CORK MOTOR CLUB

Looking like a Happy New Year for Irish motorsport

Brief summary of the outcome of the meeting: The 2010 Rallies Committee will have James Coleman as chairman. John Naylor will not be on the 2010 Rallies Committee. He resigned immediately and has been replaced by Gary Leonard. Commission President will not be eligible for any committee positions while in office or for three years after. There will also be what was termed 'a root and branch' review of the running of the sport in Ireland over the next six months. It is intended that a reformed structure would be in operation by 2011. It was also agreed that all events for 2010 would proceed as planned.

Last night's (Wed Dec 30, 2009) meeting with the clubs produced what was termed as a very strong anti commission feeling, with no support from the clubs for the outgoing president John Naylor. Feelings ran high, but by 11pm a settlement was reported to be on the cards. The following was Motorsport Ireland's response:

M.I. STATEMENT 31 DECEMBER 2009: Following a meeting of all affiliated motor clubs on Wednesday 30th December in Portlaoise, the Motorsport Commission and the Motorsport Ireland Rallies Committee are pleased to announce that all outstanding issues have been resolved.
The 2010 motorsport calendar will now commence on the 1st January with the support of all parties.This, as agreed, will be the only statement on the matter.

Rallies Committee claim MI were unreasonable in their requests

The following is the statement issued by the 2009 Resigned Rallies Committee after the Monday meeting at Dawson Street.

The 2009 resigned Rallies Committee wish to confirm that we attended a meeting with a delegation from the Motorsport Ireland Commission on Monday evening the 21st December as per our request following the overwhelming support at our information meeting in Tullamore.
Whilst we successfully addressed most of the major elements in dispute, it was not possible to resolve the matter as the Motorsport Commission were unreasonable in their requests.
We would like to thank Mr.David Casserly for his assistance in the process, which continued until 1.30am.
We attended the meeting at the invitation of Mr. Alex Sinclair former CEO of Motorsport Ireland and we stand ready to attend any meetings that may be called.

Breakdown of talks could lead to further problems

It now appears that Irish motorsport for 2010 has suffered a further set back after the Motorsprot Commission has issued a statement, on their website, stating that the talks between the themselves and the Rallies Committee have ended in deadlock. They are now seeking to get the chairman and secretary of all the clubs in the country to meet with them on December 30 next. The following is a statement issued by Dawson Street:

STATEMENT FROM MOTORSPORT COMMISSION 22nd December 2009

A series of meetings lasting seven hours under the Chairmanship of Mr. David Casserly, Barrister, who practices at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Geneva, took place on 21st December 2009 at the headquarters of Motorsport Ireland at 34, Dawson Street, Dublin 2. We regret to report that it was not possible to reach an agreement with the representatives of the resigned members of the 2009 Rallies Committee.
The Motorsport Commission will invite the registered President and or Chairman and registered Club Secretary of each affiliated Club to a meeting on 30th December 2009. Further details will issue shortly.
The Motorsport Commission confirms that all events scheduled for the 2010 calendar will be dealt with in the normal manner.

Rallies Committee shocked and dismayed at CEO resignation

Statement by the former Rallies Committee of Motorsport Ireland on resignation of Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alex Sinclair.
“We are all shocked and dismayed to learn today, Friday 18th December, of the resignation of the CEO of Motorsport Ireland, Mr. Alex Sinclair.
Mr. Sinclair has held office for over 20 years and his resignation will be felt in every single field of motorsport in Ireland.
At an information meeting held by the Rallies Committee in Tullamore on Monday 14th December, attended by over 200 senior Rally competitors and officials, it was stated that Mr. Sinclair was the one person with whom the Rallies Committee would prefer to meet to end the ongoing difficulties in Irish Motorsport.
We intend to work with the Commission of Motorsport Ireland in the coming days and await clarification of the circumstances in which Mr. John Naylor, the President of the Commission, accepted Mr. Sinclair’s resignation.
It should be noted that we have always supported the Commission of Motorsport Ireland, and we reject Mr. Naylor’s recent comments in the media to the contrary.
We are saddened that the handling of this matter by Motorsport Ireland, which has already caused the resignation of over 20 of its senior committee members, has now apparently led to the loss of it’s Chief Executive Mr. Sinclair as well. All of this was avoidable.
We now call on the individual members of the Commission of Motorsport Ireland to recognise the crisis we are in, and take the necessary steps to restore confidence in the administration of Irish motorsport.”

