The RAC and Motor Racing

Sir,

I am not always in agreement with everything done by the RAC (or should I say with senile of the things for which the RAC is made the whipping boy?). I must, however, take issue with Dr. Standen over some of the remarks in his letter in your December issue.

(1) Apart from the few ‘traditional” events, the RAC does not organise events—but surely this is as it should be? The governing body Of any sport which becomes involved in organising club events is heading for trouble. As I see it, a governhig body should provide a framework within which individual clubs can organise their own events,

(2) Again, apart from the master fixture list publiShed in the “Blue Book” it is not the function of the RAC to promulgate details of events. The motor clubs do this far better anyway.

(3) Don’t blame the RAC entirely if you don’t like the present-day circuit “safety” requirements. Most of these requirements are imposed upon the RAC by their lords and masters—the FIA and the GPDA.

(4) Admittedly competition licence fees are high, and there is a plurality of licence types-but let us appreciate the fact that revenue from licence fees is one of the few sources of income of the RAC Motor Sport Division in performing a very necessary function. I am quite sure that if Dr. Standen takes the trouble to find out exactly what he gets in return for his extra fees when racing abroad he will revise his opinion, and agree that this is money well spent.

(5) So Dr. Standen races to rules established by the HSCC. Bully for him. All the other drivers I know, when they sign on at a race meeting, agree to be bound by the GENERAL COMPETITION RULES OF THE RAC!

Newbury TONY BIRD