Motorsport UK’s Racial Diversity Sub Committee presents:

Driving Forward Racial Diversity in Motorsport, Inaugural Annual Conference

On Thursday 25 November 2021 Motorsport UK’s Racial Diversity Sub Committee will hold its first annual conference, Driving Forward Racial Diversity, at the governing body’s headquarters in Bicester. The Sub Committee, who sit within Motorsport UK’s wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, are tasked with helping progress racial diversity within motorsport.

The Racial Diversity Sub Committee is made up of seven members who represent a diverse mix of motorsport experience in the UK – from drivers, stewards, team owners, PR professionals and parents of young drivers. It is chaired by Mike Bugembe – bestselling author, founder, and executive adviser in data, analytics, and AI and motorsport enthusiast currently helping his eldest son progress through the karting ranks.

The group has created a series of recommendations drawn heavily from the findings of the Hamilton Commission. Hosting a conference which is dedicated to discussing the topic of how we can drive forward racial diversity in motorsport is one of these recommendations and an important first step in uniting our community around the issue.

Conference aims

The purpose of the conference is to convene our sport’s key figures and empower collaboration between critical players who advocate for a broader and more racially diverse sport. It is designed to educate and engage delegates around the challenges and opportunities in resolving the racial diversity gap in motorsport.

Why attend?

The Driving Forward Racial Diversity in Motorsport conference will present delegates with the opportunity to:

• Gain a better understanding of the current issues within UK motorsport around the lack of racial diversity
• Listen to the lived experiences of young people currently in UK motorsport
• Learn about current activity from those active in this space
• Hear from leaders and influencers on how to make a start in improving racial diversity wherever they are on their journey

Speakers and panellists include:

• Rene Carayol – Diversity and Inclusion expert and activist
• Catherine Bond Muir – Founder and CEO of W Series

Hugh Chambers, CEO, Motorsport UK said:

“It is clear that addressing the issue of racial diversity is central to being a fully inclusive sport. Firstly, we need to identify the current status in our sport and then develop plans to deliver genuine diversity; and to this end we appreciate the hard work done by our Racial Diversity Sub Committee. We look forward to welcoming delegates to the conference and listening to an engaging and thoughtful discussion that can contribute towards real outcomes.”

Mike Bugembe, Chair, Racial Diversity Sub Committee said:

“The set-up of the Racial Diversity Sub Committee speaks to their desire to learn from lived experiences and to involve those passionate about the sport but impacted by the complex barriers to participation in motorsport. As a committee, our job is to build understanding, formulate strategy, policy, and actions that enable any person or child to participate in all aspects of motorsport without hindrance, barrier, or prejudice.  While we have a long way to go, we must start an open conversation to understand the challenges and provide an impactful path forward.  This was the catalyst for the Driving Forward Racial Diversity in Motorsport conference.  We aim to get the great and the good together in one place to start the conversation, exchange ideas and kickstart a path towards change”

To attend the conference please contact events@motorsportuk.org

To read more about Motorsport UK’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, click here