Our Strategic Priorities

Priority 1: Safety of Motorsport

Aim

To continue to invest in the safety of Motorsport for competitors, officials, marshals, volunteers, emergency responders, spectators, the media and the general public and ensure that everyone recognises their role in keeping our sport safe.

Background

Safety is our number one priority.

The safety of competitors, officials, marshals, volunteers, emergency responders, spectators, the media and the general public must remain the top priority for the Governing Bodies, government Departments, Councils and other public bodies which are involved with motorsport.

Government support to motorsport, other than support to particular events, should continue to focus on raising standards of safety.

It is also important to continue to support positive role models of motorsport participants and to work with communities to reduce improper and reckless use of cars and bikes on the public road and off road.

Safe facilities are essential to encourage participation in and the sustainability of our four motorsport disciplines. We will aim to identify additional / alternative circuits/ venues/ facilities and update existing venues where possible.

Actions and Outcomes:

Goal 1.1
The safety of competitors, officials, volunteers, spectators and the general public will remain the top priority for the Governing Bodies in partnership with Government Departments, Councils and other public bodies which are involved with motorsport
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
1.1.1: Promote a multi-agency strategic planning approach for safety in conjunction with government departments, governing bodies, the FIA, FIM, Motorsport UK, MCUI, Auto-Cycle Union and other key public and private stakeholders
1.1.2: Develop a stakeholder map and a stakeholder engagement plan
1.1.3: Research and investigate how technology could be used to improve safety (e.g. using satellite imagery and tracking devices on cars and motorbikes to help plan; linked to planning events, recording incidents, reporting incidents and predicting – reducing the risk)		 2&4 Wheel Year 1 on
  • More joined-up approach to motorsport safety by government agencies, funders and Governing Bodies
  • Reduction in insurance premiums
  • More interactive race incident management
Goal 1.2
Safety must remain top priority for all – safety is everyone’s business
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
1.2.1: GBs to develop safety plans for tracks and events over the next 2-5 years based on emerging technologies and latest safety thinking GBs/ CBs Year 2
  • Reduction in reported incidents at events by each GB
  • Safer races
  • Greater respect among riders for club officials and rules
1.2.2: Update handbooks as required on safety guidelines GBs/ CBs Year 2  
1.2.3: GBs/ CBs to focus on enforcement of existing safety practices GBs/ CBs Year 1 on  
1.2.4: Train more Clerks of the Courses for each GB – Succession planning GBs/ CBs Year 2 on
  • Increase in number of Clerks of the Course across each of the GBs/ CBs
1.2.5: Offer on going safety training & develop a continuous improvement & enforcement plan around existing safety practices and measures GBs/ CBs Year 1 on
  • Safer racing and more competent officials and volunteers
1.2.6: Offer on line training courses for competitors and marshals emergency responders, administrators and volunteers for all those trained more than three years ago GBs/ CBs Year 1 on
  • Greater respect among riders for club officials and rules
1.2.7: Host track safety days 2&4 Wheel Year 1 on
  • Reduction in number of incidents
1.2.8: Identify physical improvements required to the infrastructure of circuits to reduce potential hazards. Link with DfI on same. 2&4 Wheel Year 2 on
  • Improved infrastructure for the sport
  • Safer races
1.2.9: Support clubs to update existing venues where possible and help overcome any barriers that they may face in so doing DfI, 2&4 Wheel Year 2 on  
1.2.10: Improve methods of messaging competitors, spectators and the general public, again using more interactive mechanisms GBs/ CBs Year 2 on
  • Greater awareness of the importance of adhering to safety messages and rules
Goal 1.3
Promote positive role models of motorsport participants and work with communities to reduce reckless and unsafe use of cars and bikes on and off road
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
1.3.1: Build on existing DoJ funded projects linked to safe driving practice and identify next steps 2&4 Wheel Year 2 on
  • Reduction in number of reckless and unsafe driving incidents off roads across NI
  • Reduction in Anti –Social Behaviour in target areas
1.3.2: Make applications to relevant central and local government or Trust based funding opportunities e.g. TEO TBUC, DoJ, PCSPs, CRC, Peace funding, DfC, Council Community Services/ GR14/ Sport.
Seek some external mentor support for same
1.3.3: Identify and seek other sources of funding from private sector – giving back to the sport under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Liaise with FIA/ FIM on same.15
1.3.4: Discuss with relevant government departments how to reduce red tape and how to build the capacity of the sector to engage in such opportunities 2&4 Wheel Year 1 on
  • Improved applications
Goal 1.4
Safe and accessible facilities are essential to encourage participation in and the sustainability of motorsport
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
1.4.1: Undertake a feasibility study and work strategically with government bodies and local councils to identify additional / alternative circuits / venues/ facilities for motorsport with a view to making the sport safer and more accessible 2&4 Wheel Year 3 on
  • Safer racing and increased participation in the sport

