TO GO MOTORSPORT

Autosport International is famous for hosting top-level drivers and teams. The 2009 show is no exception, with ex-Formula One drivers such as David Coulthard and Allan McNish, and touring car aces like Andy Priaulx, Jason Plato and Matt Neal attending.

But let’s not forget that all these drivers began their racing careers at the grassroots of the sport, in club-level competition. This is where young drivers hone their race-craft, and exceptional talents get noticed. Following a successful launch in May, the Go Motorsport initiative, promoting entry-level motorsport in the UK, will be attending the show for the first time on 8-11 January, at the NEC, Birmingham.

The Go Motorsport campaign aims to raise the profile of UK motorsport, encouraging the public to take part by competing, spectating or volunteering in the organisation of events. Backed by £250,000 from the UK’s motorsport governing body, the MotorSport Association, the campaign has attracted support from drivers such as McNish, Priaulx and Plato, as well as Damon Hill and Lord March.

The Go Motorsport stand will celebrate all aspects of club motorsport, with show-goers able to experience affordable cars and karts for the motorsport beginner. The stand will also include ‘Volunteers in Motorsport’, an initiative backed by the government to encourage marshals and officials into the sport, and anyone can do it!

“Autosport International is proud to continue supporting British club motorsport, as the breeding ground for emerging driving and engineering talents; it is virtually impossible to rise through the motorsport ranks without competing at club level, whether racing or rallying, sprinting or trials,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France. “If you’re an aspiring driver, or already on the motorsport career ladder, you’ll find everything you need for the coming season under one roof at Autosport International.”