Full content of Cork Motor Club letter to Motorsport Ireland

16 December 2009, 8.40 a.m.
Mr. Alex Sinclair,
Motorsport Ireland,
34 Dawson Street,
Dublin 2.

Re: Recent Issues in regard to Rallies Committee:

Dear Mr. Sinclair,

The above issue was discussed at a well-attended meeting of our Club last night.

Obviously, there was much concern at the position which has developed, and various opinions were expressed, some very strongly held, in relation to the matter, and it was also felt by many that the “Donegal” issue was, or at least had become, not just a single issue problem, but more a symptom of the general position. Eventually however, it was decided that the most productive course that the Club could adopt now was to contact you as soon as possible, and to request that any discussions or meetings that may be required to resolve this matter be held as soon as possible, and that it be emphasised that this contact was being made purely to indicate the urgency with which the matter needs to be treated, rather than necessarily supporting either “side”

Given that letters of resignation have been received by the Commission, but that the Commission have not met to consider or accept these, and given what we understand to be the stated willingness of those who submitted the letter to attended, at short notice, to meet any relevant party, and given the interest and commitment that the Commission must have in the fair and efficient administration, not to mention the continued viability of the Sport, it is very much the view of the Club that contacts should be made by MI with any relevant parties with a view to initiating discussions to resolve the matter, and that it is of critical importance that this be done immediately, and certainly before the end of this week. A motion that the Club would contact you this morning to this effect was passed by acclaim with no dissenters, hence this communication.

The timing is particularly critical as we approach the year end – the Christmas period does not help, but even more important is the fact that it is, or should be “Licence renewal time”, and competitors and organizers alike are left to wonder whether there will be any competitions to enter, and even if there are, whether there will be officials (MI appointed or otherwise) to run them, or even (and possibly most crucially) if they (they competitors) would wish to enter the Competitions.

This is most definitely a crisis time for the sport – the last thing that either the Clubs or MI require in these times of falling numbers is a further drop-off by disaffected competitors who might be lost to the sport permanently, or who might, if it is geographically possible for them, get a licence from another jurisdiction, or transfer to a “non-FIA” branch of motorsport, with resultant serious implications for the financial viability of Rallying in Ireland, not just at Club level, but also potentially at MI level.

I would earnestly request that this mater be dealt with the urgency it requires, and also that you would respond to me before close of business tomorrow (Thursday) to indicate MI’s position on this matter.

In closing, I would repeat again that this contact is being made, not necessarily to support either side, but to indicate that this matter needs to be treated with urgency – in fact, we would hope that it might be resolved, or at least well on the way to a resolution, by the 11th January date which was published recently as the date for the next Commission meeting.

Your in Motorsport,

Nial Murphy,
Chairman, Cork Motor Club Ltd.

Positive result from Cork Motor Club letter to Motorsport Ireland

An early morning email, 8.40am, from Cork Motor Club to Motorsport Ireland appears to have started the ball rolling in brokering an early settlement to the present situation in Irish motorsport.

Alex Sinclair, Chief Executive of Motorsport Ireland, has responded positively to this morning's CMC request for negotiations between both parties.
Mr. Sinclair acklowledged the email and has informed the club that he would be prepared to chair a meeting between the Motorsport Ireland Commission and the 2009 Rallies Committee on Monday next (Dec 21, 2009) with the aim of agreeing a way forward for the sport.
The Rallies Committee chairman, Mr. James Coleman, has already let it be known that he would be prepared attend any meeting that was set up to iron out the current problems.

