Motorsport UK, formerly known as the Motor Sports Association (MSA), is a national membership organisation and governing body for four-wheel motorsport in the United Kingdom.[1] Legally, it is a not-for-profit private company limited by guarantee.[2][3]
It has power under UK legislation to issue permits to event organisers wishing to close public highways for motorsport uses.[6] The organisation claims its mission is to increase the number of participants in motorsport within the UK. It also claims to have within its community 720 affiliated motor clubs, 30,000 competition licence holders, 10,000 volunteer marshals and 4,000 officials, whilst authorising 5,000 event permits every year.[1]
Structure
Motorsport UK is managed and organised by its board of directors, chaired by David Richards CBE. In March 2019 the constitution of Motorsport UK was changed by a unanimous vote of the council to bring it in line with Sport England's code of governance and best practice.[7] This is documented in the new memorandum and articles of association.[8]
Motorsport UK began as the Royal Automobile Club's (RAC) Motor Sports Association in the late 1970s. Until this time motorsport events in the UK had been organised by motor clubs or independent parties who could implement their own rules with oversight by the RAC’s Competitions Committee. In 1975 the committee was replaced by the Motor Sports Council who standardised rules and their enforcement throughout the country.[2] The RAC Motor Sports Association was legally formed in December 1977,[3] and began organising and promoting events the following year.[10]
The MSA was rebranded as Motorsport UK in 2018, introducing its own new aim to increase participation as well as regulate the sport.[11]