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24^th March 2004 (Source: MIA )

The Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS) initiative originally instigated by the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) has entered a new phase with the appointment of Dr Steve Bunkhall of Cambridge University as Project Leader. Dr Bunkhall will now spearhead a series of fresh activities in relation to the development and promotion of energy-efficient motorsport.

The appointment was made by the Motorsport Development Board (MDB), which was established on the recommendation of the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Motorsport Competitiveness Panel in 2003. Dr Bunkhall will be supported by Pim van Baarsen of the MIA, who has been deeply involved with EEMS activities over the last three years.

"Success in motorsport is achieved by a combination of innovation, technical excellence and attention to detail," said Dr Bunkhall. "The work already done on EEMS suggests the exciting prospect of new technologies and regulations that will make motorsport even more relevant to the needs of car makers and their industry partners.

"Why not apply the imagination and speed of development exemplified by the UK motorsport industry to help the environment? That is the challenge for EEMS and I am delighted to have been invited by the Motorsport Development Board to help develop these ideas."

The appointment is funded through the Government Motorsport Unit (GMU), which links the motorsport-related activities of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Culture Media and Sport with those of the 'Motorsport Valley' Regional Development Agencies.

EEMS activities have been growing over recent years, and a lot of work has already been done by Government and motorsport industry organisations, as well as by interested companies and individuals. This effort culminated in the Clean Racing Conference organised by the MIA in October 2003.

Despite the activity that has already been undertaken and the wealth of ideas proposed, there is not yet a coherent plan for EEMS competition. The brief for the project team over the next six months is clear:

• To review and analyse the progress and thinking so far
• To report to the MDB with strategy options that will enable an effective plan to be created
• To create an organisation that will implement the plan in both the immediate future and in the longer-term

A core objective for EEMS is to engage the automotive industry in using motorsport to accelerate the development and public acceptance of alternative automotive technologies.

In the first instance, enquiries for information regarding EEMS activities and publications should be directed to Pim van Baarsen at the MIA (tel , or e-mail ). Information can also be downloaded from the MIA website: www.the-mia.com

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