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.