Priority 2: Development of Motorsport

Aim

To continue to develop the capacity of 2&4 Wheel Motorsports Group and its affiliated Governing Bodies, Co-ordinating bodies and clubs with a view to helping build the safety, success and sustainability of Motorsport. We recognise that the ecosystem of our sport is wide and varied and requires skills development at a range of levels which we will identify and seek to support through this plan.

Background

The 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group, Governing Bodies and Co-ordinating Bodies will work together to maximise their own capacity and that of Motorsport Clubs to generate funding, maximise media coverage and attract new followers to events. 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group will work with Sport NI and central and local government to support achievement of these objectives, drawing on their experience of working with other sporting bodies.

We recognise that there are a number of barriers to entry to our sport and that perceptions about our sport are in many cases ill-founded. We will focus on marketing motorsports to a broader audience, through for example the collaborative development and delivery of a schools programme involving entry level competitions and motorsport experiences, such as short course events with low cost entry requirements.

Our Governing Bodies and Co-ordinating Bodies will aim to work with Sport NI and Tourism NI alongside other central and local government departments (e.g. Councils, DfC, EA, DFI, Invest NI) to explore options for a new partnership model for the delivery of major motorsport events with a focus on maximising the economic impact of our events and addressing some of the hazards we face, some of which we cannot predict including the weather.

Actions and Outcomes:

