Revolution May 2020
The official magazine of
GETTING MOTORSPORT BACK ON TRACK A PROPOSAL FOR RESTARTING MOTORSPORT
FEATURE MOTORSPORT MEDICS ON THE FRONTLINE
FEATURE MOTORSPORT UK ELECTRIFIES THE FUTURE
FEATURE MOTORSPORT INNOVATES IN LOCKDOWN
PLUS + NEWS + CLUB CORNER + RESULTS + WHAT’S ON
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CEO’s MESSAGE Hugh Chambers
“Our community is resilient and passionate, and we will re-emerge from the crisis stronger and more determined than ever” A little over two months ago motorsport in the UK, and worldwide, ground to a halt. I don’t know about you, but for me it feels a lifetime ago. In that time, everything that we had taken for granted in our daily lives has been thrown up in the air and reframed through the lens of COVID-19. It has often been said that the British character is at its strongest when backs are against the wall, and I think that our national spirit is best symbolised by Captain Tom Moore (shortly to be Sir Tom), who it turns out is a lifelong motorsport fan and has been for seventy years! But perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that Tom would connect with motorsport, for our sport exhibits the same spirit of ‘can-do’ and innovation that he symbolises. In this edition of the magazine we have a feature on the ways in which our industry is using one of its core skills, that of inventiveness, to help society beat the pandemic. Part of that has been engineering designs and contributions, illustrated by Williams, who have focused their efforts on resolving the supply chain issues with ventilators; but much of what has been achieved is
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pure human resolve. Annemarie Harris is a paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Trust and a member of Cam Rescue, and since the pandemic she has been transferred into a critical care role, which is a challenge in itself, but she has also now gained a Masters in critical care which as she says “will work well for rallies to come”. Our community is resilient and passionate, and we will re-emerge from the crisis stronger and more determined than ever. As the prevalence of the disease begins to wane, if not its social and economic impact, so everyone’s attention is drawn to the resumption of normal life. I think that there is a broad acceptance that we are not simply going to be able to go back to the way things were before, and there will be a redefining of what exactly normal looks like. And motorsport is no different. We are all going to have to work together to get back on track, while adopting new ways of operating and behaving. But there is no doubt at all that the very nature of motorsport means that we will find solutions, and we will be able to enjoy the sport which we all are so passionate about.
Much of motorsport as we know it is a purely amateur activity, with a small number of professional drivers, but that hobby level sport is reliant on a vast network of people and businesses for whom motorsport is their livelihood. Whether it is component manufacturers, circuit owners, teams, technicians or the people running the canteen at Brands Hatch – they all earn a living from the sport. Overall the sport employs around 40,000 people and has a contribution to the economy of some £10 billion. Motorsport UK has a responsibility to get the sport running again, not just for our collective enjoyment, but for the sake of these people who may be facing a bleak future. It is our absolute priority to get motorsport restarted in the UK as quickly as we can. But of course, there is a huge caveat to that simple statement, in that we can only do so when it is safe and appropriate. The overarching framework we need to operate within is dictated by the government, for the restrictions we face are not just advisory measures, but laws of the land and we must respect that fact. But we don’t
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CEO’s MESSAGE take all this at face value and assume the worst, in fact the contrary is true. I am really proud of the work that we have done in lobbying government (the Department for Culture, Media and Sport) and making a case, not just for our sport, but all sports, for how we can resume activity. I don’t envy the government in trying to strike the right balance between keeping society safe (and primarily our extraordinary NHS, care home and support workers) alongside reigniting the economy. But our job as Motorsport UK is to make our case and make it loudly so that we are heard amongst the overwhelming pressure from all of society seeking their own resolutions from Whitehall.
“I am really proud of the work that we have done in lobbying government and making a case, not just for our sport, but all sports, for how we can resume activity” stakeholders. The execution of the
it is the medics and emergency teams,
guidelines is something that event
marshals and officials, or the legion of
organisers, venue owners, officials
helpers and spanner men and women
and competitors are all going to need
that populate every event we run. And
to adapt and adopt to their own very
the glue for much of that is our club
specific situations. Ultimately the rules
network, with over 700 across the UK.
and regulations of the sport are set out
As we announced last month, we have
in the Blue Book, and we need to adhere
set up a Continuity Fund of £1m for
to them, but with a new execution. We
the specific purpose of ensuring that
know that there is no precedent for
this critical infrastructure does not
what is happening, and we all have to react according to the best information
fail. We need to be certain we have the resource and capability to restart
I think we have achieved that well
we have at the time. So, this work is not
with the work we have published this
set in stone, it will evolve and respond,
week on our website. The ‘Getting Back
in main, to the government’s approach
on Track’ programme has been the
and laws. And that is why we need your
work of dozens of people, across the
help.
whole spectrum of the sport, working
Everyone needs to embrace this phase
10 and 11), the majority of the clubs are
in the spirit of collaboration and
going to weather this storm and we will
tirelessly to produce our own road map. Whether it is Jonathan Palmer using his
when the time is right. We have already begun to make awards, and we welcome applications from those that are facing real difficulties. But as our club survey has shown (and summarised on pages
seeking the art of the possible. We need
be able to rely on their strength when
vast experience with racing venues, or
to work together to find solutions, not
we need it.
our CMO Dr Paul Trafford, or members
sit on the sidelines and complain that
of our legal team, representatives
something doesn’t work – we need
from all eleven sport disciplines, they
your help in figuring out a better way
have all deployed their experience
for initiatives that maybe in practice
in documenting how we can restart
are a little flawed. Please give us your
motorsport. The FIA has commended
feedback and ideas, they are always
the UK on the lead we have taken with
welcome.
this and we were invited to present the contents of our plan via a webinar to over 150 countries worldwide.
Finally, I would like to end with a specific thank you to all of the members of our community that work in the NHS, in care roles and support for health in our society. You are simply amazing in what you are doing, and we are immensely grateful. Thank you, be safe
I mentioned the huge army of
and let’s get racing and rallying again
people who fuel the infrastructure of
soon.
motorsport as their livelihoods – but
But one thing we need to be very clear
we are also massively dependent on an
Kind regards,
about is that this is not a blueprint,
equally important group who do this
Hugh Chambers
it is strictly a guideline for all of our
on a purely voluntary basis, whether
CEO, Motorsport UK
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CONTENTS In this issue: getting motorsport back on track, Motorsport UK’s new framework for electrified competition, the motorsport medics adapting their skills to the fight against COVID-19 and how the industry’s expertise and spirit for innovation is being turned to new ends to help healthcare workers in the pandemic.
Motorsport UK electrifies the future
Cover story: Getting motorsport back on track
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22 36
Motorsport medics on the COVID frontline
42 Motorsport innovates in lockdown
52 Esports results
Latest news
What’s On: Lockdown streaming special
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09 +
Club Corner + Member Benefits + What’s On
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COVER STORY
GETTING MOTORSPORT BACK ON TRACK Motorsport UK has announced plans as to how it proposes restarting motorsport across its eleven sporting disciplines. Motorsport is currently suspended throughout the UK until 30th June 2020. Although it is understood there will continue to be levels of government restrictions and social distancing in place for a considerable period, Motorsport UK has been considering how to restart the sport, within the parameters set out by government and healthcare authorities. Significant planning has taken place involving consultation with stakeholders from across the sport and Motorsport UK’s specialist committees, to conceive how the sport can be restarted at the appropriate time, while adhering to the government’s prevailing guidelines. Motorsport, unlike many other sports, takes place in large outdoor environments, so that with practical measures in place, much of motorsport should be able to resume, provided modifications are made to many of the sport’s established protocols. Motorsport UK CEO, Hugh Chambers said, “This project has involved a wide representation of the motorsport community coming together and examining how each
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aspect of every discipline can be adapted to respect government advice on social distancing, and the broader needs of the community. As ever with Motorsport, our responsibility is to the safety of both our community and the wider public. It is important that when we do restart motorsport that we do so in a safe and responsible fashion that respects the broader public health agenda and mood of the nation. “We will all need to modify the way we have worked in the past and accept these changes in a collaborative and constructive way. Motorsport has always thrived on innovation and adaptability to overcome problems, and it has been enormously encouraging to see the community come together and freely contributing to re-imagine every part of our sport, and the practicalities of each event.” Motorsport UK continues to collaborate with government through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and will update its guidance, accordingly, should there be substantial changes in government advice or restrictions. Details of Motorsport UK’s ‘Getting Back on Track’ guidance for event organisers can be found together with accompanying Q&A and updated event declaration documentation at www.motorsportuk.org/restart/
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UP TO SPEED LATEST NEWS
MOTORSPORT UK SPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN Motorsport UK has launched a “Motorsport UK is Listening” initiative to assist in the delivery of our new Sport Development Plan; a plan to grow and develop our sport to create a sustainable future. At a high level, the aims of the plan are to: ÎÎ Provide focused support for Motorsport UK clubs ÎÎ Develop and support our volunteers ÎÎ Increase participation at grass roots level In addition to the club survey specifically regarding the current COVID-19 situation, a programme of consultation surveys has been undertaken and every club, competition licence holder, licenced official and registered marshal should have received an invitation to participate. The data and information gathered from this survey will be used to ensure that practical tools and techniques are created as part of the Sport Development Plan. We are very grateful for the excellent response rate to the consultation and the analysis is currently underway. This will directly inform the delivery of our Sport Development Plan which will be shared with the motorsport community in late summer.
