Many people with disabilities would love to participate in car and motorcycle sport but feel excluded. At Autosport International 2005 (13-16 January), Motorsport Endeavour, a new motorsport club to host events exclusively for people with disabilities, was launched.
The Motorsport Endeavour club is not restricted to drivers. For those unable to drive there will be many roles to play - as riders, navigators, marshals, time keepers, administrators and spectators. Previous experience is not necessary as members of the Club can take part in familiarisation and training days.
The programme of events will include rallying, karting, off-road events, hill climbs, trials, autotests and visits to motorsport centres. It is hoped that the date of the inaugural rally, a three-day exercise to be based at Stoke Mandeville, will shortly be confirmed.
Making the announcement, founder Graham Raphael introduced His Grace the Duke of Somerset, patron of the Motorsport Endeavour Club.
"I am delighted to support this outstanding initiative," said His Grace. "Over the years I have followed motorsport with enthusiasm. There is no reason why people with a wide range of disabilities cannot share the thrill of this exhilarating sport. Motorsport Endeavour is key to making this happen."
Five of the founder members were at Autosport to support the launch, all continuing their passion for motorsport despite being disabled. Dave Hawkins is founder of ParaRallying, enabling disabled people to get behind the wheel of a rally car. A double amputee, Mike McKenzie is one of the intrepid disabled travellers featured in the book 'Around the World in 80 Ways'. Joy Rainey has extensive motorsport experience and completed the London to Sydney Marathon 2004 in a 1970 Morris Minor. Roy Tansley continues to race bikes after breaking his back and losing a leg. Roy is the fastest ever disabled racer at the Isle of Man TT races. Steve Tarrant is a race marshal who at the Goodwood Festival of Speed was hit by a Lotus F1 at a speed of around 140 mph, leaving him an amputee.
Graham Raphael broke his neck and became paralysed when reconnoitring the route for the 1977 London to Sydney Rally. Determined to continue his involvement in motorsport and share his passion with other disabled people, he conceived the idea of Motorsport Endeavour. Graham has dedicated the last five years to putting the Club on the grid, gaining the support of some of the biggest names in motorsport.
"Disability is a banana skin away from life, but the arrival of a problem should not consign previous interest in the fast lane to the 'too hard' box," he said. "Disability should not preclude people from motorsport participation. If the determination is there, they should be offered the opportunity."
Events will be affiliated to the MSA (Motor Sports Association) and the ACU (Autocycle Union). They will be undertaken in conjunction with Motorsport Endeavour's Competitor Advisory Group. Events will be supported by a medical team headed by Ken Walker, honorary consultant member of the MSA medical advisory panel. Participants will have to be confirmed by the medical committee. A nominal annual fee of £10 will entitle Club members to invitations to visit top motorsport locations, which will include both Formula 1 and rally-car operations, vehicle manufacturing centres, race circuits and other places of interest. Members will receive discounts when participating in events; a regular newsletter and preview programme information.
Mike Summerfield is clerk of the course for Motorsport Endeavour. Mike has extensive experience in route planning including Peking-Paris, London-Sydney, London-Mexico and Midnight Sun-Red Sea. He has been co-ordinator of communications with Ford Rally Team and for RAC Rally and a team manager for European championships.
Last October Graham Raphael was appointed by the Motorsport Development Board to co-ordinate its work to increase participation and employment in motorsport by people with disabilities. Within this remit Motorsport Endeavour is establishing links with educational organisations, including the National College for Motorsport, and with companies in the motorsport industry to encourage more opportunities for people with disabilities to build careers in this sector. The Motorsport Development Board has supported Motorsport Endeavour's exhibition at Autosport.
For more information on Club membership and planned programme of events call Motorsport Endeavour on 020 8991 2358, e-mail info@motorsportendeavour.com or click on to motorsportendeavour.com