Goal 2.1
Work to build the capacity of 2&4 Wheel and the four Governing Bodies through support from external bodies
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
2.1.1: Define all elements of the ecosystem of motorsport 2&4 Wheel with GBs/CBs Year 1
  • Increased capacity of GBs/ CBs
2.1.2: Undertake a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) of each GB and their directors and develop action plan (on all aspects of running the sport from safety to PR) 2&4 Wheel with GBs/ CBs Year 1
2.1.3: Undertake same process with all 80 clubs 2&4 Wheel with GBs/ CBs Year 2 on
2.1.4: Seek funding for and roll out a capacity building programme for GBs/ CBs and the 80 clubs based on results of TNA – in small groups 2&4 Wheel with GBs/ CBs Year 2 on
2.1.5: Set up an inter-sport peer mentor programme for senior and junior members of GBs/ CBs and the Clubs 2&4 Wheel with GBs/ CBs Year 2 on
2.1.6: Organise a series of relevant masterclasses in key areas 2&4 Wheel Year 2 on
2.1.7: Seek funding for and develop a documentary on Motorsport in NI 2&4 Wheel Year 3-5
Goal 2.2
Market motorsports to a broader audience
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
2.2.1: Identify a high profile local ambassador for each sport GBs/ CBs Year 2
  • Collegiate approach by the sport
  • Increased coverage on
  • TV and radio of all
  • aspects of Motorsport
  • Increased followers on
  • Facebook and Twitter
  • and hits on web sites
  • Increase in numbers of
  • spectators at events
  • (and online)
2.2.2: Develop a youth engagement plan for Motorsport using new technologies – co-design with young people 2&4 Wheel/ Local councils Year 3 on
2.2.3: Promote greater engagement in digital motorsport 2&4 Wheel Year 2 on
2.2.4: Upgrade all web sites and Facebooks; train personnel; develop interactive content e.g. real time event streaming 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 2 on
2.2.5: Set up a Collaborative Schools Outreach Programme Working Group with the EA, DE (FE Sector – e.g. SW College) & 3 or 4 Post Primary Schools with a focus on the STEAM agenda16 and the role of Motorsport in same (looking at all aspects of the ecosystem of motorsport – PR Media; engineering; Sports; ICT and interactive technologies; robotics; electrical engineering for e-cars; sales and marketing) and seek external funding for same 2&4 Wheel Year 2 on
  • Increased awareness of the value of motorsport to NI
  • Greater relevance of motorsport to young people
  • Increase number of participants
2.2.6: Establish some entry level low cost entry competitions / taster events/ motorsport experiences GBs/ CBs Year 2 on More new entrants to the sport
Goal 2.3
Governing Bodies & Coordinating Bodies should work with Government bodies and their ALBs to explore the development of an agreed partnership model for the delivery of the major motorsport events
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
2.3.1: Lead on the establishment of a Task and Finish Group comprising 2&4 wheels, the 4 GBs and invite DfC, Sport NI, Tourism NI & Invest NI to explore the development of a partnership model for major sporting events and the roles and responsibilities that each body could perform – with a view to developing a 3-5 year action plan 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 2-3
  • Collegiate approach to planning events across all disciplines
  • Partnership model for major events developed
  • Greater collaboration and coordination of events leading to improved revenue streams for the sport
  • More events that attract visitors for longer in NI
2.3.2: Clarify different terms used in motorsport for different types of events under the four disciplines (e.g. A world event; A major event; A minor event; An international event; A national event; A local event) and how better promotion of a series of minor events could be transformed into a major event series for NI 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 1
2.3.3: Investigate ways with perhaps the private sector of attracting more spectators to events and increasing engagement with the fan base of all four sports

Priority 3: Promoting Talent and Participation

Aim

To increase participation and broaden the pool of talent available at all levels of motorsport. We recognise that the future success of Northern Ireland motorsport is dependent on promoting participation at grassroots events, identifying potential at a young age, clearly articulating performance pathways for progression and signposting and developing and supporting that talent to be the best that it can be across the Motorsport ecosystem.

Background

2&4 Wheel and the four Governing Bodies and Co-ordinating bodies have placed the promotion of talent and participation at the heart of the new strategy – drawing on the experience of other regions and other sports. We have created many champions over the years across all of our disciplines but the pathways to success need to be more transparent and understood to newcomers to the sport. Each of our Governing Bodies and Co-ordinating Bodies will build on existing published pathways, making them more visible to new and existing entrants to the sport . Where these are not currently available, we will set out clearly the pathways to progression through our sports to ensure that athletes in their sports are aware of the skills and competencies needed and can engage in activities required to progress safely and to realise their full potential in Motorsport.

We will explore with Sport NI, the Sports Institute NI and our national Governing Bodies whether and how a Motorsport Academy for off track activities to advance talent in our sport could be established in Northern Ireland and – if appropriate – which forms of support could be provided.

We recognise that many people in Northern Ireland have never participated in our sport nor have they been a spectator at one of our events. We wish to address this by giving all people the opportunity to participate in our sport. We are committed to increasing engagement of females, young people and those with a disability

in our sport as competitors, officials, managers, engineers and mechanics. We will promote female participation though the media, the promotion of role models and through working with key stakeholders groups. We will develop social and

education programmes, with a link to the STEAM agenda, in order to promote greater participation of females, youth and those with a disability in motorsport. We will be guided by international best practice. We will link for instance with the Women in Motorsport Commission, established in 2009. An example of this is the FIA European Young Women Programme and the Girls on Track Karting Challenge; or the Engineer Your Career — A world of Opportunity in Motorsport aimed at encouraging girls to take up engineering as a career. We need to ensure that motorsport is viewed by all as a shared world of equal opportunities.

