Sunday March 29, 2026 at 12:19am
The ACU Track Racing Open Forum was held today at ACU House in Rugby, joined by representatives from organising clubs and in the presence of ACU President Tim Lightfoot, and ACU Chief Executive Officer Matthew Edwards‑Wear. The meeting was highly productive and forward‑looking, with attendees discussing a comprehensive programme of development designed to strengthen and grow Track Racing within the ACU over the next five years. Topics Covered During the Session The session addressed a wide range of strategic and operational matters essential to the future of Track Racing including the British Championships, Track Standards, Five Year Mission, The ACU and its position within world motorcycling, specialist working groups, publicity and communications. The ACU Track Racing Working Group – Five‑Year Mission The Working Group reaffirmed its mission: to create an environment in which Grass Track Racing can flourish, and to work collaboratively with organising clubs to build a culture that supports safe, sustainable, and high‑quality competition. The Five‑Year Mission sets out a structured pathway for growth, beginning with foundational work in Year One and progressing toward greater national recognition by mainstream press, increase in commercial partners, greater international collaboration, and long‑term sustainability of the sport. Year 1 – Foundation & Engagement
· Community Outreach: Engage with clubs and partner organisations to communicate the ACU’s strategy and highlight the benefits of operating within the National Governing Body
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Communication and Consultation: Establish a coherent policy for communication and consultation with organisers and competitors
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Club Strengthening: Provide training for officials, volunteers, and track designers to support consistent event delivery
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Safety First: Work with sidecar teams to understand recent racing incidents and develop proposals to minimise risks without compromising the sport’s character or affordability
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Digital Presence: Build a modern online platform for event promotion, live results, and online training modules Year 2 – Grassroots Expansion
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Youth Pathways: Introduce structured junior competitions with clear progression routes
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Accessible Entry Points: Develop low‑cost “try‑a‑bike” programmes using shared equipment
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Volunteer Development: Expand training and certification for marshals, officials, and organisers
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Regional Talent Camps: Host annual training camps with professional riders and coaches
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Local Sponsorships: Engage small businesses to support youth and novice training programmes Year 3 – Talent Identification & Performance
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Financial Assistance: Provide targeted support for promising riders to compete nationally
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Data & Analytics: Introduce performance‑tracking tools to support rider development
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Event Quality: Encourage clubs to upgrade facilities, timing systems, and spectator amenities Year 4 – National Recognition & Media Growth
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National Series: Establish a nationally recognised, televised or streamed championship
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Media Partnerships: Collaborate with broadcasters, YouTubers, and influencers
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Fan Engagement: Introduce fan zones, rider meet‑and‑greet sessions, and interactive event apps
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Diversity & Inclusion: Recruit and support female riders and underrepresented groups Year 5 – Sustainability & International Links
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Green Initiatives: Promote electric bike categories and eco‑friendly event practices
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International Exchange: Partner with overseas clubs for rider training and development
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Legacy Programmes: Establish a permanent youth academy and coaching certification pathway
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Long‑Term Funding: Secure multi‑year sponsorships and government sport grants Key Success Measures
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20% increase in registered riders
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30% growth in youth participation
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A national championship with consistent media coverage
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Recognised safety and coaching standards across all clubs Working Groups 1000cc Right‑Hand Sidecar Working Group – Terms of Reference Following the inability to complete its British Masters Championship over the past three seasons, the ACU Board has initiated a comprehensive review of the 1000cc R/H Sidecar class. Concerns include rising engine power outputs and variations in chassis design that may contribute to inconsistent handling and increased risk. After inviting expressions of interest from within the sport, the following individuals have been selected to form the Working Group:
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Ivor Matthews – Chairman
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Clare Humphries – Vice Chairman & Organiser
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Mark Courtney
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Steve Smith
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Paul Whitelam
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Matt Fumarola
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Mark Cossar