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LATESTNEWS
MOTORSPORT UK IS LISTENING As part of our response to the COVID-19 situation, the Learning and Development team created a short survey which was sent out in April to all our clubs regarding the immediate issues that the COVID-19 crisis has created. The main themes were as follows:
Membership As one might expect, 48% reported that member numbers for 2020 have declined against 2019 figures. However, 47% said they had remained the same and 5% said they had actually increased.
48%
47% 25%
5%
22%
Financial Impact 22% of clubs reported that they had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, while 53% said they had been only slightly affected, with 25% reporting they had not been affected at all.
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LATESTNEWS
Club Continuity Funding Package 17% of respondents reported that they were unaware of the Motorsport UK Club Continuity Funding Package, and 61% wanted more information on it. Within 24 hours, both those groups had received an email from Motorsport UK containing details of the package and links to further information. Only 16% of clubs reported that they are considering applying for a grant or loan from the fund.
61%
MORE UNAWARE APPLYING
17% 16%
As part of the survey, we asked what specific areas of support would be helpful, the key themes were:
35%
30%
35% - online marketing and communications workshops
30% - online strategy workshops
Motorsport UK is working on a range of initiatives to support clubs, both in the short and long term, including: The COVID-19 section of motorsportuk.org contains information about the current situation with details on government guidance, information about the Club Continuity Funding Package and a Q&A section We have already hosted three one-hour ‘crisis averted’ webinars (led by Rupert Hine) which covered action points to enable clubs to remain resilient to, and also to become stronger through this lockdown period. These were very well received, and we will be running more of these webinars in the near future. Following the feedback we received, we are additionally planning further webinars covering topics such as marketing, using social media platforms and club development initiatives
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A range of Info Guides is being created as a resource for clubs, covering topics such as organising events, taster events, Zoom video meetings, social media platforms, marketing and writing press releases. These guides will be made available over the coming weeks at www.motorsportuk.org Additionally, we are compiling Info Guides on some practical topics for our competitors which incorporate subjects such as nutrition, fitness, goal-setting and antidoping There is already a range of different modules on the Learning Hub which clubs and officials are encouraged to use. These can be found within the members’ area of the Motorsport UK website
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LATESTNEWS
Driven International
UK-BASED RACE TRACK DESIGN FIRM WINS PRESTIGIOUS QUEEN’S AWARD Driven International, a motorsport venue design firm, has received royal recognition for designing world class facilities in the UK and abroad. Based in Hook in Hampshire, the specialist design company has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for their international growth over the past three years. They were named in the International Trade category. They join 7,000 other UK enterprises to receive the Award since they were established in 1965. Each Award is approved by Her Majesty The Queen following recommendation by the Prime Minister, and is regarded as the most prestigious recognition for UK businesses. Driven is building a worldwide reputation for their unique approach using simulators and virtual reality technology to design race tracks, test tracks and experiential driving venues. As well as working for many UK track venues on upgrades, 90% of their work is overseas with clients in India, USA, Middle East, China and Australia. Recent commissions include master planning a new 200 acre automotive innovation park & test circuit near Toronto, Canada, designing the Lebanon International Autodrome
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which includes a 1.8km FIA grade 4 race track and the team are currently penning a new FIA grade 3 Circuit in Hawaii. Ben Willshire, Managing Director and founder of Driven International, said: “We are thrilled to receive this award, particularly during such difficult times for all business owners as we face the challenges of COVID-19. “It is a privilege and honour to have been recognised at the highest level by Her Majesty The Queen, and an award that I am incredibly proud of. Winning this award reflects the hard work and commitment by our entire team and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the company over the past five years and made this achievement possible.” This is not the first prestigious award bestowed upon Driven International. The organisation, which formed in 2014, has been previously celebrated for their international trading efforts, twice winning the ‘Inspire International Business of the Year’ award in 2017 and 2018.
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LATESTNEWS
COVERING UP FOR FUN As we’ve all been asked to Stay at Home and Protect the NHS these last couple of months, members of the Scottish Motorsport Marshals Club recently enjoyed some light relief by submitting a picture of them wearing a Club snood. On 28th April, the Scottish Government recommended that people cover their faces while in some enclosed public spaces, such as shops and public transport. Some members picked up on this and commented that the Club appeared to have shown uncanny prescience by providing snoods when annual memberships were renewed in March. So, to provide an element of fun during these motorsport free times, members were asked to submit a picture of them wearing the snood. In keeping with the lockdown requirements unnecessary travel was to be
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avoided and, for the avoidance of doubt, members were advised that wearing the snood would not prevent or protect the wearer from COVID-19. 23 members took up the challenge and, when the draw was made on Sunday 3rd May, it was Pete Weall who was the lucky winner of a club baseball cap. Pete will receive his prize when it is safe to meet up. Until then the club will continue with its weekly virtual coffee morning and Thursday night quiz, both of which are bringing together members and friends the length and breadth of the country.
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LATESTNEWS
PCSpecialist and AMD Collaborate with British Rally Championship
The British Rally Championship has announced that leading manufacturer of performance custom computers and laptops, PCSpecialist, and high-performance processors and graphics card manufacturers, AMD, are joining forces with Britain’s premier rallying series as title partner of the BRC Esports Invitational Series – which is played out on the hugely popular DiRT Rally 2.0 game by Codemasters. As the British Rally Championship is on pause due to the COVID-19 situation, the formation of the PCSpecialist BRC Esports Invitational Championship has filled the competitive gap, as the stars of the 2020 series go head-tohead in the virtual world. The synergy between the BRC, PCSpecialist and AMD couldn’t be stronger as the state-of-the-art Esports rallying series is won and lost by a handful of seconds – demanding the best out of the driver, while the computing powerhouses provide the upgrades to equipment for that
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extra performance advantage. Those wanting to upgrade their set-up can do so using the code: EBRC on the PCSpecialist website. Running alongside the PCSpecialist BRC Esports Invitational is the Motorsport UK eBRC. This competition follows in the gaming wheel tracks of the Invitational event – with members of the public taking part on the same stages, as they fight for the first Esports competition to be recognised by the governing body of four-wheel motorsport in the UK. A British title and an opportunity to test a real rally car are the tantalising prizes at the end. The competition is open to any Motorsport UK licence holder or Trackside member. Those not yet a member can sign up for Motorsport UK’s Trackside membership by visiting www.trackside.motorsportuk.org and use the following code for 20% discount off the RRP of £24.99: EBRC20
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LATESTNEWS
10 MINUTE
SURVEY
HELP US CREATE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR RALLYING IN THE UK Motorsport UK has been working on a plan that will enable us to grow and develop rallying across many different levels of the sport. We want any future roadmap to reflect the insight, opinions and contribution of the rally community and are eager to provide current and recent rally licence holders the opportunity to contribute, and to this end are undertaking a short survey of the sport. We would appreciate if you could complete this short survey to help us understand more about your experiences as a rallying competitor and your views on how rallying should develop going forwards.
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This survey is to be completed by anyone who has held or holds a valid Motorsport UK rally licence in the past 3 years. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete and will be open until 23.59 on Monday 25th May. Thank you in advance for helping us to create a sustainable future for rallying in the UK. Complete the survey here: www.bit.ly/RallySurvey20
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LATESTNEWS
EXTREME E TAKES LEAD ON GENDER EQUALITY IN MOTORSPORT Marking a world first in motor racing, Extreme E, the pioneering electric off-road racing series, will see teams field both a male and female driver in its races – promoting gender equality and a level playing field amongst competitors. Teams will be composed of a male and a female driver, competing together in every two-lap race as driver and co-driver. Each will complete one lap behind the wheel of the ODYSSEY 21 electric-SUV, with a changeover incorporated into the race format, and it’s up to the teams to determine driver and co-driver to best suit their strategy. The only differentiators in Extreme E will be raw talent and ability, with teams and drivers striving to extract every tenth-of-a-second in the fight for the top step of the podium.
to help bring global attention to issues such as deforestation in Brazil, rising sea levels along the West African coastline, melting icecaps in Greenland, and more. The full race and championship format is approaching finalisation and will be revealed in the coming weeks as the championship continues to take shape ahead of Season 1, starting early 2021.
Extreme E drivers will compete wheel-to-wheel on the same stages, in the same 550 horsepower E-SUVs, using the same bespoke all-terrain Continental tyres in heats, semis and finals, taking place across the series’ five formidable environments in some of the most remote regions on the planet. As well as being used as platform for equality and the promotion of electrification, Extreme E will highlight the impact that climate change is having on its remote race locations, using a committee of leading scientists
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LATESTNEWS
“The only differentiators in Extreme E will be raw talent and ability, with teams and drivers striving to extract every tenthof-a-second in the fight for the top step of the podium�
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LATESTNEWS
Esports
Motorsport UK iRacing Esports Series powered by iZone Single seaters not usually your thing? Lockdown is the perfect time to give this inaugural Esports Championship a go! Motorsport UK and iZone Driver Performance are excited to announce the launch of an official 13 round, Dallara F3 iRacing championship. The championship will be open to all Motorsport UK competition licence holders (except RS Clubman licence holders) and Trackside members, aged 14+ years at the time of qualification. If you hold an RS Clubman licence or do not hold a 2020 competition licence, simply sign up to the Motorsport UK Trackside Membership by visiting www.trackside.motorsportuk.org and use the following code for 20% discount off the RRP of £24.99: iZONE20. Competitors will also require access to the iRacing platform – all Motorsport UK licence holders enjoy a three month free subscription to iRacing, accessible from their Member Benefit area of the Motorsport UK website. *Non-UK residents will need to use the Motorsport UK postcode (SL3 0HG) when registering for a new Trackside Membership licence and a digital licence pack will be issued.