We need to understand how to increase participation and as such we will explore the following concept and issues with Sport NI and others within central and local government, the community and voluntary sector and the private sector.

We will explore best practice examples of engagement between motorsport organisations and local communities and how best to form strategic partnerships between motorsport organisations, local communities and businesses.

Current support arrangements for volunteers in motorsport and ensure they are well trained and supported and feel valued and appreciated for their contribution to our sport. Without volunteers and their grass roots support in administrative, technical, safety and other support roles our sport would not succeed.

The reasons for the low level of participation of motorsport organisations in the various funding and development schemes for sporting organisations operated by Councils, and by other funders with a view to increasing our success in funding bids.

Actions and Outcomes:

Goal 3.1
Governing Bodies will place promotion of talent and participation at the heart of their new strategic approach to the development of their sports – drawing on the experience of other regions and other sports. Governing Bodies will set out clearly the pathways to progression through their sports to ensure that athletes in their sports have the skills and competencies needed to progress safely and to realise their full potential.
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
3.1.1: Seek to establish a Task and Finish Group to explore how other governing bodies promote & nurture talent and participation in their sports. Invite SNI and SINI to participate 2&4 Wheel Year 2
  • Pathways for athletes published on 2&4 and GB web sites
  • Pathways for other skilled personnel published on 2&4 and GB web sites
  • Increase in number of new participants into the sport by year 3
3.1.2: Each GB to map and publish existing or new Performance Pathways for Athletes outlining the skills and competencies needed to progress safely and realise their full potential across each of the four disciplines (e.g. Physical fitness – strength and conditioning; Psychology; Diet and nutrition; Specific motorsports skills per discipline; Preparing for the next level – PR and media training) 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 1
3.1.3: Pull together information on the GB protocols to identify and develop talented individuals from the earliest stages of their careers that currently exist for each sport
3.1.4: Develop / update protocols as required to identify and articulate pathways/ progression routes for talented individuals
3.1.5: Place on 2&4 Wheel & GB websites
3.1.6: Governing bodies to map and publish Pathways for other skilled personnel to progress in the sector and realise their full potential e.g. administrative, technical and support roles Year 2 on
Goal 3.2
Determine whether and how to deliver a Motorsport Academy and the services which might be provided
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
3.2.1: Visit other Motorsport Academies in other parts of the EU and seek funding for same 2&4 Wheel Year 1
  • Greater awareness of the gaps in terms of what a motorsports Academy could do
  • Feasibility study on Motorsport Academy for NI undertaken by end year 2
3.2.2: Identify gaps in NI and opportunities
3.2.3: Commission a feasibility study on the establishment of a Motorsport Academy in Northern Ireland and seek funding for same. Liaise with SNI and SINI on same. Seek external resources 2&4 Wheel – external consultant Year 2-3
3.2.4: Explore how a collaborative approach could be taken with other sports in NI to help address some of the gaps
Goal 3.3
Explore with and support the Governing Bodies in relation to

  • developing engagement with local communities and exploring linkages with schools/colleges and businesses to widen participation in motorsport;
  • supporting volunteering and
  • understanding the low level of participation of motorsport organisations in the various funding and development schemes for sporting organisations operated by Councils and by Sport NI and others
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
3.3.1: Seek a named person within Sport NI with whom 2&4 Wheel can liaise 2&4 Wheel SNI Year 1
  • Improved working relationship with key stakeholders
Developing best practice examples of engagement
3.3.2: Develop a pilot community engagement programme with clubs with support from key voluntary stakeholders, businesses & relevant government bodies and seek funding for same e.g.

  • Seek female ambassadors to promote sport to target groups.