The club had stated in its letter to Motorsport Ireland this morning (Wed, Dec 16, 2009) that the timing of the dispute is particularly critical as we approach the year end – the Christmas period does not help, but even more important is the fact that it is, or should be “Licence renewal time”, and competitors and organizers alike are left to wonder if there will be any competitions to enter, and even if there are, if there will be officials (MI appointed or otherwise) to run them, or even (and possibly most crucially) if they (they competitors) would wish to enter the competitions.
The letter went on to say that this is most definitely a crisis time for the sport – the last thing that either the Clubs or MI require in these times of falling numbers is a further drop-off by disaffected competitors who might be lost to the sport permanently, or who might, if it is geographically possible for them, get a licence from another jurisdiction, or transfer to a “non-FIA” branch of motorsport, with resultant serious implications for the financial viability of Rallying in Ireland, not just at Club level, but also potentially at MI level.
Here's hoping for a positive and early resolve to the present problem affecting our sport.

Cork Motor Club ask for immediate talks to rectify problems

A very large meeting of club members took place on Tuesday (Dec 15, 2009) to discuss the current situation at Motorsport Ireland.
Club members who had attended the Monday (Dec 14, 2009) meeting in Tullamore gave a full account. After a long discussion it was agreed that Cork Motor Club would contact Motorsport Ireland, impressing on them the seriousness of the current situation. The club are also urging that a meeting take place with all parties involved at the earliest date to rectify the matter before the start of the New Year.

Tullamore meeting outlines reasons for resignations

There was a large attendance at last night's (Monday, Dec 14, 2009) meeting in Tullamore, to discuss the resignation of the 2009 Rallies Committee.
The meeting at the Tullamore Court Hotel was described as a good, informative event and attracted an attendance of approximately 150. The reasons for the resignations were given and a discussion followed.
The meeting was chaired by Frank O'Mahony and the outgoing president of Motorsport Ireland, John Naylor, also attended.
Individuals nominated as stewards and safety officers for the remaining events of 2009 were asked to carry out their duties.
Motor clubs will be informed by their representatives of the full details.
Cork Motor Club will discuss the situation at our meeting tonight (Tuesday, Dec 15). A full attendance of club members is requested.

Donegal Motor Club add their support for Rallies Committee

Donegal Motor Club Statement
re: M.I. RALLIES COMMITTEE RESIGNATION.

Donegal Motor Club is dismayed to learn of the resignation of the Rallies Committee of Motorsport Ireland arising from an incident at an International Rally in 2009.
We call on all parties to act quickly and sensibly to resolve these difficulties.
However, as the Motor Club concerned, we support the stand taken by the Rallies Committee, and our nominee to it, and we applaud its determination to secure fair play for the competitors, officials and motor club caught up in the incident.
Our complaint to the Motorsport Commission and the Rallies Committee, which we delivered last July, remains unanswered and this is not satisfactory.
We note that the Dunlop Rally Championship sub-committee has resigned in support of the Rallies Committee. We thank both committees, and the National Forest Stages committee, which has also resigned, for their principled stand in the investigation of our complaint and we invite other motor clubs to do likewise.
We call on M.I. to properly address these issues and to reinstate the Rallies Committee, and to do so quickly.
Derek Heena, Chairman, Donegal Motor Club.

TROA now lends its support to the Ralllies Committee decision

The drama at Dawson Street took another turn on Sunday (Dec 11, 2009) when the TROA indicated that it would be backing the move by the members of the Rallies Committee.

Statement on behalf of the Tarmac Rally Organisers Association (TROA). Sunday, December 13 2009.
"We refer to a statement issued by Motorsport Ireland on 11th December 2009.
It is with regret that we note that Motorsport Ireland has accepted the resignation of the Chairman, Secretary and individual members of its Rallies Committee.
The TROA would like to put on record it’s appreciation to Mr. James Coleman ( Rallies Committee Chairman) , and to his Committee members, for their efforts in endeavouring to bring a fair and just conclusion to matters arising in relation to an incident at one of the Irish Tarmac Championship counting rounds in 2009.
The TROA is concerned that despite the work done by the Rallies Committee over many months, the matter has not been resolved within Motorsport Ireland to the satisfaction of the Rallies Committee.
The TROA Chairman, Bobby Clinton, attends Rallies Committee meetings in his capacity as TROA representative. He has observed at first hand the work being done by its chairman and committee, can vouch for their integrity, and supports the officers and committee members in their efforts to properly administer rallying in Ireland.
In the light of confusion that has arisen regarding TROA's representation on the rallies committee, the matter will be considered by the members of TROA at it's AGM in January."

