Rob Jones announces retirement as MSA Chief Executive

After twelve years at the MSA including the last four and a half years as Chief Executive, Rob Jones has announced that he is taking early retirement, effective from 31 May 2018.

Jones explained his decision: “It’s the end of a very significant era for the MSA. First, we have seen the publication of the Fatal Accident Inquiry report three years after the tragic deaths of four spectators, which recognises the MSA’s on-going commitment to improving rally safety to ensure the sport’s future. Secondly, we have achieved landmark legislation securing closed roads for motor sport in England and Wales.

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Wales gives green light to closed-road motor sport

In a landmark development for Welsh motor sport, new laws facilitating closed-road events came into force today (2 February), following a long campaign by the MSA and the motor sport community.

The MSA spent several years campaigning for a change in the law to allow local authorities to suspend the Road Traffic Act for authorised motor sport events, without requiring individual Acts of Parliament. New enabling legislation commenced in England on 10 April 2017.

Following a further consultation, the Welsh Government has now published its own statutory instrument facilitating closed-road motor sport in Wales. As in England, it names the MSA and its sister governing body for two-wheel UK motor sport, the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), as the authorising bodies for closed-road motor sport events.

Richards outlines vision for MSA and UK motorsport

New MSA Chairman, David Richards CBE, outlined his vision for the future of UK motorsport during the Motorsport Safety Fund Watkins Lecture at Autosport International today (12 January).

During a wide-ranging speech to an audience of 500 members of the motor sport community, Richards reflected on both the challenges and opportunities facing the sport over the next five years.

New Directors appointed to MSA Board

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) welcomes five new Directors in 2018, led by David Richards CBE as the new Chairman of the MSA Board.

Non-Executive Directors may be appointed by the Motor Sports Council, the Nominations Committee of the MSA Board and the Royal Automobile Club. Additionally, the MSA Chief Executive, Finance Director and General Secretary serve as Executive Directors.

For 2018, the Motor Sports Council has nominated four new non-Executive Directors: Mike Broad, former British Rally Champion co-driver and Chairman of the MSA Rally Championships Steering Group; David Lapworth, Technical Director of Prodrive and Chairman of the MSA Technical Committee; Richard Norbury, Chairman of the MSA Judicial Committee; and Ian Watson, General Manager of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) and Chairman of the MSA Race Committee.

MSA congratulates Todt and Stoker on FIA re-election

The MSA has congratulated Jean Todt on his re-election as FIA President and Graham Stoker on his re-appointment as FIA Deputy President for Sport.

Todt was handed a third term in office with a unanimous show of hands at the FIA’s General Assembly in Paris last week (8 December). “It is gratifying to have such universal support,” said Todt. “I would like to thank all of the Member Clubs of the FIA for their support. I see this as a validation of the direction the FIA has taken under my leadership, and as encouragement to continue the programme we have pursued over the past eight years.”

MSA improves transparency of governance following strategic review

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) will make significant changes to its governance structures and processes from 2018 following detailed analysis of the recommendations of a major strategic review.

The review was carried out during 2016 to audit the functions and remit of the governing body. It centred on ten core areas of the MSA’s operations, the first being Board, Structure and Governance, with an MSA Board working group established to work through the recommendations.

A key outcome from the review is the reconfirmation of the MSA Board’s primacy in the governance of UK motor sport. It also recognised that the Board is ultimately accountable for all decisions that are taken on its behalf by Motor Sports Council, the sport’s rule-making body. Therefore, from 2018 the Chairman of Motor Sports Council will recommend all rule changes to the MSA Board, which will then be responsible for their ratification.

MSA gives initial response to FAI Determination

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has given its initial response to Sheriff Maciver QC’s Determination regarding the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) into the tragic events of the 2013 Snowman and 2014 Jim Clark Rallies, which was published today (Tuesday 21 November 2017).

Rob Jones, MSA Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the publication of Sheriff Maciver’s Determination. In particular, we acknowledge his thoroughness during the FAI and we are grateful for the fact that he has delivered his report within just two months from the conclusion of evidence.

“We acknowledge the Sheriff’s analysis of the circumstances leading up to each accident, in both cases arising in the context of events that were organised by what were stated to be experienced volunteers demonstrating the highest levels of dedication and responsibility.

MSA congratulates Evans and Barritt on maiden WRC victory

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) congratulates MSA Academy graduates Elfyn Evans and Daniel Barritt on scoring their maiden victory in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and becoming the first British crew to win Dayinsure Wales Rally GB in 17 years.

Evans and Barritt flew through the legendary Welsh forests to become the event’s first home winners since Richard Burns and Robert Reid in 2000.

MSA grants permit for first closed-road rally in England

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has granted the first Event Organising Permit for a closed-road competition in England to Chelmsford Motor Club (CMC) for a stage rally in Essex next April.

New legislation facilitating closed-road motor sport commenced on 10 April this year, following a long campaign by the MSA. The first full event under these new laws is set to be a stage rally of up to 45 competitive miles near Clacton-on-Sea on 22 April 2018.

The MSA inspected CMC’s original proposed route in July and has since worked with the club to develop its plans. The governing body has now issued a Permit, which allows CMC to apply to Essex Highways for a Motor Race Order under legislation set out in the Deregulation Act 2015.

Entries open for young journalist and photographer awards

The 2017 MSA Young Journalist and Photographer of the Year awards are open to entries from promising young members of the motorsport media aged 30 and under.

Established in 2002, the awards are designed to encourage the new generation of reporters and photographers working within UK motorsport. An expert panel will consider the applications, and each winner will receive a trophy and a cheque for £1,000 at the MSA’s Night of Champions ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club in January.