Focus on

  • Getting more females into the sport
  • Motorsport Ireland concept – FIA Concept – FIM
  • Getting more young people into the sport
  • Getting more people with a disability into the sport
  • Develop affordable lower cost events for people who wish to try the sport for the first time
  • Explore the concept of shared ownership of bikes/ cars for young people
  • “Get into Motorsport” campaign in local schools and communities – track days or trials
  • Engage with local businesses under their CSRremits to promote participation – e.g. car or bike dealers, petrol stations, insurance brokers, banks
  • “Invite a friend” initiative
 2&4 Wheel, GBs/ CBs, External support Year 2 on
  • Increase in number of females, youth and those with a disability engaged in the sport
  • Increased opportunities for people to get into motorsport
  • Increased participation in motorsport
Supporting Volunteers
3.3.3: Meet with Volunteer Now and benchmark how other sports have recruited volunteers to help develop a programme to support and maintain existing volunteers; recruit new volunteers; develop succession plans for all GBs/ CBs		 2&4 Wheel, GBs/ CBs
External support		 Years 3-5
  • Increase in the number and range of volunteers engaged in the sport
  • Increase in appreciation felt by volunteers
  • Increased skills among volunteers
3.3.4: Meet Sport NI to discuss how to make its governing body support more bespoke for the Motorsport sector in a rapidly changing marketplace 2&4 Wheel, GBs/ CBs Years 2-3
3.3.5: Meet SNI to discuss the development of a Motorsport Club Development Programme (Include ISO 9001) and seek funding for same 2&4 Wheel, GBs/ CBs Years 2-3
Research on the low level of participation of motorsport organisations in the various funding and development schemes
3.3.6 Using the funders database, undertake a review over the last three years of the number of applications from motorsport clubs and governing bodies & success of same		 2&4 Wheel, GBs/ CBs
External		 Year 2 on
  • More applications for funding by GBs/ CBs and their clubs to existing funding programmes
3.3.7 Support clubs to make applications
3.3.8 Encourage reduction in bureaucracy by funders – plain English
3.3.9 Encourage collaborative opportunities across the GBs/ CBs and 2&4W for funding and seek funding for same. Seek innovative opportunities for same (e.g. FIA’s Innovation Fund – ideally placed for some of the innovative actions within this strategy or TEOs Central Good Relations Programme, ideal for building good relations linked to the shared community aspect of the sport) & FIA Sports Grant

Priority 4: Governance

Aim

To improve the governance of our sport and the skills and competencies of the volunteers in our Governing Bodies and clubs.

Background

We understand that the four Governing Bodies involved in Motorsport have primary responsibility for the development and safety of their sports. We recognise the many challenges faced by our sport none less than the increased focus on the environment and the move towards a more electric based motorsport sector.

The primary responsibility for the development of each form of motorsport in Northern Ireland falls to its Governing Body, which is responsible to its member clubs and works within the framework of regulations set down by the national and international bodies to which it is affiliated.

Each Governing Body will develop and publish a clear strategy for the development of their sport setting out the opportunities and challenges it faces, actions to realise the opportunities and address the challenges and targets for the development of its motorsport discipline.

This 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group strategic plan will guide the development of the Governing Body Strategies and aim to address those issues which are a concern of all motorsports and those which can best be dealt with by a collaborative approach.

2&4 Wheel Motorsport and its Governing Bodies & Co-ordinating Bodies will aim to liaise and work collaboratively with DfC, Sport NI, Tourism NI, Councils and others including the FIA and FIM with the common purpose of a creating safe, sustainable, inclusive and economically viable future for motorsport in Northern Ireland.

Further research will be undertaken on how best Governing Bodies can improve the viability of Motorsport.

Active and well networked and managed clubs are essential for the growth of our sport. We need to support our clubs through our Governing Bodies to be as efficient, effective and sustainable as possible. We will develop initiatives to support them.

