A Limitation of Freedom

By now most RAC affiliated clubs will be acquainted with the new proposed regulations for universal licensing of all drivers and navigators in events run under RAC permits. However, there are several points arising from this that I feel should be pointed out to the public in general and pre-war car enthusiasts in particular.

Firstly, the RAC admitted that the proposals were presented to clubs without, in most cases, any opportunity for consultation. Are we to assume that this is the manner in which motorsport is to be governed in future? To be fair to the RAC they have now deferred implementation of the proposals. Might I propose that club secretaries take full use of this opportunity to influence the governing body.

Secondly, why should we object to the proposals? Well, the implications for the average enthusiast are devastating. Most club members, particularly owners of pre-war cars, only attend one or two RAC permit events per year. These people are not going to pay for licences and so will be debarred from the full enjoyment of their hobby.

Thirdly, surely a distinction needs to be made between events for pre-war cars run under permit rules and events for modern cars run at comparatively high average speeds. A pre-war car rally of more than twelve cars needs competition licences in future no matter how sedate and gentle the event. Surely that is unnecessary, especially as insurance companies now generally admit that old cars are a good risk simply because their owners always drive them carefully!

Let us torpedo this dreadful limitation of our freedom.

Corsham, M. D. Preston (Capt.),

Events Sec.. Austin Ten DC