Special Motorsports Event - Motorsports Speeding Up Defense Market

Kent, Dec. 26, 2011: In a difficult economy companies have to find more effective and cost-efficient ways of doing business. The British defence industry was struggling with long lead times and major projects, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, overdue and over budget. However, the motorsport industry is offering solutions for the defence sector, which can be explored at Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International, at Birmingham’s NEC on 12-15 January 2012.

A number of motorsport companies are expanding into the defence market to offer their expertise and services. Lord Drayson, the former Minister for Defence Procurement, advocates the cross over between the two sectors, and is always surprised by just how fast companies in the motorsport industry react.

“The difference with motorsport is that people make decisions quickly because they have to be there on Saturday to race,” said Drayson. “How is it that a Le Mans team can recognise it has a problem with its dampers and can design, manufacture and fit a new set the next morning? If you want a new design of dampers for an armoured vehicle you are waiting years.”

Autosport International showcases the services and technology on offer within the motorsport industry. The show provides a platform for those from the defence and aviation industries to speak to companies serving the motorsport sector and explore opportunities to work together.

Among the companies expanding their remit is new exhibitor for 2012, bf1systems. A leading supplier of electronic technology in motorsport, bf1systems’ experience makes it ideal for this new market.

“I would say that the key abilities are to be responsive and to design without compromise,” explains bf1systems Managing Director John Bailey. “This has proved beneficial in changing the sometimes old or ‘set in their ways’ design philosophies. Advantages include speed, quality, expertise and design in many sectors. There is also the advantage of not being controlled by the ‘big animal’ mentality, and the ability to be flexible in all aspects of the design and manufacturing process,” Bailey concluded.