The value of projects supported by the Motorsport Development Board in 2004 has passed £1million after it agreed to back a new batch of cluster development activities at its recent meeting in Birmingham.

· £20,000 to research work-based learning requirements (including motorcycle sport)· £52,220 to create an online recruitment portal· £100,000 to set up the Motorsport Academy for its launch in 2005· £80,000 to support Dr Steve Bunkhall and the Motorsport Industry Association to manage the energy efficient motorsport project for a further six months.

The Board also ratified the appointment of co-ordinators to develop its target areas for widening participation in motorsport: Cruise Sport, karting, motorcycles, off-road motorsport, women and disabled participants.

With its business development plans also being published shortly, the Board is setting a hot pace in implementing the recommendations made last year by the DTI Motorsport Competitiveness Panel.

New chairman Bob Gilbert said, "The Board is making rapid progress in addressing key industry needs and I will ensure that we maintain that momentum".

The Motorsport Development Board provides industry and sporting leadership and direction on a five years programme to sustain and develop the UK motorsport cluster, based on the recommendations of the Motorsport Competitiveness Panel.

The Government Motorsport Unit leads the government's sector sponsorship of motorsport.