Europe’s largest motor show, Autosport International, is underway at the NEC in Birmingham, with Motorsport UK well represented at the show, promoting the sport and engaging with community members.

This year’s event will see visitors once again experiencing a host of displays, exhibitor stands covering all sectors of the sport, plenty of racing simulators, a Live Action Arena plus a wealth of interviews with drivers, manufacturers and industry figures on the main stage.

Motorsport UK members attending the event are entitled to a £15 discount off their ticket. To get yours ahead of the show, use the code Fifteen at the checkout.

Members of our Motorsport UK team are on hand at stand A24 in the main hall (Hall 3), packed with a display of cars, visits from British motorsport champions and personalities, and staff offering helpful advice on licences, roles within the motorsport community and the different disciplines within the UK motorsport landscape.

Celebrating ‘Arrive and Drive’, this year the Motorsport UK stand has a 1.6 super-charged MINI Rally joining the display, this mini but mighty machine is eligible for stage rallies, track days, testing, and other disciplines, boasting a six speed getrag gearbox and equipped with a SW Motorsport roll cage.

Joining the MINI is a Fun Cup 130 bhp powered by a VW/Audi petrol engine, mated to a Sadev sequential gearbox using a paddleshift system. These race cars offer a central driving position and a space frame tubular chassis – with standard races lasting from four to 25 hours in duration! Phil Keen and Ian Loggie from British GT were the final drivers to get behind the wheel of the Fun Cup.

The HERO-ERA 1961 MG A Coupe wears the works BMC colours from the Abingdon days, this near 100 mph 1860 cc 1961 MGA is conscious of its heritage. Offering 105 bhp, and a four speed gearbox with a fully strengthened axle and professionally built suspension, all contained within the elegant and slippery MGA body work, the profile of the MG is the classic shape that came from Le Mans in 1952.

Visitors on Thursday were also able to explore the future of motorsport, and how hydrogen technologies are shaping international Championships on the main stage, with presentations from Oscar McEntee, Founder McEntee Racing Ltd and Mark Grain, Technical Director, Extreme H and Serge Grisin, Motorsport Director, Symbio respectively.

Motorsport UK also officially launched the Inclusion Hub with representatives gathering at the dedicated Inclusion Hub space. The Hub is initially for those aged 14-24, their guardians and teachers to support them in navigating opportunities within the motorsport industry available to them and is part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in motorsport, addressing underrepresentation and promoting STEAM education.