Meeting in Tullamore to explain Motorsport Ireland resignations

A meeting has been arranged for next Monday night (Dec 14) to discuss the reasons behind the resignations from various committees in Motorsport Ireland.
The meeting will take place at the Tullamore Court Hotel, in Tullamore at 8.30pm and will be attended by member of the 2009 Rallies Committee. The agenda will be to discuss the reasons behind the resignations. The meeting is open to all, both individuals and clubs.
The absence of those involved on the various committees, all voluntary, has the potential to stop motorsport in Ireland. So strong are the feeling that some who have been asked to act as stewards and safety officers for upcoming events, are talking about withdrawing.
The Motorsport Commission has convened a special meeting for Monday, January 11, 2010.

Motorsport Ireland's has published the following statement on its website:
Motorsport Ireland Statement 11th December 2009.
Arising from the resignation of individual members of the Rallies Committee the President of Motorsport Ireland has convened a special meeting of the Motorsport Commission (Ruling Council) on the 11th January to discuss the matter.
A full airing of the issues outlined in the letter of resignation will be given at this meeting.
However, Motorsport Ireland has, and will continue to act, in accordance with its rules and regulations while continuing to maintain at all times the highest standards in the sport and the principles of natural justice.
Alex Sinclair, Chief Executive, Motorsport Ireland.

Major upheaval at Motorsport Ireland

Word is coming through of a huge amount of resignations from various committees in Motorsport Ireland.
The full Rallies Comittee, I am led to believe, have resigned in mass today (Thursday, December 10, 2009). And the story that is breaking is that many more sub committees members are following the same line.
And while no official communique has been issued by Motorsport Ireland, the problem seems to have stemmed from the appointment of Mr John Naylor, outgoing President of Motorsport Ireland, to a place on the Rallies Committee.
John Naylor has just two days ago been presented with the Ivan Webb Memorial Trophy at the Dunlop Awards gala lunch for what Motorsport Ireland described as an 'Award for the Most Outstanding Contribution to Irish Motorsport.'
While it is difficult to put a definite number on the resignations, the amount of people involved is well over 20.

This, I believe is the first time that such a revolt has happened.

CMC Rally Ireland marshals

Cork Motor Club members who intend to marshall on Rally Ireland 2009 should contact Paul Casey on 086 8050710. Paul is the club's contact for marshals.
Congratulations to CMC on WRC

A big vote of thanks to all Cork Motor Club members who marshaled on Rally Ireland.
Remember, marshals are the backbone of ALL rallies.

A lack of competitors will result in a small rally.
A lack of marshals will result in NO rally.

RTÉ cover Rally Ireland

This coming weekend Ireland will host a major world sporting event when the country will launch the 2009 World Rally Championship. Rally Ireland 2009 will travel through seven counties, including Cavan, Leitrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Sligo, Donegal and Roscommon.
RTÉ viewers can enjoy all the action from the four-day event which takes place in the northwest where the top rally crews, including Citroen's Sebastien Loeb who will be defending the drivers' title for the sixth year in a row, will battle it out over 350km and 19 stages.
RTE Two will broadcast four programmes from Thursday to Sunday at 8pm each evening giving coverage of the rally.
Thursday's programme will include an interview with world champion Loeb and also a look back at Rally Ireland 2007 plus a review of the 2008 WRC and a feature piece on the McHales.
Friday night Michael Lyster presents highlights of the first day of action from the WRC. There will also be an interview with FIA President Max Mosley
Day two of rallying action will be shown on Saturday evening while viewers can watch the final day's action from the WRC on Sunday evening at 8pm.
Michael Lyster will present the programme each evening with commentator: Peter Collins and reporter John Kenny.
Analysis will be provided by Eugene Donnelly and Andrew Nesbitt who between them have six Irish Tarmac Rally titles.
In addition to this coverage, RTE Two will broadcast highlights of the event on Wednesday, February 4 at 00.45am.
And for radio listeners, John Kenny and Martin Walsh of the Irish Examiner will also provide all the RTE Radio coverage with daily interviews and analysis over the four days. There is also full and interactive coverage on RTE online at www.RTE.ie

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