Qualification event Qualification runs from Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May, 7pm BST and will take place at the same time every night that week. Each entrant will be allocated to a qualification evening which will follow the following format: Silverstone GP circuit in the Dallara F3 40 minute practice 20 minute qualifying
The championship will visit the following circuits: Silverstone GP, Spa, Snetterton 300, Monza, Montreal, Oulton Park International, Donington GP, Zandvoort GP, Lime Rock Park, Nurburgring GP, Brands Hatch GP, Okayama International and Interlagos Come November, we will have our inaugural league champions and the outright Motorsport UK 2020 iRacing Esports Champion! Alongside the championship title, there are also some other exciting prizes to be announced.
Training To help all drivers perform to their best and develop their skills, drivers will be supported throughout the championship with the following resources from iZone’s expert coaching team: Visual flying laps before each race with a coaching voice over Data telemetry to compare against at home Onboard eye tracking footage for home reviewing prior to each championship race
Register now! All those wishing to enter this new and exciting championship should read the Rules and Regulations and complete the online registration form available at www.bit. ly/izone-esports before Monday 25th May (anyone signing up after this date cannot be guaranteed an entry). All U18s will be required to complete a parent consent form prior to qualification.
Results from qualification will then decide which league each driver will be allocated to (top 30 will be league 1, 31-60 league 2 etc.)
The season Once qualification is complete, there will then be a 13 round season in the Dallara F3 with the following format: Fortnightly races on Mondays at 7pm BST 60 minute practice 15 minute qualifying 25 minute race FIA points scoring system (best 11 scores count)
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Motorsport UK 2020 eSports British Championship pow ered by izone perform a nce
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Motorsport UK and iZone Driver Performance are excited to announce the launch of an official 13 round, Dallara F3 iRacing championship. The championship will be open to all Motorsport UK race licence holders,
training
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To help all drivers perform to their best and develop their skills, throughout the championship drivers will
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CASE STUDY
Extractor Rescue Unit
BRITISH MOTOR SPORTS TRAINING TRUST – TO THE RESCUE In September of last year, the Motorsport UK licenced Extractor Rescue unit was travelling to support the Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire, when the crew stopped to provide Samaritan assistance for a road traffic collision, only to get caught up in one themselves. Unfortunately, they were hit from the rear by another vehicle, which also then hit the two vehicles involved in the initial collision, thankfully without further injury or worse. The driver accepted liability, but the rescue unit was extensively damaged and eventually written off by the insurers. The unit’s first reaction after the incident was to seek a suitable replacement vehicle, for which they set up a crowdfunding page that attracted a generous £3,522 in voluntary donations.
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When added to the insurers write-off value, this still left a considerable shortfall towards the cost of the replacement ambulance vehicle they had now found, especially as this had been decommissioned and stripped down completely, to the extent even the door locks had been removed. Much of the specialist equipment was transferable to the new vehicle, other than the defibrillator (a replacement was kindly donated) and the stretcher unit, for which a completely refurbished unit was sourced at much-reduced cost.
With the additional cost of reinstating virtually the entire electrical system, fitting out the interior and finishing touches such as signage, the total costs were set to exceed £15,000. This is where Gerry Morriss from Extractor Rescue turned to the BMSTT (British Motor Sport Training Trust) through its online grant application process, having previously been successful in gaining financial support to help with the cost of upgraded cutting gear.
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CASE STUDY
About the British Motor Sports Training Trust The British Motor Sports Training Trust was formed in 1977 and is a registered charity, set up to benefit the needs of the motor sport community in the UK. Since then, it has been instrumental in providing grant aid to assist with the safety training of volunteer motorsport officials and marshals through its Training Fund. Event and venue related safety initiatives, of which the specialist work of rescue units is part, are supported via its Safety Development Fund. In a typical year, the BMSTT commits around £400,000 in total available grant aid.
After providing all the necessary details of the insurance and crowdfunding settlement, as well as evidence of the actual expenditure incurred, the grant aid application was considered by the Trust’s Awards Panel and, within a week of that meeting, a grant offer of £4,350 was confirmed. The Unit is now fully operational again in its new guise, bar a few final flourishes to its operating livery. “We are indebted for all donations received, large and small, from across the motorsport fraternity, without whom it would have been highly probable that we would not have been able to get the rescue unit back on the road,” commented Gerry Morriss. “We are especially grateful for the generous grant received from the British Motor Sports Training Trust, which has enabled us to fully complete the replacement rescue unit project.” Professor Richard Parry-Jones CBE (Trust Chairman) said, “The British Motor
“We are indebted for all donations received, large and small, from across the motorsport fraternity, without whom it would have been highly probable that we would not have been able to get the rescue unit back on the road” Sports Training Trust recognises the essential and potentially lifesaving role Motorsport UK registered Rescue Units perform at events. Just like the Extractor Rescue Unit, which we were pleased to support on this occasion, the majority of these units are run and crewed by volunteer groups as their commitment to this sport of ours, which is marvellous. The professional way in which the crews both train for and perform their duties when required, is an important part of the overall safety management of UK motorsport events.”
To date in 2020, the BMSTT has already provided grant aid of £31,200 towards the replacement or refurbishment of nine licenced rescue units and required equipment, reflecting a total spend by the operators of £62,773. The Trust’s Chairman, Professor Richard Parry–Jones CBE, leads the management team of Charity Trustees, and the day to day administration is undertaken by the Trust’s General Secretary, Allan DeanLewis MBE.
The accident pictures have been released by the Police (PC 1836 Matt Davidson, Preston Operating Centre South, Lancashire Constabulary) and Insurers (William Martin-Smith, AD Claims Handler, Banwells / Markerstudy Insurance Services Limited) with no restrictions.
More information and contact details about the Trust – charitable donations to which are always welcome - can be found at www.bmstt.org
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FEATURE
MOTORSPORT UK ELECTRIFIES THE FUTURE Hybrids and Electrified Vehicles are a growing part of international motor racing – a new regulatory framework from Motorsport UK takes the lead in helping competitors, manufacturers and series organisers embrace this new technology. By Dan Trent.
BTCC is among the major series adopting hybrid power Revolution - May 2020
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Hybrids and full electric vehicles are fast becoming a fixture of daily driving for more and more of us. Motorsport has, inevitably, been blazing a trail for this automotive revolution with flagship series such as F1 long-since adopting battery assistance and hybrids now winning at Le Mans and beyond. From BTCC to WRC, batteries and motors will play a bigger role in the sport, reflecting a tradition of technology filtering from racing to the road since the earliest days of motoring. At a national motorsport level what does this mean? With innovation being one of Motorsport UK’s key investment pillars, it’s a question the National Governing Body has been facing and now addressed with new regulations for electrified motorsport, intended to encourage and enable competitors, manufacturers, race organisers and clubs alike. As an FIA Autorité Sportive Nationale (or ASN), Motorsport UK is blazing a trail for national-level electrified competition, to the benefit of both grassroots competitors and the many teams, manufacturers and supply networks contributing to the UK’s £10 billion motorsport industry.
“Innovation is a crucial area of investment if we are to deliver a sustainable future for motorsport, and clearly Electrified Vehicles are central to this,” says Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers. “We have been working on this framework for many months and it is a very exciting area for our sport. This is happening alongside developments in electrified karting and it is now within our grasp to have hybrid or electric power across all levels of motorsport.” In short, it’s nothing less than the futureproofing of the sport. To understand the bigger story, Revolution has been talking to the people behind the headlines, the pioneering privateers who helped inspire them and examines what it means for everyone involved. Michael Duncan is Motorsport UK’s Technical Manager and has been closely involved in the project. While not the work of a moment, the initiative has been helped by the lessons already learned in the global series Electrified Vehicles already compete in. “The FIA has existing technical regulations for Electrified Vehicles but they’re at a very high level,” explains Duncan. “We have tried as much as possible to align with FIA definitions and terminology to work out how we can apply those to domestic competition. So, there is a lot of crossover in terms of eligibility, and a car that applies to FIA regulations should be compliant with ours.”
Motorsport UK is supporting scrutineers and organisers to help maintain a level playing field in the electrified age
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One job of regulation is to ensure a level playing field for competitors and encouragement for promotors to deliver accessible, exciting racing across all disciplines. But safety is another huge concern, especially with the introduction of brand-new technology. Protocols for dealing with vehicles carrying large quantities of combustible liquid are, of course, well established. Calming fears of how to handle high voltages in similar situations is another key area the new guidelines seek to address. Motorsport UK’s Technical Commissioner, Roger Ratley, brings with him valuable experience as both a competitor and from his day job as electric vehicle manager at Ford, a role he’s recently moved to after a long career as an engineer for both internal combustion and electrified powertrains. Training for officials and scrutineers is a key ‘enabler’ for hybrid and pure electric vehicles to compete safely and fairly, and Roger’s appreciation of both aspects has proved invaluable to the framing of the regulations. “The beauty of an electric powertrain is that it’s very easy to calculate the power output and we can design scrutineering systems that are in some ways simpler than more traditional methods of fuel flow restrictors and suchlike,” he says. “In touring cars, for instance, that means rather than use ‘success ballast’ we’ll be able to adjust electric assistance to maintain close competition.”
