Right then. It’s Motorsport Week not that any of us need an excuse.

Yes, it involves fast cars, expensive kit, and a price tag that ensures it’s not a hobby for the faint of wallet.

But if anyone thinks it stops at carbon fibre, adrenalin and champagne, they’re missing the real story.

The UK motorsport industry is quietly powering one of the country’s sharpest sectors.  We’re the backbone of Formula 1.  Seven of the ten teams are based here in so-called ‘Motorsport Valley’ (not actually a valley, but never mind).

While the designers draw curves, our engineers make the things actually go and go fast!  That’s £16 billion a year (reported in 2023) and thousands of hands-on jobs, not just photo ops with drivers.  It’s clever folk in sheds, some are very big, building tech that might one day help your commute.  Or even save your life.

And it’s not just about now, all this fires up the next wave of STEM talent.  Because who wouldn’t want to build something that exceeds 200mph and sounds like thunder?

Silverstone last week pulled in half a million people.  How great is that for the economy (and the ice cream vans).  But let’s all be clear: none of it happens without the marshals and officials.  It’s a point close to my heart.  These are the people in orange, out there all day in fog (ref. main image), in rain, in blistering heat, doing it for nothing more than pride, passion, and maybe a cup of tea and a biscuit.  Without them, the lights don’t go out, the flags don’t wave, and motorsport doesn’t happen.  Simple as that!

So next time a car thunders past, aside from smiling at the noise – feel proud.  That’s Great Britain at full tilt.  Engineering, graft, speed and all held together by a brilliant band of volunteers who deserve far more than a thank you.

Happy Motorsport Week everyone.