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An Open Letter to Motorsport Ireland's President, Aiden Harper

Dear Aiden Harper,


I hope this letter finds you well. Firstly, I want to express my disappointment at the recent developments regarding the World Rally Championship round in Ireland. It's disheartening to witness yet another missed opportunity for our country on the international stage. While I refrain from delving into politics, it's evident that there's much to be desired in terms of government support for such endeavors.


However, the purpose of this letter is not solely to lament missed opportunities but to draw attention to a pressing issue within Irish motorsport, specifically Karting. While your attention understandably gravitates towards the pinnacle events like the World Rally Championship and our national rallying scene, it's crucial to recognize the struggles facing one of the most competitive categories within Irish motorsport – Karting.


Karting, often regarded as the grassroots level of motorsport, is encountering several challenges that demand immediate attention. Escalating insurance costs have significantly inflated operational expenses, leading to fewer days available for testing and racing, thereby hindering the development of aspiring drivers. Moreover, the dedicated individuals driving the Karting scene forward are often undervalued and overworked, resulting in slower responses and mistakes.


One glaring gap in the support structure for Irish Karting is the absence of concerted promotional efforts from Motorsport Ireland. While there are passionate individuals like myself endeavoring to promote the sport through media channels, the lack of financial support renders such endeavors unsustainable in the long run. The absence of dedicated promotional activities not only hampers the visibility of Karting but also fails to attract potential sponsors and enthusiasts to the sport.


What the Irish Karting community truly needs at this juncture is investment and support from the governing body. Adequate funding should be allocated to ensure fair compensation for those tirelessly working to sustain and grow the sport. Additionally, financial resources should be earmarked for promotional initiatives, including the production of engaging content, such as videos, to showcase the excitement and opportunities inherent in Karting.


Furthermore, investments in track facilities essential to elevate the quality of racing and ensure the safety of participants. Higher pay to those that work tirelessly day in, day out or enough investment to hire extra people to take pressure off others. By addressing these fundamental issues and prioritizing the development of karting, Motorsport Ireland can foster a more vibrant and sustainable motorsport ecosystem in Ireland.


It's essential to recognize the exceptional talent that exists within Irish karting. Our drivers consistently excel on the European stage, securing victories and competing at the highest echelons of the sport. The caliber of teams supporting these drivers has also reached new heights, fostering an environment that continually raises the bar for talent and performance.


However, despite the impressive achievements of our karting community, the current state of Irish karting is cause for concern. Increasingly, we are witnessing talented individuals being drawn away from karting to pursue opportunities in other countries or alternative forms of motorsport. This exodus is not only detrimental to the growth and sustainability of karting but also undermines Ireland's potential to nurture future rally drivers.


Karting serves as the foundational training ground for aspiring racing drivers, offering invaluable opportunities to hone their skills both on and off the track. The lessons learned in karting extend far beyond racing technique, encompassing crucial attributes such as resilience, strategic thinking, and teamwork.


However, the urgent need for intervention in Irish karting cannot be overstated. Without adequate support and investment, we risk squandering the potential of our future stars and compromising the vitality of our motorsport ecosystem. If Motorsport Ireland's focus remains solely fixated on rallying to the neglect of other disciplines, we risk stunting the growth and diversity of talent within our motorsport community.


It's imperative that Motorsport Ireland acknowledges the critical importance of karting and takes proactive steps to address the challenges plaguing the sport. By prioritizing the development and sustainability of Karting, Motorsport Ireland can lay the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future for Irish motorsport as a whole.


In essence, the fate of Irish motorsport hinges upon the support and revitalization of karting. It's time to recognize the invaluable role that karting plays in shaping the future of motorsport in Ireland and take decisive action to ensure its continued success.


Together, we can cultivate a thriving motorsport landscape that nurtures and celebrates the talents of our drivers, both on the karting track and beyond.


Thank you for considering this urgent matter. Why not attend a round and see it for yourself, maybe then you'll see both the great talents we got but also the big struggle everyone is fighting.


Also the more licence holders the more money.. Just a reminder..


Sincerely,

Shane Burke

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