Motorsport Ireland pump brakes on 2026 appointments

The move will allow officials "to make important decisions in a stable environment, to future-proof the sport and inform future strategic goals."

Motorsport Ireland president Aiden Harper informed club delegates of the decision. Picture: Martin Walsh

A motorsport season that began with a storm that forced the postponement of the Donegal Forest Rally and the Galway International Rally earlier this year, will begin next season with a freeze as Motorsport Ireland informed delegates at its annual congress in Athlone on Saturday that they will be placing a pause on all MI Commission and MI Council appointments for 2026. An email from the governing body (members of the press were not allowed to attend congress) stated: "the purpose of the pause is to allow time and stability for an independent facilitator to assess all areas of our sport/organisation. This will allow Motorsport Ireland to make important decisions, in a stable environment, to future-proof the sport and inform future strategic goals."

Club delegates were informed of the decision during the opening stages of the congress by MI president Aiden Harper, whose presidential term was set to end in January. Harper heads the 21-member MSC (Motorsport Council) that only has three members (regional representatives) elected by its affiliated clubs. Further to the decision, that was taken at an MSC gathering and rubber-stamped by the IMF (Irish Motorsport Federation) last week, the MSC (including the regional representatives) along with all the various commissions will remain unchanged for next year. The email also stated "MI Clubs remain unaffected during this process and may change their directors if needed, in line with usual processes.' A few years ago, the selection of the regional representatives for the MSC was also paused for twelve months, albeit for the purpose of continuity.

Given that actual motorsport events will not be affected (the 2026 MI calendar was ratified at congress and will include an additional mini stage rally for the Clare Motor Club in August) is there something awry within the council/commission structure of Irish motorsport? As mentioned in last Friday's Irish Examiner, the Motorsport Ireland Court of Enquiry into matters and including those pertaining to the Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes in Killarney last May has been fixed for early December following a rescheduling due to non-availability of some key personnel. However, it seems no actual date has been finalised.

The Irish governing body is still without a chief executive officer since Leo Hassett stepped away in April 2021. The governing body informed delegates that the process for the appointment of "Head of Motorsport" is nearing completion with announcement due very soon. Interestingly, the Irish Examiner understands that during the congress there was no specific mention or an update of Motorsport Ireland's bid to host the World Rally Championship while it appears that the prospect of the refuelling rig returning in 2026 has gained momentum.

Meanwhile, a pause has also been announced in the shape of the Autosport International Show at the NEC, Birmingham that will not take place next January. Over the past few years the show had slipped in terms of its high quality that drew some 90,000 spectators and was described as Europe's premier motorsport show. Indeed, for many, including a strong Irish contingent, the trip often kick-started their motorsport season. The organisers are to undertake a comprehensive strategic review to redefine its vision and format and the Autosport International will return in 2027 with "a bold new direction, delivering a world-class experience that embodies the future of motorsport - one driven by greater access, interactivity and innovation."

One of the former greats of Irish rallying Frank Fennell has passed away. Frank was a well-known and well-liked competitor and campaigned a vast array of cars such as an NSU Prinz, Mini Cooper, Avenger, Talbot Sunbeam, Ford Escort, Opel Kadett, Sierra Cosworth and Porsche 911 and others like a Volvo Amazon in Historic rallying. Frank was also a hugely talented and successful photographer and had his own company Fennell Photography in Dublin. He is survived by his wife Kay and children Isobel and Frankie and a wide circle of friends especially in the motorsport community. His funeral Mass takes place tomorrow Tuesday (11.00am) in the Church of the Ss. Columbanus and Gall and then to the Crematorium at Mount Jerome, Harold's Cross, Dublin.