Roger says he’s happy scrutineering a car with a laptop, while conceding not everyone will be as confident dealing with black boxes. “Part of the education I’ve done for the scrutineers is to get them to understand you have access to a huge amount of data and the regulations give us the right to install a logger and examine it, so we can shut the door if things get out of hand.” He’s also determined the rules reward ingenuity, not spending power, especially where Electrified Vehicles compete alongside regular internal-combustion powered ones. “We’ve tried to write the regulations so a well-funded individual or team can’t blitz the field and we’ve limited the power to keep things competitive,” he says. “You need to strike a balance and we’ve done in a way that will hopefully encourage people to do something new and exciting.”
“Innovation is a crucial area of investment if we are to deliver a sustainable future for motorsport, and clearly Electrified Vehicles are central to this” Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK
Plug in and go racing – new rules open door to Electrified Vehicles for everything from grassroots autotesting to circuit racing, rallying, sprinting and hillclimbs
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When it comes to safety, Roger’s insight has also been invaluable, given his day job involves training and safety regulations for technicians working on electrified passenger cars and commercial vehicles across large dealer networks. Adapting similar processes is a key part of the safety framework included in the regulations. “We’re intending to mirror how the motor industry operates with EV training,” explains Michael Duncan. “The IMI [Institute of the Motoring Industry] has various levels of training for technicians according to how involved they need to be with the vehicles, and we have something equivalent to level 1 already for our scrutineers through training modules. We’d encourage everyone from a marshal to the clerk of the course where Electrified Vehicles may be competing to complete the necessary training.” Guidance, including High Voltage Electrified Vehicle awareness training for scrutineers and safety crews, is now available on Motorsport UK’s Learning Hub. Specific training will be tailored to suit particular jobs, while all competitors entering Electrified Vehicles will have to provide specific safety and recovery information for their car, much as EV manufacturers like Tesla do for the emergency services on the public road. But outside of series such as WRC and BTCC, where are officials likely to encounter an electrified vehicle in the present or nearfuture? ‘Speed’ events such as hillclimbs and sprints are attractive to potential electric racers, especially at a grassroots level. “These events lend themselves to EVs as you want to deploy a huge amount of power over a short distance or space of time,” says Roger Ratley. “We’ve written the regulations so someone who’s reasonably competent can build something competitive and, as it evolves, there will be far more opportunities in the future.” While EVs have previously been permitted to run in various disciplines Michael Duncan admits the regulations were skewed against them at a practical level. That hasn’t stopped a few determined trailblazers though, and Revolution - May 2020
their experience has proved valuable. One example includes eRally Motorsport, which has been rallying an all-electric Renault Zoe for a number of years now. “The idea took shape around 10 years ago when we started a conversation regarding the Tesla Roadster and how its green technology was fast becoming a performance technology,” explains eRally’s Jean Hay. “Ellya Gold [eRally co-founder] and I had always felt a little uncomfortable about how our love of competing in a Mitsubishi Evo VI was a bit at odds with our growing environmental concerns. eRally Motorsport Ltd was set up to help blaze the trail for a major shift in UK motorsports towards fullyelectric competition cars, allowing a more environmentally responsible and sustainable option to futureproof the sport we love.”
(Top) Volkswagen’s ID.R has been setting lap records to prove what EVs can do, planting the seed for the grassroots (Bottom) Online training is already available to help marshals and rescue crews handle Electrified Vehicles safely
“Calming fears of how to handle high voltages in similar situations is another key area the new guidelines seek to address” 25
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Having spotted the potential in the Renault Zoe for creating an affordable, electricpowered rally car for junior competitors, eRally then had to convince regulators it was safe to compete with. “Coming from a health and safety background, I could see the challenges would all be around the event organisers’ risk assessments and training for marshals, rescue, recovery and scrutineers,” explains Jean. “I attended several marshal training and rescue and recovery training weekends to find out what their concerns and thoughts regarding electric vehicles were. I organised a walk round the car before every event and emailed the hand-out sheet to Motorsport UK prior to the event for their input and approval. I also sat with the rescue team when our car was competing as the IMI level 2 EV Tech first responder, so I could ensure the 400V traction battery was disconnected before anyone worked on the car.” It’s credit to Jean and the team that they not only embraced the practical challenge of rallying an EV, but also managed to convince regulators it was viable. How did
“Having spotted the potential in the Renault Zoe for creating an affordable, electric-powered rally car for junior competitors, eRally then had to convince regulators it was safe to compete” they manage it? “Lots of communication,” says Jean, simply. “I called the technical department and emailed the health and safety director and explained in great detail what we wanted to do, how much we understood the risks and how we planned to reduce them as far as reasonably practicable. I think my research into suitable, approved and well tested lithium-ion fire extinguishers with encapsulator agents or cooling agents to negate the requirement to have tens of thousands of litres of water on hand may have helped too.” Having put in all that legwork does she now hope others will follow? “I think more competitors might branch out and explore
The eRally Renault Zoe helped prove electric cars could compete safely alongside conventional ones Revolution - May 2020
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this exciting new technology if they know their event entries will be accepted and welcomed,” she says. “It will make it a lot simpler and less daunting for event organisers to run classes for EVs. I understand how much responsibility, effort and time goes into organising and running an event, so clear guidance for all concerned is key. The Motorsport UK electric vehicle e-learning course now available online should go a long way to dispel some myths, make volunteers and officials aware of the hazards and feel more confident around EVs.” One of the first series likely to benefit from the new regulations and hold national-level EV motorsport is the Electro Rallycross Championship running as part of the 5 Nations British Rallycross Championship. “In this changing world it is important British motorsport is not left behind,” says series organiser Shirley Gibson. “Electric vehicles will be well suited to rallycross. Out on the track they have already proved they equal the spectacular sight found in other rallycross divisions, providing close, fast, racing.” The theory has already been tested with Fiat 500s and Ford Fiestas built by Polishbased Elimen Racing, the latter capable of
“A regulatory framework is essential to create not only a level playing field, but to ensure safety.” Shirley Gibson, Electro Rallycross Championship 100mph, 0-62mph in less than four seconds and capable of charging in just 10 minutes. “Teams racing in the series will find that running the electric cars offers affordability,” enthuses Shirley. “In addition, the electric cars have been found to be easier to drive and control. The lack of driver distraction was one of the positives mentioned in the feedback forms completed by the British rallycross drivers who have already driven them.” Working with Motorsport UK to create a framework in which the cars can compete has been a challenge, but one Shirley and her team have embraced. “A regulatory Revolution - May 2020
framework is essential to create not only a level playing field, but also to ensure safety,” she says. “Elimen Racing Electric Rallycross cars have passed all the tests required to assist in compiling a set of regulations that work for us all.” COVID-19 notwithstanding they’re still hoping to have held their first event before the end of the year, encouraged by competitive arrive-and-drive packages for competitors. Speaking more generally, Motorsport UK’s Michael Duncan is keen to see more hybrids and EVs competing at all levels. “We’ve written it to be as accessible as possible at the grassroots end,” he says. “If you’ve got a production EV you don’t have to modify it at all - you can compete with it as it came out of the showroom. So, you could buy your Tesla and hillclimb it the next day without any changes – the opportunities are great and there’s no reason to treat an EV any differently at an autotest than you would on the road.” The impact of these changes won’t be felt overnight. But with organisers hopefully confident they can admit Electrified Vehicles, officials satisfied they have the training and support to manage them safely, and competitors and manufacturers keen to embrace the opportunities they represent, now is the time to throw the weight of the regulatory body behind electrified motorsport. And embrace a new age in automotive competition.
Where F1 leads the rest of motorsport inevitably follows and hybrid power will soon be filtering down to all levels
“Guidance, including basic fire-fighting requirements and High Voltage Electrified Vehicle awareness training for scrutineers and safety crews, is now available on Motorsport UK’s Learning Hub” 27
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DRIVEROPINION
DRIVER Q&A MOTORSPORT UK ACADEMY AND TEAM UK MEMBER: OLLI CALDWELL Name: Olli Caldwell Discipline: Single-seater racing driver Team: Trident Racing 2020 Championship plans: FIA Formula 3
Biggest achievements to date? Winning the Gulf 12 Hours.
When did you start racing and what inspired you?
I was 11 years old when I started my first outdoor go-kart race, and I moved up to car racing when I was 15.
I’ve always enjoyed watching Formula 1 and BTCC and for my eighth birthday party I went indoor go-karting. From there I went to outdoor racing and my career started from there.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Favourite race track and why?
Lewis Hamilton, his determination and skill easily puts him as one of the best racing drivers ever.
I have two favourite tracks and can’t pick between them. Bathurst and Macau. Both are street tracks and unbelievable to drive. A mix of high-speed and slow-speed. Blind corners, huge gradient changes. The only problem is we can’t drive them more!
How old were you when you started racing?
Who was your favourite childhood driver? I really enjoyed watching Lewis and Jenson Button race for McLaren. Two British drivers in a British team.
What made you take up racing? Since my first ever time in a go-kart, I loved the speed and exhilaration. There is nothing like approaching a corner at 280km/h and braking only 100m before the corner.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in taking up racing? Never give up, and always learn. If someone is faster than you, learn from them. Be active in situations and always push yourself to be better. Watching onboard video or looking through data. It will always help you.
Favourite road car? Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.
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Do you have any routines or rituals before you start a race? Leading up to the start of a race I always talk with my engineer and finalise any changes or goals. I then do a warm-up with my performance coach to prepare myself. Another thing I do is I always get in the car from the lefthand side and exit from the right. I’m not sure why, it’s just something I have always done.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? To go fast, you must go fast. This was something I was told quite early in my car career but has applied more recently when I started driving higher downforce, faster cars. The faster a car goes, the more downforce is acting on the car. In a high-speed corner the car will likely handle worse if you lift off the power rather than carry more speed.
