Sportscar legend and ex-F1 racer Allan McNish joined the MSA at Autosport International to extend the Race ‘n’ Respect campaign across all karting, junior circuit racing and junior drag racing, and to present awards to Bambino karters.

Race ‘n’ Respect is a code of conduct designed to create a positive atmosphere in motor sports, on and off the track. It was trialled last year in the MSA Bambino and MSA British Cadet Kart Championships, with great success. It will also now be adopted by the National Karting Association (NKA), which represents indoor venues and ‘arrive-and-drive’ karting – a popular entry route into the sport for many competitors.

The campaign is underpinned by the Racing Code that applies not only to competitors but also to officials, organisers, parents, guardians and teams. It is based on strong values:

• Respect• Fair play• Self-control• Good manners• Sincerity.

McNish, a three-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours and the 2013 FIA WEC World Champion, said: “I first launched Race ‘n’ Respect in Bambino and Cadet karting at Autosport International 12 months ago, and for it to be so successful and expanded across all karting and into junior circuit and drag racing is a really important step. I am sure drivers and teams all realise from an early age that racing is not just about winning – it’s also a fun and social family sport for so many competitors. That’s what Race ‘n’ Respect promotes and it’s why I’m right behind the campaign.”

McNish and MSA Chief Executive Rob Jones also took the opportunity to present awards to the top 10 competitors in last year’s inaugural MSA Bambino Kart Championship. The champion, Taylor Orridge, was thrilled to win a brand new IAME-engined Cadet kart, donated by the MSA and displayed on the MSA stand during Autosport International.

“I’m sure that there are some future stars among the current crop of Bambino competitors,” said McNish. “They should all be very proud of their achievements, but most of all as well as racing hard they enjoyed their racing season. I just wish I could be their age again, starting out with a world of possibilities ahead!”