Cross country events may take place‘ out of sight’ so attracting new members needs special consideration
JAMES ROBERTS same in Car Trials, and in Sporting Trials. It’ s not something you are going to be able to jump in the car and win. You can drive, but you’ re not going to win – so we need to see how to make it appeal to all different levels.”
Fowler can cite endless examples of CoE use by different clubs. Recently, he worked with North Devon Motor Club over many months to help celebrate their 80th anniversary with a weekend of Trial, Autotest and Targa demonstrations. A discussion with an Austin Seven Club, meanwhile, led to plans for an Autotest type event to encourage more youngsters to join in.
It’ s the ability to adapt and explore different ways of doing events that he sees as being crucial for the future, as while the environment around motorsport is changing, the core principles remain the same.“ A lot of people say,‘ it’ s very difficult, it’ s very expensive’ but people have always said that” he notes.“ Even 30 years ago they were saying that – but people still find a way to do it.
“ Things change – there are less Road Rallies now because roads are busy all hours and the general public don’ t accept it so much – but Autotests and Car Trials are brilliant ways to find new members, and they are easy to set up and run. If clubs register with StreetCar to attract new competitors in road cars, invite other clubs in the area, and make sure it’ s in the local Association Calendar and on social media, people will come.”
BRINGING CLUBS TOGETHER Ultimately, the ability to put on events is limited by time and personnel – but that can easily be overcome through club collaborations. Fowler encourages clubs to work together, even when they are involved in different disciplines – such as Car Trials clubs talking to
Cross Country people, or an Autocross organiser speaking to a race or kart track.
“ Often two events can run at one venue at the same time, sharing all the facilities and the costs,” he explains.“ I remember once speaking to a club and the guy was saying,‘ oh, nobody wants to do our events, I don’ t know why,’ so I put him in touch with another club that was doing well in promotion and they joined forces.
“ They set up an Autotest Championship at a race circuit and it really took off. Lots of people came, it was a real success and both clubs ended up with more competitors – so it goes to show, it only takes one piece of inspiration and things can change around.”
For further advice and support with Clubsport events email clubsport @ motorsportuk. org
Revolution Magazine 35