MCS BLOG
THE LITTLE GUYS
There’s a saying that says about looking after the little guy, while I’m sure this can be interpreted in multiple ways, for the purpose of this blog the ‘little guy’ isn’t always appreciated or looked after, but is often integral to the success of the ‘big guy’.
Being in the automotive industry, we at MCS are often required to trek around the country attending race meetings at different circuits in order to look after our clients. The majority of events I attend form part of the V8 Supercar Championship Series, which is Australia’s most popular form of motorsport.
In recent years the category has expanded to the point where there now multiple events overseas both in New Zealand and the Middle East. Closer to home there has been an undeniable trend towards street circuits, which are temporary circuits erected in major cities around the country.
Streets circuits are great, don’t get me wrong. They bring the action to the people, are often far better for the sponsors and receive much more publicity, but the increased number of street events is coming at the cost of Australia’s permanent circuits or in this blog, the ‘little guys’.
Our permanent circuits are mostly located outside of major population centres meaning race fans need to travel to events, thus the crowds are smaller and events in general less spectacular, but they are vitally important to motorsport in Australia.
Permanent circuits support grassroots racing, where Australia’s future stars will learn their trade, but without support from V8 Supercar level events and the cash injection that comes with it, they may slowly start to disappear.
While they may not be as glamorous as street circuits, V8 Supercars need to continue to visit permanent circuits around the country to make sure they are still around for the next generation of motorsport stars. Without the next generation, categories like V8 Supercars will have a very bleak future.
I’m not sure if the current trend is sustainable or not, but I think just to be safe, we better take care of the ‘little guys’ if we want motorsport to continue to thrive in this country.