Motorsport UK, the national governing body, has launched StreetCar to encourage more people to get behind the wheel and enjoy the sport; overturning the age-old perception that it is out of reach for most people.

StreetCar, with a dedicated website and Facebook group, will showcase the existing vibrant grassroots motorsport scene, and demonstrate that the sport is affordable, fun and accessible whilst acting as the enabler to drive participation in the club community.

A wide range of low-cost ‘grassroots’ disciplines are available for new and existing members of the community, comprising 12 StreetCar disciplines that provide a wide variety of format and challenge.

Segmented into Autotest, Trials & Cross Country and Rally, the disciplines are:

• Autotest, AutoSOLO and Production Car Autotest
• Trials and untimed Cross Country events
• Rally including Touring Assemblies, Treasure Hunts, Navigational Scatter, Navigational Rally, Road and Historic Rally, 12 Car Rally and Targa Rally

All 12 disciplines can be participated in with a standard unmodified road car without special safety kit and to drive only a free Motorsport UK RS Clubman licence is required.

Motorsport UK will work with its Regional Associations and motorsport clubs to promote clear pathways into the disciplines, demonstrate the ease in which newcomers to motorsport can get involved and how existing community members can try something new for the first time.

Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive Officer at Motorsport UK, commented, “StreetCar is motorsports best kept secret. The 12 disciplines are affordable, can be enjoyed in any legal road going car, and there are events held across the UK throughout the year.

“Our StreetCar campaign will help bring these events and our community to life, showcasing their vibrancy whilst providing a framework for our clubs to attract new audiences, increase participation and deliver new club members.

“From the buzz of an AutoSOLO, to the uphill challenge in Trials and the exploration of a Navigational Rally, there is something for everyone in StreetCar.

“We strongly encourage anyone who’s been wanting to get involved in motorsport to get in touch and start their journey today.”

Working with the clubs to support growth

To support the growth of StreetCar and participation across the disciplines, Motorsport UK will provide clubs with a framework to enable new and existing members to take part.

So far in the launch phase, eight Motorsport UK clubs have received StreetCar status including Anglia Motor Sport Club, Basingstoke Motor Club, Devizes and District Motor Club, Farnborough Motor Club, Isle of Wight Car Club, Loughborough Car Club, Middlesex County Automobile Club, and The Sporting Car Club of Norfolk.

All these launch clubs have signed up to the StreetCar Charter, providing a commitment to the initiative. The clubs have pledged to initiate new people into the sport, help and guide them at events to ensure they enjoy their experience. Furthermore, the events they organise will be branded as official Motorsport UK StreetCar events.

Motorsport UK will provide guidance and help to all StreetCar clubs. They will all receive a StreetCar toolkit, outlining how to welcome new participants, organise events and ensure best practice is applied in their marketing and communications.

Motorsport UK will also provide clubs customisable branded assets, promotion of their events in Revolution and on Motorsport UK’s digital channels as well as physical branding to bring their StreetCar events to life.

By the end of 2022, it is planned for up to 50 clubs to be active in StreetCar across the UK.

How to get involved?

StreetCar is open to existing motorsport enthusiasts and newcomers wanting to experience the thrill of motorsport for the first time.

A dedicated StreetCar website and Facebook Group have been established and will act as the first touchpoint for those wanting to get involved.

Participants will be encouraged to sign up and outline the disciplines they’re most interested in before joining the growing Facebook community.

After signing up, Motorsport UK will provide tailored support on how to participate and find the most relevant StreetCar club and event for them.

Once a participant is ready to go, at their first event they will be greeted by the StreetCar club’s Competitor Liaison Officer, who will be responsible for engaging with every newcomer as they begin their motorsport journey.

From there, they’ll get behind the wheel of their road car and enjoy the experience of their selected discipline.

Bicester Heritage hosts first StreetCar event

Motorsport UK’s Bicester Headquarters hosted the official launch of StreetCar, welcoming media, influencers, Regional Association members and club representatives.

Following a launch presentation, the first StreetCar event, an AutoSOLO, was held on the Bicester Heritage paddock which enabled guests to have a go.

Motorsport UK’s StreetCar MINI was used by the participants with seven-time British Autotest Champion, Alastair Moffatt, and Motorsport UK Academy members, Jack Meakin, Florin Mazilu, Briannie Davis and George Davis showing how it’s done at the top of the sport.

The StreetCar MINI will now head to StreetCar events throughout the UK, showcasing the initiative and enabling participants to start their motorsport journey in an everyday road car.