Actions and Outcomes:

Goal 4.1
The Governing Bodies have primary responsibility for the development and safety of their sports.
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
4.1.1: Each Governing Body / Co-ordinating Body to host Safety Lessons Learning Workshops each year and disseminate learning more widely to officials and volunteers so that all can learn 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 1 on & ongoing
  • Greater awareness and lessons learnt from incidents at races
4.1.2: Seek funding for and undertake an audit of all motorsport existing tracks and venues and including consultation with the motorsport community to:

  • Identify demand and need
  • Identify gaps
  • Identify how technology can help safety planning
  • Develop Facilities Action Plan
  • Explore investment sources
  • Liaise with government on strategic way forward, funding options, planning etc
 2&4 Wheel Year 1
Year 2
Year 2-3
  • Greater awareness of new or enhanced facilities needed to develop the sport
Goal 4.2
The 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group to develop a strategic plan to address those issues which are a concern of all motorsports and those which can best be dealt with by a collaborative
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
4.2.1: 2&4 Wheel Motorsport to develop a 3-5 year strategy by March 2020 and lead in its delivery

  • Raise profile and position of motorsport in Northern Ireland’s sporting ecosystem; leading on the delivery of the strategy’s priorities; coordinating joint initiatives as relevant to the GBs/ CBs;
  • Provide leadership in helping the sport’s Governing Bodies to embrace the necessary changes to grow
  • Consult members annually via online survey
 2&4 Wheel Year 1
  • Strategic direction agreed and 2&4 Wheels plan in place
  • Plans reviewed each year
  • Increased collaboration and partnership working across the 2&4 Wheels motorsport sector
  • on issues of common concern
  • Lead on environmental best practice
4.2.2: Seek a number of new non-executive independent board members for 2&4 Wheel Motorsport. Seek changes to constitution if required 2&4 Wheel Year 1
4.2.4: Lead discussions with the GBs/ CBs on how motorsport in NI can start to adopt environmental best practice and link with International GBs on same. Develop an environmental policy 2&4 Wheel Years 2-5  
4.2.5: 2&4 Wheel Motorsport to meet every month to deliver strategy 2&4 Wheel Year 1 & on-going
4.2.6: Undertake a review of governance of 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group and the 4 GBs/ CBs
with appropriate training and support to upgrade governance across all 5 organisations in line with the most recent 2017 UK Governance Code for Sport and the NI code of Good Governance for the Voluntary and Community Sector.
Areas for consideration include:

  • Codesign new set of rules
  • Review voting rights of alternates and proxies
  • Review communication mechanisms of those who sit on national and international GBs
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Seek some external support for same
  • Review of roles and responsibilities and support thereof
 2&4 Wheelwith GBs/CBs Year 1-2
  • 2&4 Wheel and GBs/
  • CBs Leading by Example with good transparent governance mechanisms in place
4.2.7: Investigate the concept of developing a new governance toolkit for Motorsport GBs/ CBs and clubs (benchmark and seek guidance from other sports) 2&4 Wheel Year 2
  • Good transparent governance mechanisms in place
4.2.8: 2&4 to seek external funding to