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If you weren’t a driver, what would you have liked to have been? I would have liked to be a pilot in the RAF. Motorsport has been compared to being a fighter pilot before. You need amazing reflexes, good eyesight, the speed. It is something I would like to have done.
What's something that you have learnt from the sport, that helps you in your life outside of it? To push myself. In the car pushing yourself can be braking a little later, or not lifting so much in a certain corner. However, I’ve used this outside of the sport in my education and revision, pushing myself to do extra work or make it higher quality. Also, in training, pushing myself each session to make little gains.
What is your ultimate goal? My ultimate goal would be to reach Formula 1.
What do you think makes a great race car driver? There are many things that make a great racing driver. You need to be able to ‘actively’ think, maybe delaying an overtake by one corner so the car doesn’t get a slipstream, not pushing so hard in the middle of the race to help tyre degradation. If you can actively think this helps a lot as you can change your situation during the race.
QUICKFIRE! Any pets? Yep, two dogs, three cats
Milk or white chocolate? Milk chocolate, when my trainer lets me!
Favourite film? Lone Survivor
Most listened to band/artist? Whatever is on the radio
If you had one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation - this would make travel so much easier!
Three words that describe you? Cool, calm, collective
Favourite sport (other than motorsport!)? Tennis
Avocado or no avocado? Avocado
What’s worse: laundry or dishes? Laundry!
Theme park or day at the beach? Day at the beach, with an ice cream of course
Coffee or tea? Coffee - I spent a lot of time in Italy
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Motor Sport magazine is delighted to be partnering with Motorsport UK to offer one lucky winner a sixmonth digital subscription, as well as a copy of the new Niki Lauda biography. The package includes access to: All Motor Sport magazine digital editions available until now The website, including the archive & database, as well as the app A copy of the most comprehensive and detailed biography of Formula One legend Nick Lauda ever published, as told by Maurice Hamilton, who knew him for more than 40 years
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FEATURE
MOTORSPORT MEDICS ON THE PANDEMIC FRONTLINE Motorsport may be on hold, but the medics who keep us safe in competition are bringing that experience and passion for saving lives to the fight against COVID-19
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COVERSTORY FEATURE
is clearly attractive for them, but their Times of adversity ideally bring dedication as volunteer medics is also an out the best in people, and so it essential for the smooth and safe running of is with the motorsport world. You events we all enjoy, be that as competitors can read elsewhere in this issue or spectators. The sport is clearly on hold for of Revolution how the resources, the time being but, as we’ve been finding innovative spirit and technical out, skills, support networks and connections forged trackside or out on rally stages are expertise of the industry is equipping health services at home what these healthcare professionals are now leaning on as they care for those hit hardest and abroad. At a human level by COVID-19. Here’s now. the same is happening with the is what led to me joining the volunteer who help keep on“Motorsport How Rally GB has provenmedics British champions a world ambulance service as a paramedic,” says motorsport events safe in more stage and set the scene for homegrown WRC success Chris Evans of Cam Rescue, one of many normal times. By Dan Trent
Nathan Hone is one of many frontline paramedics who brings motorsport experience to the day job
By nature these doctors, nurses, paramedics and carers are driven by a love of the job, matched with a similar passion for motorsport, once the NHS scrubs are off at the end of the working week. As fans, the opportunity to get closer to the action
not-for-profit, volunteer staffed private ambulance teams serving motorsport events across the UK. “I first went out with Cam Rescue in 2012 as a trainee and, through that, had a complete change in career dreams. I was always going to be a school teacher, now instead I’m hoping to pursue a teaching career as a paramedic, and I’ve got motorsport to thank for that.” Annemarie Harris is a paramedic with East of England Ambulance Trust and another member of the Cam Rescue family. Since the pandemic she’s been moved into a critical care role, which she describes as “a rapid learning curve” but one supported by the experiences she’s had in motorsport. “It’s inspired me to further my education and get a masters in critical care paramedicine, which will work well for rallies to come,” she says. “My hobby is my career and I love what I do!”
Given medics’ exposure to the results of what happens when motorsport goes wrong – sometimes tragically - how do they reconcile the dangers with this passion? Consultant anaesthetist Ben Shippey is chief medical officer for Wales Rally GB and has the best part of 25 years working as a motorsport medic at the highest levels, experience that brings with it a level of pragmatism. “If you go rallying, you do so with a reasonable expectation at some point you might hit a tree and it might end badly,” he says, “but most people in intensive care haven’t made that choice.” For that reason, he says, the life and death situations he Revolution - May 2020
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faces each and every day are much more challenging, and happen with much greater frequency, than anything he’s encountered in motorsport. Meaning on the rare occasions it has happened, he can draw on his experience to be a calming influence on those around him and help them manage the situation effectively. Going the other way, how are he and his colleagues adapting their out-of-hours skills to the current situation? “We all miss motorsport!” he laughs, before reflecting on what he brings from this world into his day job. “One of the reasons I enjoy motorsport is it encourages adaptability. In a hospital it’s very easy to find out what I need to know, but in motorsport you have to work with more limited information and resources. This forces you to think ‘what can I do now with the people and resources in front of me’. Similarly, the current situation has forced us to innovate and we’re now delivering critical care in environments perhaps not originally designed for this purpose, all the while wearing PPE, which all adds extra challenges.”
and the many like them to operate effectively in the situation they now find themselves in. “Motorsport has made me a lot calmer,” says Nathan Hone, another Cam Rescue medic, before echoing Ben Shippey’s point on agile working. “Exposure to incidents in remote forests helps me realise how lucky we are in the NHS to have the resources and skill mix we have. I also get more time to train and teach in motorsport, which allows me to keep my skills up, and this inherently benefits how I work normally.” So how does this relate to the frontline work he’s been involved with of late? “The last few weeks and months have exposed us to a lot of exceedingly difficult decisions, decisions that need compassion, empathy and understanding,” he says. “This has continued
Annemarie Harris dressed for the day job but another who benefits from lessons learned as a motorsport medic
“By nature these doctors, nurses, paramedics and carers are driven by a love of the job, matched with a similar passion for motorsport, once the NHS scrubs are off at the end of the working week” For her part Annemarie Harris draws similar strength from her motorsport work in her new frontline role. “It has taught me that time is short, we are not invincible and we should enjoy life while we can,” she says. “It has been a really tough few months mentally and physically, but I cannot wait to get back to the smell of oil and tyres on a Sunday morning.” This combination of dedication, mental toughness, pragmatism and practical skills learned in the field is one that seemingly equips folk like Nathan, Ben, Chris, Annemarie Revolution - May 2020
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“I was always going to be a school teacher, now instead I’m hoping to pursue a teaching career as a paramedic, and I’ve got motorsport to thank for that”
(Top) Challenging motorsport working conditions make Nathan Hone grateful for the resources in the NHS (Bottom) Cam Rescue’s fleet of ambulances, run as a not-for-profit and providing a vital service for the motorsport
Revolution - May 2020
to instil in me it is important to do what is right, not what is easy. This is an ethos I always try to follow, but one that has been proven due to recent events.” Empathy and communication are, of course, a big part of any frontline healthcare job and ones Chris Evans draws on, both as a paramedic for North West Ambulance Service and in his motorsport work as a safety and medical radio marshal. “I got noticed for my ability to communicate clearly and precisely,” he explains. “I undertook a training programme to become a fully licenced Radio Controller and, in 2005, I gained my full licence, which I proudly hold today and run a small team of radio operators.” He considers rallying a release from the day job, but the skills transfer between the two has been a huge benefit in both. Indeed, on his first training session as a radio controller, he was thrown in at the deep-end after a fatal accident on a stage event. “The moment the call came in that there had been a serious incident, I took a deep breath, regained my composure and continued to take calls from the scene as well as calls coming in from the stages that were still running,” he explains. “The event did continue, the remaining stages were finished and I had compliments from others on how
I handled it but, on the way home, I pulled over and cried for a good 20 minutes as the whole thing hit me.” A sobering introduction but one that has equipped him to face the challenging situations COVID-19 has thrown his way. “Working as a paramedic, I always say the job is 95 per cent communication and if you can connect with people of any age or walk of live, be it verbal or non-verbal, you are on to a winner,” he says. “When a call comes in I still take that deep breath, gain my composure and then adapt to who and what we are dealing with. With the current pandemic the role as a paramedic has changed, by way of having to don PPE for
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the rally car shell and a mannequin,” she recounts. “As a team, we worked through several options and practiced removing the mannequin. It was a fabulous training exercise for both my own development as a paramedic and the team’s training for rally situations.” And although it may be a while before she’s hands-on with a rally car again, there are recurring themes in both roles she still encounters. “I never offer to make a brew,” she laughs, “If I do there’s always an incident!”
every single patient contact. Communication is slightly harder too, as many hospitals are not allowing visitors, which can be gut-wrenching, especially if you think this could be the last time friends or family see their loved ones.” Suffice to say, he believes passionately this combination of a cool head, empathy and an ability to communicate clearly in stressful situations is one honed in motorsport that equips him to deal with the challenges the day job throws at him.
“It has been a really tough few months mentally and physically, but I cannot wait to get back to the smell of oil and tyres on a Sunday morning”
Overall the overriding theme is of a community pulling together, looking out for each other and eager to use the experience gained in motorsport to help a wider crosssection people in a time of national crisis. This takes many forms, both direct in terms of the work they’re doing at the sharp end, and also the broader support networks of shared expertise, looking out for each other’s families or just having a friendly voice at the end of the phone to share stories with and draw strength from.
