A new non-profit organisation – the Historic Motorsport Association (HMA) – has been created to preserve and promote international-level historic motor sport. Its first meeting at the Royal Automobile Club in London elected industry specialists to a Steering Committee drawn from organisers, drivers, clubs and preparers, to nurture the sport, attract new entrants and support sustainable growth.
The Steering Committee includes founding members Peter Auto CEO Patrick Peter and Historic Motor Racing News editor Carol Spagg. Their remit is to help keep historic racing authentic, safe and as financially and environmentally sustainable as possible.
High on the agenda is what the HMA describes as the ‘arms race’ of upgrades that push cars beyond period capability while inflating costs. Across multiple series, incremental aerodynamic, mechanical and electronic developments have crept in, raising speeds and barriers to entry.
By acting as a united body, the HMA aims to align eligibility and technical regulations across organisers – improving competitiveness, protecting provenance and controlling costs.
The role of replica and continuation cars is another hot topic. The HMA will foster dialogue on where such cars belong and how they should be identified. Establishing common terminology and eligibility criteria should aid scrutineers and insurers, safeguard the value of original cars and still give high-quality recreations an appropriate place to race.
‘Historic motor sport is more than just racing – it’s a celebration of automotive history and the cars,’ said HMA founding members Patrick Peter and Carol Spagg. ‘Through the HMA, we aim to create a supportive environment that allows organisers and drivers to share their views and expertise, ensuring this aspect of motor sport continues for generations to come.’
The Historic Motorsport Association is open to anyone interested in preserving historic racing. For more information, click here.