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Carl Pugh The Working Group will be supported by Mr Andrew Summers, ACU Head of Off‑Road Technical, who will provide technical oversight and guidance throughout the review process. This group brings together a wealth of experience from riders, passengers, organisers, technical specialists, engineering knowledge and long‑standing contributors to the discipline. Objectives include a review of engine power outputs, chassis construction, offset measurement, driving/riding standards, clubman class and a review into the performance of the dirt deflector to improve vision for following crews. Youth Development Working Group – Terms of Reference Youth participation has declined in recent years, and the current class structure has become confusing and difficult for new families to navigate and has been the same in structure for many years. The Working Group will address accessibility, clarity, and long‑term development along with alignment with other European national governing bodies. The Youth Development Working Group will be led by Paul Smith and Rachel Cox, who bring strong organisational experience and a deep understanding of youth development within the sport. Objectives include: Current Opportunities Identify existing youth opportunities and assess which class structures appeal to young riders and parents. Training and Development Explore regional training days and identify clubs capable of hosting them. Consult with the ACU on financial support for high‑quality training events. Review of Classes Assess whether current engine‑capacity‑based classes remain relevant. Review European models, including GT140‑based structures. Consider modular class structures allowing progression using the same chassis. Formal Training Work with the ACU Training Programme to create a pathway for riders to become accredited ACU Coaches. Flat Track Working Group Flat Track is a rapidly growing discipline within the ACU and internationally through the FIM. Due to its specialist nature, a dedicated sub‑group has been formed to provide focused expertise. Membership
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Glen Phillips
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Matthew Edwards‑Wear
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Tim Greig
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Peter Boast – Promoter, ACU British Flat Track Championship
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Kirsty Telford Purpose
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Provide specialist expertise to guide the discipline’s development
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Support the growth and professionalism of the ACU British Flat Track Championship
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Align ACU Flat Track practices with international standards
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Grow participation and enhance event quality
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Strengthen safety, track preparation, and rider pathways Communications The ACU confirmed that all official updates, announcements, and information relating to ACU Track Racing will be published exclusively through the ACU website and ACU social media platforms. This ensures that competitors, organisers, officials, and supporters receive information that is accurate, consistent, and fully verified. By centralising communication through official ACU channels, the organisation aims to strengthen trust and confidence across the Track Racing community, ensuring that what is being read is both correct and authoritative. A wider communications strategy is currently under development, which will include:
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clearer and more frequent updates for organisers and officials
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structured communication pathways for clubs
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consultation mechanisms to support future changes and developments within the sport
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improved transparency around decision‑making and regulatory updates This strategy will help ensure that the sport continues to evolve in a collaborative and informed manner, with the ACU providing strong leadership and clear guidance at every stage. Quote from Peter Gregory, Peter Gregory, Chairman of the ACU Track Racing Working Group said: "It was great to see such a strong representation of organisers in the room today. Their knowledge, experience, and long‑standing commitment to the ACU are invaluable as we move forward with our five‑year plan for the sport. The meeting provided an important opportunity to openly discuss the many issues currently affecting Track Racing and to give clarity on the ACU’s position within world motorcycling. I would like to thank all the organisers for travelling to Rugby and for their constructive contributions throughout the session which will continue to help and shape the future. My thanks also go to the members of the Track Racing Working Group for their hard work, dedication, and continued support as we take these next steps together." ACU President, Tim Lightfoot said: "I would like to thank everyone who attended today’s meeting. The strength of Track Racing within the ACU is built on the dedication of its organisers, officials, and competitors, and it was encouraging to see such a committed group contributing to the future of the sport. Track Racing has delivered many outstanding achievements over the years, including our recent success in 2025 with both the World Long Track Champion and the Long Track of Nations Team Championship. These accomplishments underline just how successful and resilient the sport is within the ACU." "It is important to reaffirm that the ACU is the recognised National Governing Body for motorcycling in the United Kingdom — the equivalent of the FA in football or the RFU in Rugby. We are the only organisation recognised by the world governing body for motorcycling the FIM, and it is the ACU alone that holds this status. Our insurance provision is the best available in motorcycle sport, supported by unrivalled risk‑management processes and a level of organisational support that ensures organisers and officials have the highest standard of protection at all times." "Both Matthew as our CEO and I, have spent many years involved in Track Racing as organisers and officials at the highest level, and that experience ensures that the sport is fully understood at the top table of the ACU. This knowledge, combined with the passion shown by everyone here today, gives me great confidence in the direction we are taking and the future we are building together." Conclusion The ACU Track Racing Working Group meeting marked a significant step forward in shaping the future of Track Racing in the UK. With a clear Five‑Year Mission, updated track standards, confirmed championship hosts, a strengthened communication strategy, and strong engagement from clubs and officials, the ACU is committed to delivering a safer, more accessible, and more vibrant future for the sport. The Working Group also confirmed that the end‑of‑season Open Forum will take place in November, providing competitors, organisers, and officials with an opportunity to discuss the season, share feedback, and contribute to future developments. The exact date will be circulated in due course.