government recognising the importance of our engineering capability. Goodwood celebrating both history and innovation.
Formula 1 may be the pinnacle of our sport, but it is not the reason Britain leads the world. It is the result of everything beneath it: strong clubs, committed volunteers, talented competitors, world-leading engineering businesses, and a community that continues to invest in its own future. If National Motorsport Week encourages more people to become part of that community, then it will have achieved exactly what it set out to do.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable month of motorsport ahead
Hugh Chambers CEO, Motorsport UK
Revolution Magazine 05