  • employ a Development Officer and some Admin Support to assist with strategy implementation
  • seek a development budget to undertake key activities in year 1-5
 2&4 Wheel Year 1 on
  • Development officer and admin support in place by mid-2020
  • Development budget in place by mid-2020
Goal 4.3
Each Governing Body should develop and publish a strategic plan for the development of their sport
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
4.3.1: Each Governing Body should develop a 3-5 year strategy in line with 2&4 strategy and a yearly action plan by Dec 2020
Focus on supporting existing & attracting new athletes, helping clubs grow membership, support their volunteers & deliver a valued membership experience		 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 1-2
  • Strategic direction agreed and GB plans in place
  • Plans reviewed each year
4.3.2: Each GB to consult members annually via online survey
4.3.3: Consider applying to the FIA Sport Grant Programme through Motorsport UK with the aim of strengthening motorsport in NI35
4.3.4: Each GB to develop a succession plan to assist in preparing new batches of officials; volunteers and committees 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 2-5
  • More sustainable approach to governance of motorsport
4.3.5: Establish a youth committee for each GB to learn the skills of running committees and decision making and with specific remits on using new technologies and the
environment – recruiting from non-traditional motorsport backgrounds
4.3.6: Develop a “buddy scheme” for younger volunteers to shadow older volunteers and officials to “learn the tools of the trade”
4.3.7: Consider seeking a number of new non-executive independent board members on the boards of the GBs/ CBs & seek changes to MOU and AA if required 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 2 on
  • GBs/ CBs Leading by Example with good transparent governance mechanisms in place
Goal 4.4
Governing Bodies/ Co-ordinating Bodies should consider how other regions are setting strategic direction, exploring opportunities and addressing challenges facing major motorsport events
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
4.4.1: 2&4 Committee to explore ideas and thinking from elsewhere through video conferencing and blue sky thinking sessions on challenges, in particular based on guidance from Motorsport UK, FIA and FIM e.g.

  • Environmental challenges for the sport – e.g. e-sport36;
  • Building on tourism37
  • Sustainability – on succession planning
  • Sustainability – on commercial sponsorship
  • Widening participation in the sport
  • Collaboration – on collective purchasing power
 2&4 Wheel Years 2-5
  • Increase in innovative thinking and actions around challenges faced
  • Increase in number of younger officials
  • Increase in sponsorship
  • Increase in savings for club members through collective purchasing powers
4.4.2: Improve Communications

  • Creating support materials for improved communication – e.g. Facebook
  • 2&4 to act as an interdisciplinary website featuring a calendar of all Motorsport events – website to act as a common information and sharing portal for motorsport and a learning tool
 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 1-2
  • Improved interdisciplinary approach to PR
  • Greater awareness of the value of motorsport and how to engage in it
Goal 4.5
The Governing Bodies for Motorsport should work with partners including local and central Government Bodies to ensure a safe, sustainable, inclusive and economically viable future
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
4.5.1: Press for the establishment of a multi-agency Motorsport Working Group comprising 2&4 Wheel, DfC and SNI, (& others like DoJ & TEO) which should meet every 4-6 months to review the delivery of the Strategy and to help signpost to other avenues of support 2&4 Wheel & DfC, SNI Year 1-2
  • Improved cross sectoral working for the sport through a new Motorsport Working Group
4.5.2: Identify and attract increased financial support from local and central government and other sources for major (& other) events 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Years 3-5
  • Increased capacity and success among Motorsport GBs/ CBs in accessing funding for the promotion and development of Motorsport
4.5.3: Growing the sport: 2&4 to assist Governing Bodies to grow membership and improve the sustainability of the sport through the growth of GB development budgets where required with a focus on diversifying their income streams 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Years 3-5
  • Development budgets developed by each GB
  • Increased capacity and success among Motorsport GBs/ CBs in diversifying their income streams for the promotion and development of Motorsport

Priority 5: Maximising the Economic and Social Impact of Motorsport

Aim

To maximise the economic and social impact of motorsport in Northern Ireland.

Background

A key priority of this strategy is to address the vulnerability to external factors of the major motorsport events in Northern Ireland, by reviewing governance arrangements and introducing a more business and professional approach to their delivery, marketing and promotion which will contribute to economic growth and job creation.

As part of this strategy, we will review the arrangements for the delivery of those events and consider moving towards a partnership model of delivery while bringing a more commercial approach to the delivery of those events particularly with those clubs that sponsor major motorsport events. We are very conscious of the unique grass roots nature of how the clubs and Governing Bodies / Co-ordinating Bodies currently deliver these events and as such any new partnership model needs to maintain that grass roots element and social benefit at its core.

