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STRAIGHT TALK Crystal ball gazing Chris Aylett says that there is high demand for engineering talent


is attracting the attention of several ‘new’ automotive brands, the British Touring Car Championship has closed on a record year with larger TV and trackside audiences, ‘historic’ racing booms across the world, F3 continues to produce full grids and GT and Sportscar grids have been larger than ever, right across the range. In fact, there is now a


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shortage of top-class engineers in the UK with companies struggling to recruit. Demand is so strong, with confidence for the future, that employment in motorsport is booming. One bright idea to tackle this problem is TRS – check this out at www.talentretention.biz – a free scheme to re-employ top engineers laid off from the UK defence Industry. Talking of defence, those


companies that diversify outside motorsport are now seeing real benefit. They balance their reliance on motorsport by securing business in defence, automotive, marine and even space. Margins are good and importantly, most are long- term contracts, giving a level of security not found easily in motorsport. More should look at taking their skills and technology into other sectors, and get diversification underway right away. The MIA leads various programmes doing just this, helping companies to reach new markets – never an easy task without help. As we end 2011, the future


becomes ever harder to predict. The major markets for motorsport are Europe and the USA, both of which are in economic turmoil. This atmosphere can affect corporate and personal confidence, which has a direct knock-on effect on the financial plans needed for motorsport.


his season has been a great year for many in motorsport. The World Rally Championship


Yet all indications are that business will remain strong. One thing is for sure, decisions are likely to be made even later than in 2011, which can really stretch suppliers. By the time you read this, the major European and US motorsport shows will be behind us, so we will have a clearer idea of business prospects in 2012


leaders behind energy efficient motorsport attend this event to exchange views and see the latest developments. Both Lord Drayson and Lord Green, the UK Trade Minister, will speak, as will Azhar Hussain of TTxGP and Nick Fry of the Mercedes GP team, amongst others.


2012 and 2013 will undoubtedly see continued “More should look at taking


their skills and technology into other sectors”


in these important markets, and still have Autosport International ahead to look forward to in the early new year.


The MIA will, once again, bring


together businesses interested in a low carbon motorsport future at our Low Carbon Race Conference on Wednesday 11 January. The


and growing interest in ‘energy efficient’ solutions from electric through hybrids, to new fuels. This remains a productive area for new business. Come and meet the MIA during the Autosport show – perhaps bring friends to enjoy our Business Excellence Awards


Dinner, with famous referee, Graham Poll, entertaining us on Thursday night – you would be very welcome. Unless the economic storm damages our plans even further, my belief is that the next two years are going to be really exciting. With new products, new series and exciting new technologies to witness, whether it’s electric racing with the 850bhp Lola / Drayson, the Delta Wing at Le Mans, EFI in NASCAR Sprint Cup or the NGTC – there’s plenty to entertain our customers and create new opportunities for business and sponsorship. Let’s pray for a Christmas gift


that the politicians can clean up the mess in Europe and the USA and give us all a genuinely happy and prosperous New Year ahead. Come and say hello at the Autosport Show in the MIA Business Lounge (Stand 8020), and good luck for 2012. www.the-mia.com


Series such as the British Touring Car Championship have proven popular in 2011 to competitors and spectators January 2012 • www.racecar-engineering.com 5


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