MIA heralds National Motorsport Week a resounding success

The motorsport industry and sport alike are celebrating a successful week of UK activity that saw more than half a million people pay to be spectators at motorsport events and hundreds of industry representatives got together to enjoy the very best of the UK sector at a range of high profile events across the week.

National Motorsport Week saw racing fans flock to Formula E in Battersea Park, the world-renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed, British Superbikes at Knockhill and of course the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

In addition to the astounding spectacle provided by the sporting events, the industry had record attendance at a series of events which included the Motorsport Industry Association’s (MIA) Summer Reception at the House of Lords, during which Sir Patrick Head was presented with the MIA Outstanding Contribution to the Motorsport Industry Award. The reception also saw the biggest attendance of Members of Parliament in the events history, including the Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

The MIA also played host to events during Formula E and an MIA Business Day which took place at the Formula One British Grand Prix. The two combined saw 200 industry representatives gather to network at the UK’s premier motorsport events.

Chris Aylett, CEO of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) said: “National Motorsport Week this summer has showcased the success of our world-leading UK motorsport industry. NMW aims to attract new audiences, new sponsors, new fans and thereby new business into motorsport and in 2015 it met all these targets, and then more!”

A packed programme of events delivered exciting opportunities for motorsport businesses to highlight their offers to new customers, and encourage new fans to enjoy our sport.

“The MIA was delighted to have hosted its first Business Day at the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone and, with British driver Lewis Hamilton taking the top position, all eyes were on UK motorsport. With more than half a million people watching Goodwood, BTCC, Superbikes, Formula E and the GP live during National Motorsport Week, we outshine even Wimbledon which welcomes the same number of spectators, but spread over a two week period.”

Aylett continued: “In addition to these high profile motorsport events, National Motorsport Week embraced many other motorsport events - the Brands Hatch Mini Festival, Ginetta racing at Croft and the Midsummer Speed Fest at Prescott Hill to name but a few. All showcased the best of motorsport and attracted new interest in our sport which will secure its continued future success”.

To find out more about the MIA and its programme of events, please visit www.the-mia.com or www.nationalmotorsportweek.co.uk