I’d like to start this by thanking all of the drivers, preparers, supporters & sponsors who have made the past two seasons so great. This weekend was another challenging one, for organisers & drivers, but the turnout and quality of the entry was fantastic.
Before the rumours, Chinese whispers & Facebook conspiracy theories begin I’d like to issue the following statement:
In between yesterday’s two races I informed the panel members present and also the BRSCC that I am resigning from the role of co-ordinator and panel member at the end of the year.
I took on this role of co-ordinator in October 2011 as a ‘temporary’ role until the right person could be found to do it. Hopefully despite being temporary I have put in a lot of resources into making it work and I believe the Championship is in a better situation that it was a few years ago.
I always said that I did not intend to “be another Michael” and that I saw my stint as co-ordinator as being a position I would hold for between 1 & 3 years . Well, back in April of this season, shortly after the first round at Rockingham, I made the decision with Andrea that I would stop at the end of this season.
With the resources I have available to me I believe that I have taken the Championship as far as I can. I firmly believe the Championship has the potential to continue the current trend and get stronger in 2014. I do not want to be responsible for holding it back and I am confident that with the right team of people at the helm the current momentum can be maintained.
Following my meetings with the panel and the BRSCC we are planning to get the panel together to plan for the 2014 season as soon as possible. It is likely that as well as a new co-ordinator we may be looking for some other assistance to help out with some of the roles that Andrea and I have undertaken over the past two years. It goes without saying that if you think you have some particular skills that the panel could utilise and, most importantly, the time to commit then please contact us as soon as possible.
And before the conspiracy theories start I would just like to take this opportunity to clarify a few matters – I made this decision in April and it hasn’t been influenced by any experiences during the season (e.g. numerous trips to Clerks of the Course, criticism from certain people involved in the Championship . . . I regard these as all part of the job). Also, I have no plans to start racing again.
Andrea and I have made many friends over the past 25 years that I have been involved with the Championship and we will not be disappearing altogether – we will keep in touch with many of our friends in the paddock.
Finally I would like to thank Sarah, Martin & in particular Andrea for their support over the past two years. I could not have done the job for those two seasons without them.
I hope to see many of you at the party on 23rd November but to those who won’t be there I hope you all have a good off-season and a safe and successful 2014.