Editor’s View: Is the Doomsday clock ticking away on historic motorsport?
While the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is a salute to the pioneers of over a century ago, is there a danger that motorists could be facing a virtual Red Flag in the future? William Kimberley asks the question.
There is no question that the motor car over the century has changed the world for pretty well everybody, but in these current revolutionary times, is there a danger that this great liberator of the people could be about to extinct itself, especially historic motorsport?
While contemporary motorsport is working very hard to present itself as relevant and sustainable, where does historic motorsport stand in this? If it comes under the gaze of the climate change activist, what is its response to the criticism that this is a sport for wealthy middle aged men racing their unclean racing cars just for their own enjoyment while at the same time “polluting” the planet?
It is an unfair accusation but the historic motorsport industry needs to come up with an answer before it finds itself red flagged as in road vehicles in the 19th century. There is no easy answer, but one needs to be found which is where the Historic Racing Association can make its mark, but it needs solid help and support so the industry can justify itself.
The last thing we want is for older cars, both production and racing, to be banned from the public highways, but I feel the Doomsday clock is ticking.
For more information about the Historic Racing Association contact adrian.goodsell@kimberleymediagroup.com