Motorsport UK’s move to make motorsport more accessible
Motorsport UK is planning to move to Bicester Heritage, a component part of Bicester Motion, next year, in a bid to make motorsport more accessible.
As a major extension of the Bicester Heritage site, and as part of the larger Bicester Motion project, Motorsport UK’s office will be located in the New Technical Site, which will provide purpose-built units in addition to the existing buildings on the historic site. The headquarters of Motorsport UK, the sole national governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the UK as recognised by the FIA and comprising around 750 affiliated motor clubs, will be among the first to be completed in this development.
The move reflects a wider long-term vision for Motorsport UK to promote the sport and to engage with new audiences as well as delivering benefits to the clubs and grassroots of the sport.
Motorsport UK has been based in Colnbrook, near Heathrow airport, since 1988 in a location that has become increasingly remote from the needs of its members. By contrast, Bicester Motion was launched to the automotive world as a hub for enthusiasts of the past present and future of the car to meet, work and enjoy their automotive passions.
“This move to Bicester is a clear symbol of the ambition of Motorsport UK,” said Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive of Motorsport UK: “Our vision is of a nation inspired by the past, present and future of motorsport. The whole concept of Bicester Motion certainly provides the backdrop for us to deliver on that vision. There are clear synergies between the objectives of Motorsport UK and Bicester Motion, particularly in terms of engaging the public with the automobile and more specifically, motorsport.
“Not only does it make perfect sense geographically, but the relocation is designed to be cost-neutral, so it is a fantastic opportunity for Motorsport UK to make a move which is long overdue.
Further down the line, there are plans for Motorsport UK to operate training, testing and potential licensed sprint meets on the proposed track facilities, which will provide the opportunity to host events for the sport, and create community gatherings. The venue will also provide opportunities for the development of commercial relationships in technology, medical, sport development and training as well as education. Motorsport UK’s vision for the site is to create a centre of excellence in motorsport.
Chambers added: “The location, in the heart of ‘Motorsport Valley’, will allow us greater access to the motorsport talent pool, and enable us to more effectively develop our commercial relationships, as well as being logistically more suitable for the governance of the sport.
Local plans for a hotel and conference complex, the centre for technology businesses and driving experiences will enable Motorsport UK to engage its clubs, members and the wider motorsport community. It aims to showcase the sport to the public and inspire a growth in engagement, said Chambers.
Daniel Geoghegan, Chief Executive of Bicester Motion commented: “The partnership between Bicester Motion and Motorsport UK enables both organisations to address the advances in the automotive sector and motorsport, providing vision and resource for the future.”