A Final Thought

Motorsport on a budget

by RICHARD DJJ BOWDERY

To race at the pinnacle of motorsport is prohibitively expensive except, perhaps, for the uber-rich. Running a Formula One team, where millions of pounds are spent each season, is testament to that. But that’s not to say the man in the street can’t get involved. Just ask Orpington businessman Tony Martin.

Tony, who runs a property management company, said: “For those considering motor racing as a hobby, the EnduroKA race series provides a cost-effective way in without a huge financial outlay.”

And he should know. Some 17 months ago he, along with his two sons and two racing friends, set up M&D Racing. It was towards the end of 2018 when Tony Perfect, who Tony knew from his stock rod racing days, told him he was considering taking part in a new race series called EnduroKA.

“I discussed it with my sons and it sort of all came together,” said Tony. “Fellow racer, Matt Rawlings, was drafted in and M&D Racing team was born.”

The fledgling team competes in this new series which holds six races a year. Tony explained: “On average each race costs just over £1,000. But splitting the cost five ways helps make it more affordable. The £1,000 covers the race entry fee, fuel, tyres and accommodation.

“Although we are self-funded we are actively looking for sponsorship. This will help us compete with better funded teams and provide potential sponsors with exposure in a well supported motorsport series.”

The EnduroKA series was set up by MotorSport Vision Group — a company co-founded by former F1 driver Jonathan Palmer — which owns several iconic racing circuits across the UK. Now in its second season, the series will not only test the skills of those drivers taking part but also their endurance. With races lasting anything up to 12 hours and each driver in the car for roughly two hours at a time EnduroKA is well named. But didn’t such a long time behind the wheel with all the concentration required for racing at speed give them second thoughts?

Tony Martin was emphatic: “No. If anything it made the prospect more appealing. Not only that, the whole thing has evolved from being just about five guys racing to being about teamwork and friendship.”

That teamwork was needed from day one. A car had to be sourced and built, which mechanic Tony Perfect took the lead on. Then it required Matt Rowling’s skills to spray paint it in a distinctive livery. Nothing could be overlooked;

especially as the vehicle had to meet strict regulations from the EnduroKA scrutineers.

But what about the risks? “It’s not something we think about while racing,” said Tony, “you have a healthy respect for the dangers. Accidents do happen but the best way to reduce the risk is in the preparation taken before each race such as checking the car’s various components to ensure everything is A1. Of course helmets, flame retardant overalls and in-car equipment such as neck supports and a full roll cage are vital to help protect the driver.”

So there you have it. An economical way into motor racing is available with plenty of ‘seat time’. But if you don’t fancy getting behind the wheel yourself you could still be involved in the sport through sponsorship. Tony would love to hear from anyone interested in sponsoring the team. His email address is tonymartin.prop@googlemail.com .

One final question. How did the team’s name come about? Tony Martin explained: “It originated from when Tony Perfect was a boy. His parents paid for him to take part in junior oval race meetings. The M and D stood for Mum and Dad because they paid all his racing expenses. A bit like I did for my boys. He and his father went onto build engines for oval racing cars which they called M&D Race Engines. So it seemed appropriate to continue with a name well known in our level of motorsport especially with its ‘hidden’ meaning.

Tony continued: “Also I think it’s a good way to remember Tony’s dad who passed away last year.”

More information on this motor racing series can be found online at enduroka.co.uk