Clubs informed of Strategic Structure Review being undertaken by Motorsport Ireland

Arthur Collier, chairman of the Irish Motorsport Federation (IMF) and the Royal Irish Automobile Club (RIAC). Picture: Michael Chester

As the competitive season draws to a close, there seems to be no end to the fleet of announcements, pauses, inquiries and reviews within Motorsport Ireland.

On Thursday last, the affiliated clubs under the umbrella of the governing body received a communication bulletin on behalf of the Irish Motorsport Federation (IMF) regarding the Strategic Structure Review (SSR) being undertaken by Motorsport Ireland.

At the MI Congress in Athlone on the first Saturday of November last, MI president Aiden Harper informed delegates that a pause was being placed on Motor Sport Council and MI Commissions appointments for 2026.

An email from the governing body 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."

Fast forward from the presidential announcement to last Thursday when the latest communication was signed by the chairman of the board of the IMF, Arthur Collier, who also happens to be the chairman of the Royal Irish Automobile Club (RIAC).

On a weekend where Mohammed Ben Sulayem was re-elected as FIA president for another four-year term, it is important to note that the FIA grant the franchise to run motorsport in Ireland to the RIAC - essentially, a private members club, who then delegate the sporting powers to Motorsport Ireland to administer motorsport in Ireland (26 counties).

The third paragraph of the bulletin states: "It is essential that our structures remain fit for purpose - supporting safe, fair and enjoyable competition today, and the sustainable growth of the sport into the future."

So why is the SSR necessary? The recent Court of Inquiry into matters relating to the Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes could be a case in point. It could all have been avoided were the structures better.

It would be better served if presidents and vice presidents and indeed commission chairs were not to have official roles within events throughout the country. In the forty-one days between the pause and the review, there have several announcements - all from different sources within MI.

A new post - Head of Motorsport - was filled last month with the appointment of former Golfing Union of Ireland (now Golf Ireland) CEO Pat Finn, who will take up his post in January, the streamlining of announcements could well be one of his easier tasks.

Of course, the governing body of Irish Motorsport is still without a CEO - it is now four and half years since Leo Hassett stepped away from the role, following a recent enquiry, we were told that it isn't necessary for MI to have a CEO.

According to the bulletin the SSR "is about structures, roles and decision-making, not about criticising individuals. It is an opportunity to build on what already works well and address areas that are no longer serving the sport as effectively as they could."

In the past, it wasn't uncommon for individuals that pointed out inadequacies on certain issues or were better informed, to be marginalised. Many clubs are fearful of highlighting issues in case they may incur the wrath of the governing body and that is certainly not good for interaction or progression.

The geographical representation and appointments within the Motor Sport Council is heavily concentrated in one region, in addition, is it fair that only three members (regional delegates) are elected - all others (as many as 18) within the MSC are appointed.

The first stage of the SSR will focus on "discovery & listening" with one-to-one interviews, small group meetings and a review of core documents and structures - the latter includes "the constitution, rules and current commission arrangements' - yet, there's no mention of the structure within the Motor Sport Council or indeed, the IMF - the very top tier of the organisation, that is closest to the RIAC.

Surely, the review should be all inclusive, will stakeholders get a look in?

The IMF has commissioned Davis Business Consultants, led by Paul Davis, to carry out the "independent" review. The IMF are committed to "keeping members informed as the review progresses; ensuring the process is fair, transparent and inclusive and making changes that support a stronger, more sustainable future for Irish motorsport."

Yet, it isn't until the final summation of the communication that "competitors" are actually mentioned and then it is for their dedication.

Without competitors (licence holders/customers) what's the purpose?