STEPHEN LICKORISH

Something had to change. There has been a gradual, but constant decline, in the number of competition licence holders in the UK over the last few years and, without this being addressed, motorsport in this country would die a slow death.

When David Richards and Hugh Chambers took over as chairman and chief executive, respectively, of what was then the Motor Sports Association, they recognised this and have focused on improving the grassroots of the sport to encourage new people to participate. And Motorsport UK has done some good work in this area already. Take the increased life of belts and seats in rallying and the launch of a wide-ranging and extensive benefits programme for members. All steps in the right direction.

The investment strategy the governing body has adopted for 2020 and beyond is also very positive. It highlights key areas to focus on, including the promotion of the sport, recruitment and training of new volunteers (including the vital marshals), and adoption of new technologies and forward-thinking ideas.

Obviously, all of those worthy initiatives cost money. In some cases, lots of money. And so attention turned to ways that Motorsport UK can increase its income. In that regard it’s looking to attract sponsorship and is offering consultancy services to events around the world. But there also comes the tetchy subject of licence and event permit fee rises.

First of all, it’s important to remember that it’s in the interest of every single licence holder in the UK that Motorsport UK’S plan for the future works – otherwise the prospect of there being no motorsport in this country becomes more real.

As much as everybody hates price rises no matter what the scenario, it does at least make sense for everybody to pay that little bit more for the good of the sport. Especially bearing in mind the discounts available to members, an increased level of personal accident insurance cover as part of the licence and those aged 45-60 will no longer need to fork out for a costly annual medical.

But what makes those price rises less palatable and a harder sell is when the distribution of those increases appears unfair. You would reasonably expect those with international licences, more serious drivers, to be more wealthy and therefore foot a larger chunk of the bill. Sadly, that’s not the case. While the bottom-level Interclub licence has increased by a significant 55%, the top International A has gone up by just the 3%.

It’s a similar story with event permit fees – the Clubmans permit has been scrapped for circuit race meetings and that again hits the grassroots. Understandably, the clubs are concerned and will have to pass these costs onto their drivers.

The big question is whether or not this could be a tipping point for those considering hanging up their helmet and push them into doing so. Motorsport UK are confident it won’t be, but that remains to be seen.

What do you make of the changes?

Let us know by emailing letters@motorsport-news.co.uk