The Motor Sports Association, governing body of UK motor sport, has appointed eight Regional Development Officers. Located throughout the Britain and Northern Ireland, these RDOs are activating a new school visits programme as part of the MSA’s far-reaching Go Motorsport initiative.

Launched last year with Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren Technology Centre, Go Motorsport is already firmly established right at the heart of UK motor sport. The campaign provides potential newcomers of all ages with a comprehensive guide of how they can get involved in all areas of MSA

governed activities whether as a competitor, spectator or volunteer.

Now, with the initiative gaining familiarity and the GoMotorsport.net website attracting more than 2000 new visitors every week, the campaign’s focus is switching to an exciting new programme aimed firmly at securing the sport’s on-going popularity in the future.

To meet this objective, the MSA has selected eight Regional Development Officers to visit schools throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, spreading the message that motor sport is fun, engaging and accessible. All eight have in-depth motor sport knowledge and proven communication skills – some are competitors, others work in the media.

Having been fully briefed on the details of the Go Motorsport campaign at Motor Sports House, the eight have also been provided with presentation training by Go Motorsport ambassador Louise Goodman. Now they will be going into classrooms and school assemblies throughout the UK, presenting the huge attractions of motor sport to the coming generation.

“It’s incredibly important that we show children everything that motor sport has to offer,” explains MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton. “The achievements of Lewis, Jenson and others have helped to put our sport on the radar, now it’s up to us to help all those inspired by them to fulfil their dreams.”

The eight Regional Development Officers will be pushing the MSA’s widely praised Let’s Go Karting scheme which allows children aged between eight and 16 to have a structured first experience of karting for just £5. On top of this, they will also be highlighting many of the other forms of MSA licensed motor sport accessible to those who are still too young to drive on the roads. For those aged eight and over there are Junior Dragsters and Cadet kart racing, while special classes in autograss, autotests, rallycross, circuit racing and rallying cater for those who’ve turned 14.

“We know that it’s more difficult to get started in motor sport than some of the more traditional activities, especially if there is not a close family member already involved in the sport. That’s why we have put together all the information needed by young people looking to get started. Alongside that, we have to break down the barriers – both real and perceived – that are stopping new recruits from entering the sport,” continues Hilton.

To help the Go Motorsport Development Officers spread the gospel, the MSA has provided them with a range of materials including pop-up screens, a promotional dvd and assorted give-aways. In addition, the WilliamsF1 Grand Prix team has kindly provided a selection of components from their Formula 1 cars. The eight RDOs will be working closely with regional associations, motor clubs, events and venues in their local areas to generate maximum impact for the campaign.

“This is not about trying to find future world champions,’ concludes Hilton. “We want to ensure that all those who have an interest, get the chance to get involved with motor sport at whatever level they desire.”

Schools interested in hosting a Go Motorsport presentation should contact the campaign via info@GoMotorsport.net.