4th August 2004 (Source: MD-UK )
The value of projects supported by the Motorsport Development Board in 2004 has passed £1million after it agreed to back a new batch of cluster development activities at its recent meeting in Birmingham.
- £20,000 to research work-based learning requirements (including motorcycle sport)
- £52,220 to create an online recruitment portal
- £100,000 to set up the Motorsport Academy for its launch in 2005
- £80,000 to support Dr Steve Bunkhall and the Motorsport Industry Association to manage the energy efficient motorsport project for a further six months.
The Board also ratified the appointment of co-ordinators to develop its target areas for widening participation in motorsport: Cruise Sport, karting, motorcycles, off-road motorsport, women and disabled participants.
With its business development plans also being published shortly, the Board is setting a hot pace in implementing the recommendations made last year by the DTI Motorsport Competitiveness Panel.
New chairman Bob Gilbert said, "The Board is making rapid progress in addressing key industry needs and I will ensure that we maintain that momentum".
Notes for Editors
1. The Motorsport Development Board provides industry and sporting leadership and direction on a five years programme to sustain and develop the UK motorsport cluster, based on the recommendations of the Motorsport Competitiveness Panel.
2. The co-ordinators for the widening participation activities are:
| Cruise Sport | Vicki Squirrel | British Racing Sports Car Club |
| Karting | Bruce Goddard | Motor Sports Association |
| Motorcycle Sport and Off Road Motorsport | Dave Luscombe | Auto Cycle Union |
| Women in Motorsport | Jonathan Webster | Motorsport Industry Association |
| Disabled in Motorsport | To be appointed |
3. The members of the Motorsport Development Board are:
| Bob Gilbert | Chairman |
| Mike Baunton | Perkins Engines (joint deputy chair) |
| Roger Putnam | Ford UK (joint deputy chair) |
| Chris Aylett | Motorsport Industry Association |
| Robert Fearnall | Association of Motor Racing Circuit Owners |
| Alan Gow | Motorsport Strategy Development Group |
| John Grant | Motor Sports Association |
| Alex Hooton | British Racing Drivers Club |
| George Lendrum | Pi Research |
| Professor Garel Rhys | Cardiff Business School |
| David Richards | Prodrive |
4. The Government Motorsport Unit leads the government’s sector sponsorship of motorsport.
Media contact: Rachael Dewis. Tel:
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