“One of the reasons I enjoy motorsport is it encourages adaptability - in a hospital it’s very easy to find out what I need to know, but in motorsport you have to work with more limited information and resources”
We already owed these brave volunteers a huge debt of gratitude for their work in the sport and need to keep that in mind long after the sound of doorstep applause has faded and we’re all able to go racing again.
(Top) A cool head under pressure is an essential skill medics use in all the work they do
With thanks to all the medics and volunteers who contributed to this story.
(Bottom) One of Cam Rescue’s Land Rovers in action out in the field
These experiences help at a practical level too, Annemarie recalling one callout to a multi-car road traffic accident where one of the three casualties was trapped in an overturned car and left hanging from the seatbelt. She successfully extricated the patient and, keen to learn from it, discussed the scenario with Cam Rescue ‘parents’ Charley and Zoe Webber. “They kindly offered to run some training simulations with Revolution - May 2020
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FEATURE
MOTORSPORT INNOVATES IN LOCKDOWN By Dan Trent
Aston Martin’s upholstery department is now making gowns for local hospitals rather than leather trim for sports cars
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FEATURE
There might not be any racing going on at the moment but the industry is keeping busy in many and various ways – here’s how
“The Ventilator ChallengeUK Consortium, under the leadership of Dick Elsy of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is one of the more high-profile endeavours”
In the midst of a global health emergency it may seem frivolous to ponder the impact on sport, given it’s hardly what most people would consider ‘essential’ work. But that rather overlooks the fact – as relayed in our own story in issue 12 of Revolution – there are 4,500 businesses employing 45,000 people in the British motorsport industry and its value to the UK treasury is as much as £10bn a year. That pays a lot of furlough cheques, if you take a simplistic view of how these things work. And demonstrates how sport of all disciplines contributes to the nation’s finances, as well as its sense of prestige. Perhaps more so than any other, though, motorsport is particularly equipped to weather this storm or even help us out of it, given the concentration of manufacturing resource and talent it has at its disposal. Indeed, as we detailed in another Revolution story (issue 8), the very qualities that make British firms so successful have been applied in other sectors, the agile working practices, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit already finding applications beyond racing. And so it is now, as the industry reacts with characteristic speed and presence of mind to adapt to the unforeseen circumstances we now find ourselves in. This includes the well-publicised participation of F1 teams in the VentilatorChallengeUK, the sense of glamour
brought by their involvement helping attract mainstream attention. The demand from healthcare providers the world over for complex equipment is particularly suited to firms already operating in this field, and many have responded to the call to repurpose existing designs or develop new ones. While competition is unexpectedly suspended on track, others are taking this opportunity to use the unexpected downtime to develop cars and technology that will give them a competitive edge once we do go racing again. Circuits, venues and stages may be quiet. But in factories and industrial units – not to mention conference calls from home offices and kitchen tables – the industry is adapting. The VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium, under the leadership of Dick Elsy of High Value Manufacturing Catapult, is one of the more high-profile endeavours. This is the umbrella under which motorsport teams, suppliers and road car manufacturers including McLaren, Williams, Haas F1, Red Bull Racing, Racing Point, Renault Sport Racing, Ford and Aston Martin are collaborating with partners from aerospace and technology to design, build and deliver everything from visors and gowns to ventilators. For McLaren’s part, the group is working with around 100 suppliers, staff from planning, project management and purchasing are helping to procure parts, while McLaren
Williams is among those helping with the VentilatorChallengeUK and has helped with parts for the paraPac 300 ventilator Revolution - May 2020
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FEATURE
Racing’s machine shop is manufacturing ventilator components. Duplication and expanded production of existing designs has been picked up by the Automotive road car division, while ‘end of line’ testing equipment designed by both Racing and Automotive ensures all ventilators meet the necessary standards. McLaren Applied’s electronic knowhow has also contributed to the projects while, at a more practical level, Automotive has designed bespoke trolleys for equipment in clinical settings. “The collective of UK-based Formula 1 teams and their respective technology arms came together in response to the government’s request for support, focusing on the core skills of the F1 industry,” a spokesperson for McLaren tells Revolution. “F1’s unique ability to rapidly respond to engineering and technological challenges has allowed the group to add value to the wider response. This is a fantastic example of UK engineering and technology companies, large and small, coming together to answer a critical national need.” Williams Advanced Engineering has also been involved, work including production of a batch of Smiths Group ParaPAC300 ventilators for the NHS, a project Williams was able to create prototype parts for within two weeks of joining the project. 50 members of staff, some working remotely from home, have been involved. “We are proud to be working with so many innovative partners on this project,” says Craig Wilson of Williams Advanced Engineering. “WAE prides itself on speed of response and rapid turnaround; skills we can really maximise as part of the VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium. We are all determined that the results of our collective efforts will make a huge difference and save lives.”
Near neighbour Aston Martin has also been involved with HVM Catapult projects, working with Multimatic and the Manufacturing Technology Centre to help produce Perspex shields to protect patients and healthcare workers. “Times of crisis are also times of great innovation and we are delighted to be working with Multimatic and the MTC to produce the intubation shield for the intensive care staff,” says Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer. “Everyone we approached stepped up without hesitation and they should all be proud.” High-tech also meets traditional skills on this job, Aston Martin tooling usually used to cut complex leather shapes for its road car upholstery being repurposed to create the silicone joining sections used in the box’s construction. “It is heartening to see the response we had from Aston Martin and Multimatic,” says Clive Hickman of the MTC. “To be able to put the sharpest minds and the best technology together to move this project forward at a rapid rate is testament to the British manufacturing industry.” Elsewhere in the motorsport world it’s been a case of the show must go on, albeit behind closed doors and with a view to maintaining that vital competitive edge for when competition does resume. At M-Sport in
“The collective of UK-based Formula 1 teams and their respective technology arms came together in response to the government’s request for support, focusing on the core skills of the F1 industry”
M-Sport is making use of the unexpected downtime to help develop the hybrid system for the 2022 season
A short distance up the M40, Prodrive is also involved in another similar project, in this case a new “cost effective ventilator for low-income countries” as a spokesperson describes it, the firm’s proven ability in motorsport, defence and medical work to rapidly develop, prototype and manufacture to tight schedules being put to good use. Revolution - May 2020
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FEATURE (Left) PPE face shields assembled at Aston Martin and ready for distribution to healthcare workers
Cumbria a significant body of the workforce has been furloughed but those remaining are using the unscheduled downtime to work on the hybrid system due for introduction in the WRC’s new Rally1 category. “The unexpected break in competition has allowed all the teams to spend some time developing their designs and finalising the technical regulations with the FIA,” M-Sport team principal Richard Millener told us. “We are progressing well and hopefully this will mean that we can meet the deadlines for the introduction of the 2022 car, which are already quite tight.” Millener accepts this is a difficult time for teams like M-Sport but is looking forward to getting back out there when the time comes. Others still are demonstrating ability to adapt rapidly to changing working conditions, while taking what hope they can in the few good news stories out there. One of those is the Queen’s Award for Enterprise announced for Hampshire-based track design consultancy Driven International, right in the midst of the lockdown. A small but agile team of architects, designers and civil engineers, Driven has worked on many projects in the UK and abroad, including recent updates to Pembrey circuit in Wales designed in partnership with the BARC and with input from race teams and other users. “It was only a small modification but it’s changed the circuit considerably,” explains Driven’s Ben Willshire. “It’s added an extra overtaking opportunity and given the F3 Revolution - May 2020
teams the additional hard braking area they wanted for testing, raising the circuit’s FIA grading in the process.” The fact the vast majority of Driven’s projects are overseas – current ones include new circuits in Canada and Hawaii – Willshire and his team have had to adapt the way they operate. “All the staff are still working,” he says, “and we’ve had clients making use of the time to get into the nuts and bolts of design work rather than looking at site visits and surveys. We can be using the time proactively so, fortunately, we’ve ridden the storm.” Like many in the industry who’ve previously been accustomed to international travel and site visits, the new regime has prompted reflection on new ways of working, work/life balance and a reduced environmental impact, all of which are beneficial practices Willshire reckons will endure long after lockdown is lifted.
(Above) Face to face meetings like this are a thing of the past but Driven International has adapted
For all these uplifting tales, it’s clear COVID-19 places enormous strain on everyone working in motorsport and beyond, and some will be finding it harder than others. Reasons to be cheerful may be few and far between but the fact the expertise and innovation within the community and industry has found ways to adapt and survive is typical of the can-do spirit that makes Britain a world leader in the sport. And a sign that, as soon as the flag does drop, we’ll all be raring to go once again.
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CLUB
CORNER
Yorkshire 4x4 Family Club There have, perhaps, been snazzier titles for organisations than that chosen for the Yorkshire 4x4 Family Club. But folk in these parts take pride in straight-talking and there’s a suitably no-nonsense, does what it says on the tin appeal to the name. This is an important consideration, given the widespread (but misplaced) public perception that off-roaders are little more than macho, camo-clad hooligans tearing up the countryside for their own gratification. The truth, as anyone involved will know, is very different and the 4x4 community plays an important role in maintaining access, working with landowners and authorities, and even lending a hand with fixing up paths and tracks to the benefit of everyone. Carried out responsibly and respectfully, it’s an important part of the rural ecosystem, the beautiful countryside on the club’s doorstep making it perfectly located to put this into practice. Revolution - May 2020
“The club was formed by a group of like-minded people who met through a passion for off-road vehicles and off-roading,” explains club chairman Tony Cox. “Some of us have known each other for years and others have met through shows and other clubs. We identified a need for a family-friendly club in our area that not only focused on off-road events but social activities also.” Tony’s ambition is for something more than “just a Land Rover club” and wants everyone to feel welcome, whatever their level of experience or interest. So how do they hope to achieve that? “We run properly organised events and encourage all family members to partake and be part of the club,” he explains. “We’ve got an open forum where everyone’s voice can be heard and we adhere to all official guidelines and, where appropriate, rules set by Motorsport UK.”
