Motorsport UK is proud to recognise the outstanding dedication of its volunteers, whose commitment underpins the safe, successful and inclusive delivery of motorsport across the UK. This year, the Motorsport UK Volunteer of the Year award honours Colin Harkness, with James Stronach named as Runner Up.

Colin has been a volunteer in motorsport for many years, and has been involved in marshalling, and organising events at all levels in the sport. As a former competitor, he has been a particular champion of grassroots club events and has taken this knowledge to supporting many events – most recently as Clerk of the Course, Deputy Clerk and Steward, as well as operating as a Safety Car.

A leading figure in safety planning for closed-road rallies in Scotland, including the Mull Rally, Colin made significant changes in the event to empower people so that he could discharge his responsibilities through delegation and support.

Over the last 12 months he has been Clerk of the Course at the Kingdom Stages, the Mach 1 Stages, and the Mull Rally, and Deputy on the Crail Summer Stages, and the McRae Rally Challenge… to name but a few.

“I am humbled to have been nominated, let alone a winner,” said Harkness when told of his award. “As Clerk of the Course of the Beatson’s Building Supplies Mull Rally 2025, we certainly had our challenges. With a rockfall two months into the event, rendering a large part of the route inaccessible, a re-plan was required. With the support of an incredible team, we worked with the council, police, and the local community to regain most of the lost mileage, ensuring Mull retained the challenge it is famous for.

“I have been very fortunate since I got involved in rallying in the mid-nineties, having been part of many teams that have serviced, competed, marshalled, and run events. What I enjoy most is working as part of a team, all of us working together and enjoying the safe running of the sport we all love.

“Motorsport is a special family, and we all come together for these special moments. I want to inspire others to get involved in organising events.”

Colin’s achievements will be celebrated at Motorsport UK’s Night of Champions awards evening in January.

James Stronach was recognised as runner up for Volunteer of the Year. Through his work with Lothian Car Club (LCC) and the Scottish Motorsport Marshals Club (SMMC), he has combined technical skill, leadership and compassion to deliver safe, professional and enjoyable events. His enthusiasm for the sport, from the rescue unit to the hill climb start line, has inspired generations of volunteers and officials.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved as a volunteer, click here and discover how you can become part of the motorsport community.