Taking responsibilty of ourCarbon footprint

Understanding Our Carbon Footprint: Evaluating Environmental Impact

Our Motorsport UK Sustainability Accreditation

Cheltenham Motor Club is proud to announce that it has been awarded Motorsport UK’s Sustainability Accreditation, recognising its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation in motorsport event management.

This national accreditation forms part of Motorsport UK’s Environmental Sustainability Programme, which supports clubs and organisers in reducing environmental impact while promoting positive change across the sport.

what is the truth about our impact

There's indeed a misconception about the environmental impact of professional motorsport compared to other sports like football. While motorsport may involve high-performance vehicles and the burning of fossil fuels, it's essential to consider the full picture when evaluating its carbon footprint.

Professional motorsport has made significant strides in recent years to minimise its environmental impact through technological advancements, research into alternative fuels, and carbon offsetting initiatives. Many racing teams and events actively invest in carbon offset projects to mitigate emissions and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

One key factor is the efficiency and optimisation of motorsport vehicles and technology. Over the years, advancements in engineering and technology have led to significant improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction in motorsport vehicles. Racing teams often invest heavily in research and development to maximise the performance while minimising the environmental impact of their vehicles.

Motorsport conjures many images – fast cars, celebrity drivers, cheering crowds – but few involve environmental benefits/protection.

Research and Development (R&D) in motorsport has played a crucial role in advancing fuel efficiency, hybrid engines, and sustainable fuels, and these innovations have significantly influenced vehicle production in general. Motorsport serves as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive engineering. Here's how R&D in motorsport has contributed to broader developments in the automotive industry:

FUEL EFFICIENCY: Motorsport R&D focuses on optimising engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption without compromising performance. Innovations in aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and engine management systems developed in motorsport have been adapted to improve fuel efficiency in mainstream vehicles. Techniques such as energy recovery systems, advanced combustion technologies, and efficient power delivery have been refined in motorsport and later implemented in production cars.

HYBRID ENGINES: Motorsport, particularly in categories like Formula 1 and endurance racing, has been at the forefront of developing and refining hybrid propulsion systems. Kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) and hybrid powertrains, initially developed for motorsport, have found their way into production hybrid and electric vehicles. The knowledge gained from the intense competition in motorsport has accelerated the development and acceptance of hybrid technologies in the automotive industry.

SUSTAINABLE FUELS: Motorsport has been exploring and testing sustainable fuel alternatives, such as biofuels and synthetic fuels, to reduce the environmental impact of racing. The development and use of sustainable fuels in motorsport have sparked interest and investment in similar technologies for road-going vehicles, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in the broader transportation sector.

MATERIAL INNOVATION: Motorsport R&D often leads to the development of lightweight and high-strength materials, which contribute to improved fuel efficiency and performance. These materials, initially designed for the unique demands of racing, have found applications in the production of road cars, enhancing efficiency and safety.

TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSFER: The rapid pace of innovation in motorsport necessitates the use of cutting-edge technologies, which are later adapted for use in mainstream vehicle production. Advanced sensors, data analytics, and electronic systems developed for motorsport have become integral components in modern production vehicles, enhancing safety, performance, and efficiency.

In summary,

R&D in motorsport serves as a catalyst for advancements in fuel efficiency, hybrid technologies, and sustainable fuels, creating a positive ripple effect that benefits the broader automotive industry. The competitive environment of motorsport accelerates the development and adoption of technologies that ultimately contribute to more sustainable and efficient vehicles on our roads.

Further reading: The obscure link between motorsport and energy efficient,

How We Calculate

Cheltenham Motor Club and the members of the Hills Ford Stages organising committee are committed to assessing the carbon footprint for this event. The current focus relates to one element of this year’s rally, being ‘travel and mileage’. Other areas such as consumables, paperwork, hotels etc. are to be looked at in the future.
We use a detailed calculation which considers the following data points:

The number of marshals, officials, safety crews, competitors and their service crews expected to attend the event along with estimated travel distance for each category of attendee. An allowance is added for vehicles that will be towing a competing car.
The typical vehicle type along with fuel type and fuel consumption for each category. This is split between competitive miles when fuel use is higher and normal road use traveling to the venue and between each competitive stage.
Fuel types for non-competitive cars is assumed to be 50:50 split between diesel and petrol. Additionally, it is assumed that neither officials nor marshals will be using electric or hybrid vehicles, although this will not be the case, this assumption has the effect of overstating the footprint.

Additionally, calculations assume that all starters will finish the event, although this scenario is considered unlikely, again this will overstate the footprint calculation.

Costing estimates have been derived using the calculation tool on the greentripper.org website, with the recovery cost per kg CO2 based on a tree planting project in Hertfordshire, as it closely aligns with our intended use of the funds.

While these figures are estimates, we have aimed to err on the side of caution to ensure that our donations to local environmental projects outweigh our best estimate of how much carbon has been calculated.

In a proactive step, we have made a commitment to once again back the Severn TreeScapes project in 2024. This initiative is dedicated to the planning and creation of green areas along a specified corridor. By joining forces with this endeavour, our aim is to play a role in safeguarding and revitalising natural habitats in the region.

Resident F.A.Q's

Here we want to give a quick understanding of what Cloased Road Rally is all about. Hundreds of hours are put in behind the scenes to ensure w bring a posative, prosperous and safe event to your region

Lets take a deep dive into the detail

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What goes on behind the scenes to design a safe event for you,
What are the local benefits
What are our carbon offsett obligations
What do we give back to the local communities
What is a Safety Action Group

BECOME A PART OF THE RALLY

Marshalling offers an unbeatable combination of excitement, camaraderie, and personal fulfillment, making it a truly enjoyable experience for volunteers who love motorsport and want to be part of the action.

Lets Get Involved

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Marshalling a motorsport rally can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. Here's why:

Find out more

the details count

In collaboration with various stakeholders, including councils, parish councils, police, residents and professional bodies in order to bring the the best that motorsport has to offer.

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Safety is a paramount concern in professional motorsports events, with stringent regulations and protocols in place to ensure the well-being of competitors, officials, residents and spectators alike. This will involves continual meetings with includes a Safetry Action Group to monitor progress. The rally organisers, many of whom hold vairing positions of authority in the community, from Police officers to high ranking officials

Look at the process in detail

Carbon Conscious

Understanding our carbon footprint and assessing the environmental consequences of our actions are important in fulfilling our obligations to offset our impact on the environment.

How we Calculate

Motorsports future

In a proactive step, we have made a commitment to back the Severn Valleys TreaScapes project throughout 2024. This initiative is dedicated to the planning and creation of green areas along a specified corridor. This aligns with our steadfast dedication to local environmental stewardship and our pledge to establish a positive legacy for the motorsport community and beyond.

How We Calculate

Become a rally driver

If you have a passion for rally driving and are eager to learn more, you're in the right place! Rally driving is an exhilarating sport that requires skill, focus, and dedication.

Start your journey

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Whether you're interested in honing your driving skills or understanding the intricacies of rally, there are plenty of resources and opportunities available to help you pursue your passion. From rally schools and training programs to online forums and community events, you can immerse yourself in the world of rally driving and embark on an exciting journey of learning and discovery. So, if you're ready to take the wheel and explore the thrill of rally racing, let's get started!

Learn more