Richards outlines vision for MSA and UK motorsport

Richards outlines vision for MSA and UK motorsport

Posted: January 15, 2018 3:51 AM

New MSA Chairman, David Richards CBE, outlined his vision for the future of UK motorsport during the Motorsport Safety Fund Watkins Lecture at Autosport International today (12 January).

During a wide-ranging speech to an audience of 500 members of the motor sport community, Richards reflected on both the challenges and opportunities facing the sport over the next five years.

“I see my new role as providing clear and decisive leadership, against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting landscape, with a singular objective: to create a sustainable future for motorsport in the UK,” Richards said.

"First, we need to identify the threats and risks to UK motorsport, then establish plans to mitigate them. Second, we need to chart a safe passage through the broader external challenges UK motorsport faces, whether they be political, economic or social, as well as the legal environment in which it must operate. Third, we must safeguard and improve the financial landscape of the MSA – for without the right financial resources we can neither promote UK motorsport effectively nor invest in its future."

Richards explained that an immediate task is to aggregate insight from across the many UK motorsport disciplines. That research will encompass competitors, regulators, legislators and volunteer officials from across the spectrum, as well as the motorsport media. “I am very confident that the feedback we receive will help shape the future direction of the MSA and create a forward-looking plan that we can all embrace,” he said.

Richards said that this plan will cover areas ranging from participation, diversity and cost to promotion, commercial outlook and e-sports. He also placed an emphasis on volunteers, whom he described as, “the very life blood of motorsport.”

David Richards to become next MSA Chairman

Posted: June 16, 2017 4:05 AM

David Richards CBE, one of the motorsport industry’s most globally successful figures, has been selected as Chairman-elect of UK governing body the Motor Sports Association (MSA).

Richards will assume the position of Non-Executive Chairman from 1 January 2018, succeeding Alan Gow, who steps down on 31 December 2017 after 12 years in the role. The appointment follows a thorough process led by a professional search firm, in conjunction with a panel comprising Non-Executive Directors of the MSA.

As the next Chairman of the MSA Board, Richards will be responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the organisation, which represents approximately 30,000 competitors, 10,000 volunteer marshals and officials, and 750 clubs.

David Richards said:
“Having started out as a competitor and more recently run my own teams in a wide variety of motor sport categories I’m honoured to be asked, at this stage of my career, to Chair the MSA. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and trust that my 50 years of experience, in almost every facet of the sport, can now be put to good use.”

Alan Gow said:
“I have known David, as both a friend and previous business partner, for over 25 years. I have no doubt David will take on this new role with great enthusiasm and I’m delighted that he is my successor.”

Richards is the founder and Chairman of Prodrive, an internationally successful motorsport and technology company employing more than 500 people in Banbury and Milton Keynes. Since 1984 Prodrive has won six FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) titles, running the Subaru Imprezas of legendary drivers such as Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg.

Prodrive has also won four MSA British Touring Car Championships and four Le Mans 24 Hours. It managed the BAR Honda Formula One team for three seasons in the early-2000s, achieving second place in the 2004 constructors’ championship, and is currently the driving force behind Aston Martin Racing.

Richards discovered his passion for the sport as a teenager, when watching the RAC Rally in Clocaenog Forest near his home in North Wales. He went on to compete in club level rallies, first as a driver before switching to the navigator’s seat. His crowning achievement as a competitor was co-driving Finnish legend Ari Vatanen to the 1981 WRC title aboard a Ford Escort RS1800. In 2005 Richards was appointed a CBE for his services to motorsport.

David Richards CBE, motorsport CV:

2007-2013: Chairman, Aston Martin
2005: Appointed a CBE for services to motorsport
2002-2004: CEO, BAR Honda
1984-present: Founder and Chairman, Prodrive
1982-1984: Consultant, automotive industry
1974-1981: Rally co-driver, British Leyland, Opel and Ford.