The Motorsports Industry Association (MIA) believes that more figures from the world of motorsport should be recognised by the British honours system.
“The outstanding individuals, who have led our industry to global success to the benefit of others, should be honoured,” reads a press release from the MIA
2010 has been another stellar year for British motorsport, with another Formula One World champion in Jenson Button, Scot Dario Franchitti winning his second title in the American Indycar Series, and Allan McNish enjoying another successful year in sportscars, adding another win at the Sebring 12 Hours to his already impressive tally of accolades.
The system, which awards, knighthoods, CBEs, OBEs and MBEs among others, has previously honoured people in racing both on and off the track. Lewis Hamilton was a high profile recipient of an MBE last year, but there are still many more equally (and arguably more) deserving people who have yet to receive any award.
The press release for the MIA cites David Richards, Ron Dennis, Jackie Stewart and John Surtees as example of those who have already been given various honours, but replies by asking what of WRC team boss Malcolm Wilson, Lola's Martin Birrane and even Bernie Ecclestone, who incredibly has yet receive any of the available honours.
Other possible nominees from 2010 include Ross Brawn, Stirling Moss (who celebrated his 80th birthday this year) and Max Mosley, who presided over the FIA for 16 years, a period which saw numerous advances, that were overshadowed by controversy in the final years.
The motorsport industry contributes £6 billion of sales, and employs some 40,000 people, with more than half the of the teams that completed the F1 season being based in the UK, and two more of the prospective teams having at least temporary bases in the UK.
Of course, there is much more to racing than the dozen of so team who race in Formula One, so if you know of anyone in the motorsports industry, who you believe has made a difference to the racing community, improved the standing of Britain in the sport and has the respect of their peers you can nominate them for an honour.
Visit this page and nominate away.