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CLUBCORNER
While the club has only just officially formed and the COVID-19 situation has put the brakes on any meetings or events, members have been keeping in touch on social media, via the website and with regular Zoom meetings, quizzes and other activities. Once lockdown is lifted the plan is for gymkhanas, green laning trips and car shows, along with supporting local car clubs and events with recovery, marshalling and other services. Again though, it’s the social side Tony wants to promote most actively. Everyone will be looking forward to the monthly pub meets in their regular haunt outside Harrogate, while Sour Leys near Helmsley is a popular spot for off-road driving to suit all abilities with barbecues and games to keep everyone fed and entertained. “We are a club of varied abilities and experience,” says Tony in reassurance for those taking their first steps into off-roading. “We welcome new people to the club and our members are keen to offer help and advice.” For more information see yorkshire4x4familyclub. com or email info@yorkshire4x4familyclub.com – better still once the lockdown is lifted join them for one of their regular pub meets! Revolution - May 2020
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WHAT’S ON
lockdown streaming special
Netflix (Subscription) Maxed out your boxsets? Don’t worry, Netflix has tons of motorsport movies and documentaries. Ron Howard’s Rush is well worth a repeat viewing and ticks the blockbuster boxes, while the acclaimed Formula 1 Drive To Survive documents more recent F1 action across two seasons of episodes. Meanwhile, The Gentleman Driver looks at modern day privateers in GT racing, examining what motivates four racing tycoons both on and off the track. Dig a little deeper
Revolution - May 2020
and there are plenty of documentaries to enjoy too, including 24 Hour War on the real-life story of Ford versus Ferrari, while Shelby American takes a broader look at Carroll Shelby’s life. There’s also a documentary on Juan Manuel Fangio, and another on Willy T. Ribbs, the first black driver to compete in the Indy 500. Anyone looking to inspire their kids into karts can check out the Australian drama Go Karts, charting a young driver’s racing awakening.
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WHAT’S ON
Amazon Prime (Pay-per-view on selected titles and/or subscription) If you missed Le Mans ’66 at the cinemas, it’s available on pay-per-view on Amazon and has enough to satisfy both motor racing geeks and the rest of the family, thanks to the star power of Matt Damon and Christian Bale, not to mention the slick evocation of 60s racing. If you want the real thing, the James Garner Grand Prix is also on pay-per-view, as is Asif Kapadia’s fabulous Senna documentary (also on Netflix). Assuming you have Prime membership, there’s plenty of material to enjoy for free, not least a huge and diverse range of motorsport documentaries from across the ages. Le Mans: Racing Is Everything offers a modern endurance racing variation on Netflix’s F1 Drive To Survive, but there are also lots of retro curios to enjoy, including documentaries on Zandvoort, Matra, the Ferrari 312B and more. A particular favourite is Europe Road Racing, with retro documentaries on a diverse range of classic 60s races.
BBC iPlayer (TV licence required) You have to get a little creative with the search engine and know what you’re looking for, but there are some hidden gems on iPlayer, at least at the time of writing. Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans is a revealing examination of the star’s fixation with making the best motor racing film ever, though arguably even more indulgent than the movie itself. Meanwhile, a 1982 ‘Tuesday Documentary’ on Le Mans is an interesting look at another era in the famous race. Driven: The Billy Monger story is a more inspirational documentary on the British star’s road back into racing and there are a couple of programmes celebrating the life of Stirling Moss, including a 1960 Face To Face interview with John Freeman and a more recent Racing Legends one presented by Patrick Stewart.
Red Bull TV (free to view) Red Bull has a huge presence across a range of motorsport disciplines, ranging from F1, Moto GP and WRC, through to coverage of more niche pursuits such as its own rallycross, desert racing and drifting events. The bite-size, catchup format for the big series is a nice way to re-live recent seasons in the big championships and there are supporting documentaries on Red Bull sponsored drivers like Max Verstappen to enjoy too. Dig a little deeper, and there are full-length documentaries on events such as the Dakar and fly-on-the-wall series like Drift Queen, following the adventures of up and coming British drifter Becky Evans. Aimed at the tastes and attention spans of a younger extreme sport driven audience, Red Bull’s typically slick presentation nonetheless has plenty for more traditional motorsport fans too.
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Results Latest Motorsport UK Championship Results
Motorsport UK Esports British Rally Championship Round 1: Wales (Gravel) Hirst makes history by winning first eBRC round The four-round series, which is open to any Motorsport UK licence holder or Trackside member, saw over 550 competitors register for the opening round as four tough stages through Wales provided the initial challenge. A variety of experience battled it out on the slippery Welsh gravel as those using PlayStation and XBOX controllers who were picking up the game for the first time, went up against experienced drivers and those with full simulator set-ups – with everyone driving the Ford Fiesta R2T in the game. Topping the tree was 2019 Welsh Rally Champion Matthew Hirst who competes in a Mitsubishi Evo 9 on the real stages. The Yorkshireman adapted well to the front-wheel-drive Fiesta on the game as he topped the time sheets on three of the four stages – a stellar run that saw him take maximum points from the first round.
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While Hirst used a steering wheel and pedals, the fastest driver using a controller was Northern Irishman Philip White who finished 26th overall. British Rally Championship stars also took to the competition as they could compete against their fellow licence holders and fans of the sport. Welshman James Williams was quickest off the blocks as he threw the R2 car around the virtual world to finish seventh overall while defending champion Matt Edwards, WRC2 star Rhys Yates and double-champion Jonny Milner finished 32nd, 43rd and 66th respectively. The second round of the series will get underway on 25th May with the smooth, fast and flowing stages of Spain the next challenge on the eBRC calendar. For more information and to register to take part, visit www.britishrallychampionship.co.uk/ebrc
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RESULTS
British Rally Championship Esports Invitational Round 1: Wales (Gravel) One of Britain’s top co-drivers, James Morgan, produced a virtual masterclass and topped the time sheets after the first ever British Rally Championship Esports Invitational event. While the real 2020 BRC season is on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the series protagonists are reinforcing the Stay at Home message by taking up their rivalries in the virtual world as they went head-tohead on DiRT Rally 2.0 – the latest popular creation by producers Codemasters. 21 competitors lined up for the first of a four-round series, with the iconic forestry tracks of Wales hosting the opening encounter. James Morgan from Wales usually co-drives for Rhys Yates in Britain’s premier rallying series, but in the virtual world, James and his fellow co-drivers can go head-to-head with their drivers and after an impressive performance in the Mitsubishi Mirage R5 he clinched the opening round by 7.695 seconds from Northern Irishman Josh McErlean.
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2019 Junior British Champion, Josh McErlean, stepped-up into the top-flight in the real world and showed he could mix it with the BRC establishment in the virtual world too, as he took a fine second overall, while Double British Champion Matt Edwards brought his striking 2020 livery from his actual M-Sport Ford Fiesta R5 into the Esports realm with a strong third overall – with the top three blanketed by less than 10 seconds. Recently crowned World Rally Championship Esports Shootout winner Rhys Yates finished in a respectable fourth overall and will be looking forward to the sealedsurface next time out, while Eddie Lewis was the highest placed Junior BRC competitor – rounding out the top five. While most of the BRC Esports Invitational drivers were using fully fledged simulators, a handful of drivers were using the traditional gaming controllers. Keaton Williams was the best on ‘the pad’ as he finished a highly commendable 10th overall.
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REMOTE COACHING progrAmme With the start of the season now put back, iZone have created a remote training package designed to support drivers who have home simulators and want to take this down time to further develop their skills and resilience. The package includes:
SETTING UP YOUR SIMULATOR 1) Our Engineer will need to book an hour (free of charge) with you to gain remote access to your simulator’s computer. He will check the Internet connection and install the software that will enable us to coach remotely by seeing a live stream of your simulator whilst you are driving. 2) At this time we will also send you a link to our training forms on Google Sheets (see below) for you to log into
STARTING A SESSION 1) We call you to discuss the track, objective and the drills that we are going to run during the session. 2) We start live streaming of your simulator for us to see 3) You log into Google Sheets to access our Training Drills and Assessments.
COACHING COMMENCES 1) The session will consist of an agreed number of runs during which we will be coaching live. 2) After each run you complete the Driver Assessment on Google Sheets (we can see this live). 3) This is followed by a detailed de-brief and lap review. 4) This process is then repeated throughout the session – training runs followed by de-briefs.