The 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group and the Governing Bodies/ Co-ordinating Bodies will also identify and assess other opportunities for maximising the economic impact of motorsport in association with central and local government, the community and voluntary sector and the private sector.

Actions and Outcomes:

Goal 5.1
Governing Bodies / Co-ordinating Bodies to review who is best placed to deliver motorsport events and consider a possible future partnership model of delivery while bringing a more business-like approach to the delivery of those events
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
5.1.1: Undertake a feasibility study on the need for a subsidiary trading company to be established in NI to run major events and seek resources for same
Benchmark where and how this has been undertaken elsewhere in motorsport and in other sports with a view to examining how this might work and the benefits thereof
Consider the types of motorsport events in 10 or 15 years’ time given FIMs vision for 2030 and the event planning required to organise and host these
Consider how to up-skill the sector to help ensure that the unique grass roots aspect of motorsport is maintained and protected in any new trading company & consider the challenges and opportunities therein & options for moving forward
Engage with clubs on same		 2&4 Wheel & GBs/ CBs Year 2-3
  • More joined up approach to the running and managing of events
  • Economic growth and job creation
  • Increase in tourists and tourist spend
  • Joined up approach leading to improved sustainability of the sport
5.1.2: As the sport has already achieved International Status Events in all disciplines of 2&4, discuss with key government stakeholders the concept of hosting a World Championship Event in NI and how this could be achieved and engage with relevant clubs on same 2&4 Wheel
Relevant Government Departments		 Years 1-3  
Goal 5.2
Governing Bodies/ Co- ordinating Bodies to identify opportunities to increase the social impact and maximise the potential of motorsport events
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
5.2.1: Establish a way to capture the social impact of Motorsport 2&4 Wheel
External Support		 Year 2 -3 on
  • Greater understanding of the social and health and well-being benefits of motorsport
5.2.2: Publish an annual social impact through 2&4 Wheel and seek funding for same 2&4 Wheel
Relevant Government Departments		 Years 1-3  
Goal 5.3
2&4 Wheel Motorsport Group and the Governing Bodies/ Co-ordinating Bodies should identify and assess other opportunities for maximising the economic impact of motorsport in association with relevant central and local government bodies.
Indicative Actions Lead When Outcomes
5.3.1: Develop a new income generation plan for Motorsport with a focus on the income and expenditure of and at events (both large and small) and activities for clubs 2&4 Wheel, GBs/CBs External Support Years 2 -3
  • Income generation plan developed for Motorsport in partnership with GBs/CBs resulting in a more sustainable and viable sport
5.3.2: Develop a plan of action around increasing income and reducing costs with a focus on areas where there is vulnerability – e.g. weather and how other income streams could address this e.g. purchase of apps alongside e-booklets; prior booking of tickets; sponsorship partners based on new technologies;
5.3.3: Consider the viability of the number of current events on offer each week by the sector as part of this (currently 6 per week) and consider rationalisation of same
5.3.4: Work with clubs and competition holders to pursue
5.3.5: Establish a Task and Finish Group to identify & assess other opportunities for maximising the economic impact of motorsport and making events and activities more viable. Press for the engagement of key stakeholders (e.g. DfC, Sport NI, Tourism NI and Invest NI as well as local government reps and private sector representatives) to discuss

  • Other income streams that could address risks like weather and reducing numbers of competitors
  • Develop the local supply chain
  • Develop R&D opportunities with FE colleges and Universities & others
  • Export motorsport goods and services
  • Promote motorsport tourism
  • Targeted promotion of NI Motorsports
  • Increased worldwide media coverage
  • Promote joint services & purchasing
  • Partnerships – commercialisation
  • Liaise with other GBs/ CBs for new ideas
 2&4 Wheel Year 2-5
  • Identification of other opportunities for maximising the economic impact of motorsport
  • Economic growth and job creation
  • Increase in tourists and tourist spend
  • Joined up approach leading to improved sustainability of the sport