POST SESSION ANALYSIS 1) After the session you will complete the Post Session Analysis on Google Sheets. 2) We will discuss this over the phone highlighting exactly what has been learned.
price PER hour: CONTACT info@izoneperformance.com +44 (0)1327 856872 www.izoneperformance.com
£95 + vat
SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
Motorsport UK Supplier Directory AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES
Power Maxed Unit 3B, Wellington Road, Waterloo Park, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, B50 4JH, UK Phone: 01789330668 www.powermaxed.com
BATTERIES
CIRCUITS Castle Combe Castle Combe Circuit Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 7EY Phone: 01249 782417 www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Anglo American Oil (Control Fuels) Knockhill Knockhill Racing Circuit, by Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 9TF Phone: 01383 723337 www.knockhill.co.uk
BREAKDOWN
58 Holton Road, Holton Heath Trading Park, Poole, Dorset BH16 6LT Phone: 01929 551557 www.aaoil.co.uk
Haltermann Carless UK Ltd (Control Fuels)
DMS Technologies Belbins Business Park, Cupernham Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, S051 7JF www.dmstech.co.uk
CONTROL FUELS
Silverstone Silverstone Circuit Towcester, NN12 8TN Phone: 08443 750740 www.silverstone.co.uk
Grove House, Guildford Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 9DF Phone: 07966 437566 www.haltermann-carless.com
CONTROL SYSTEMS Moog
RAC
Three Sisters Circuit
Phone: 0330 159 8719 www.rac.co.uk
Three Sisters Road, Ashton-inMakerfield, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 8DD Tel: 01942 719030 Email: info@threesisterscircuit.co.uk Web: www.threesisterscircuit.co.uk
CAR RENTAL
Avis Believe that car rental is about more than getting from A to B. It’s about the journey itself. Rent a car with Avis and enjoy quality service anywhere you go. http://www.avis.co.uk/
Revolution - May 2020
Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 8TU Phone: 01684 858000 www.moog.co.uk
DATA LOGGING
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
Racelogic – VBOX Motorsport
Tower Communications
Unit 10, Swan Business Centre, Osier Way, Buckingham, MK18 1TB Phone: +44 1280 823803 www.vboxmotorsport.co.uk
12 The Rampart, Haddenham, Cambs, CB6 3ST Phone: 01353 749859 www.towercomms.co.uk
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SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
FABRICATION
AH Fabrications Unit 5G Ramsden Road, Rotherwas Ind Est, Hereford, HR2 6LR Phone: 01432 354 704 www.ahfabrications.com
FUELS
HOTELS
Anglo American Oil (Fuels Sunoco)
Hilton
58 Holton Road, Holton Heath Trading Park, Poole, Dorset BH16 6LT Phone: 01929 551557 www.aaoil.co.uk
Motorsport UK is delighted to offer members preferential rates at hotels within the Hilton Group. Members can access best available rates at Hilton, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Hotels around the country. www.hilton.com
VP Racing Fuels Ltd
IGNITION LEADS
Official UK importers: Racing fuels Race Fuel Logistics www.racefuel.online info@racefuel.online Phone: +44 (0) 207 458 4219
Magnecor Europe Limited
FINANCE
Classic & Sports Finance Building B, 6 Kirtlington Business Centre, Kirtlington, OX5 3JA Phone: 01869 351512 www.classicandsportsfinance.com
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Consumer Products Old Hall Performance www.oldhallperformance.com sales@oldhallperformance.com Phone: +44 (0) 2476 717 100
Fire Extinguisher Valve Co
HANS SYSTEM
Unit 10, Ford Lane Business Park Ford, Nr Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0UZ Phone: 0044 (0)1243 555566 www.f-e-v.co.uk
SCHROTH Racing www.schroth.com
HELMETS
Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems Ltd Falkland Close, Coventry, CV4 8AU UK Phone: +44 (0)24 7671 2999 www.lifeline-fire.co.uk
Unit 12, Jubilee Business Park, Snarestone Road, Appleby Magna, Derbyshire DE12 7AJ Phone: +44 (0) 1530 274 975 www.magnecor.co.uk
INSTRUMENTS ACES 26 Gainsborough Drive, Lawford, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2JU Phone: 01206 395324 www.aceserve.co.uk
INSURANCE Adrian Flux Phone: 03443 816502 www.adrianflux.co.uk
ARAI Motor Sport Helmets www.whyarai.co.uk
Bluefin Sport Bluefin Sport, The Paragon, 32-36 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6BX Phone: 0345 872 5060 Email: motorsport@bluefinsport.co.uk www.bluefinsport.co.uk
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COVERSTORY SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
Grove & Dean Motorsport Insurance 96 Market Place Romford, Essex, RM1 3ER Phone: +44 (0)1708 606768 www.grove-dean-motorsport.com
RACEWEAR Motorsport News Motorsport News, Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL www.motorsport-news.co.uk/
Reis Motorsport
MOTORSPORT PRODUCTS
Unit 4 Wheatcroft Business Park, Landmere Lane, Edwalton, Nottingham NG12 4DG Phone: 0115 965 1040 www.reis.co.uk
Grandstand Merchandise
Ryan Motorsport Insurance 150 Minories, Suite 609, London, EC3N 1LS Phone: +44 (0)1799 524202 www.ryanmi.com
MAGAZINES
Unit 4, Chalker Way, Banbury Oxfordshire, OX16 4XD Phone: 01869 337554 www.grandstandmerchandise.com/
Demon Tweeks Motorsport 75 Ash Road South, Wrexham Industrial Estate, Wrexham, LL13 9UG. Phone: 01978 664466 E mail: sales@demon-tweeks.com www.demon-tweeks.com
Grand Prix Racewear Unit 1, Silverstone Technology Park Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN Phone: 01327 855585 www.gprdirect.com
RALLY PLATES/SIGNS Halfords Phone: 0345 504 53 53 www.halfords.com
LMA Autoparts Ltd
Event Signs Unit 6 Poplar Drive, Witton, Birmingham B6 7AD Phone: 0121 344 3141 www.eventsigns.co.uk
Autosport 1 Eton Street, Richmond, TW9 1AG Phone: 0203 405 8100 www.autosport.com
The Green Barn, Antlands Lane East, Shipley Bridge, Surrey RH6 9TE Phone: 01933 778335 www.lmaautoparts.com
NOISE MEASUREMENT GP Racing 1 Eton Street, Richmond, TW9 1AG www.gpracing.com
Motor Sport magazine 18-20 Rosemont Road, London NW3 6NE Phone: 020 7349 8484 www.motorsportmagazine.com/
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Macro Motorsport Phone: 0800 567 7381 www.macromotorsport.net
RALLY SCHOOLS
Cirrus Research Tel: 01723 891655 Email: sales@cirrusresearch.com www.cirrusresearch.co.uk
Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International Turweston Aerodrome, Brackley, Northants NN13 5YD Phone: 01280 705570 www.billgwynne.com
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SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
TRANSPORT Pirelli Tyres Ltd Phil Price Rally School Coed Harbour, Llangunllo, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1TD Phone: 01547 550300 www.philprice.co.uk
DFDS Phone: 08715 211531
ROLL BARS/CAGES Caged Laser Engineering (SW) Ltd Unit 12, Ash Farm Business Park, Radstock. BA3 5EX Phone: 01761 239133 www.cagedlaser.co.uk
Protyre Motorsport Nutt Travel in partnership with Stena Line Tel: 028 7035 1199 Web: www.nutttravel.com
Safety Devices International Ltd TYRE COMPANIES Cambridge House, Holborn Avenue, Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7AN Phone: 01638 713606
17 Wainwright Close, East Sussex, TN38 9PP Phone: 01424 854499 www.corbeau-seats.com
SEATS/HARNESSES
Govan Road, Fenton Industrial Estate, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST4 2RS Phone: 01782 411 001 www.protyre.co.uk/motorsport
TYRE WARMERS M. A. Horne Ltd Unit 9, Enterprise Park, Ebblake Industrial Estate, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6YS Phone: 01202 822770 www.m-a-horne.co.uk
SEATS Corbeau Seats Ltd
Derby Road, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 0BH Tel: 01283 525252 www.pirelli.co.uk
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Europe Ltd Bath Road, Melksham, SN12 8AA www.avontyres.com www.coopertire.co.uk/motorsport-tires avonmotorsport@coopertire.com coopermotorsport@coopertire.com Tel: 01225 35 7855
WELDING Electron Beam Processes Ltd Unit 4, Octimum, Forsyth Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 5SF Phone: 01483 215400 www.ebpglobal.com
WHEELS GSM Performance Ltd Unit 5, High Hazles Road, Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire, NG12 3GZ Phone: +44 (0)115 9893488 www.gsmperformance.co.uk
Longstone Tyres Doncaster Road, Bawtry, DN10 6NX Phone: 01302 711123 www.longstonetyres.co.uk
TRACK DAYS OpenTrack Events Ltd 45 Jeavons Lane, Great Cambourne Cambridge, CB23 6AF Phone: 01954 202588 www.opentrack.co.uk Revolution - May 2020
Revolution Wheels International Ltd 2 Eco Court, Latimer Way, Sherwood Energy Village, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire NG22 9QW. UK Phone: +44 (0) 1623 860000 www.revolutionwheels.com
Michelin Tyre PLC Campbell Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4EY Phone: 0845 366 1535 www.michelin.co.uk/about/michelinin-the-uk
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SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
Speedline SL Corse Ltd Haybrook Industrial Estate, Telford TF7 4QW UK Phone: 01952 582825 www.speedlinecorse.net
WIRE WHEELS
ENQUIRIES Borrani Doncaster Road, Bawtry, DN10 6NX Phone: 01302 711123 www.borrani.com
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For partnership and supplier enquiries, email commercial@motorsportuk.org
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The Parting Shot
It was back in 1980 that Williams won its first Formula 1 constructors’ championship and a drivers’ title for Alan Jones in only its third season. With six wins out of 14 rounds – including the team’s home event at Brands Hatch and here with Jones winning at the French Grand Prix – the FW07B’s dominance was due in no small part to the ingenuity of the small team of engineers led by Patrick Head. 40 years later, that same spirit of innovation has been turned to the fight against COVID-19, Williams among the F1 teams contributing to the VentilatorChallengeUK.