SPECIAL EVENT (BIRMINGHAM, UK.) - THE COUNTDOWN FOR NATIONAL MOTORSPORT WEEK BEGINS

The countdown for the third National Motorsport Week (NMW) will begin in earnest at the Autosport International Show, NEC, Birmingham, 10-13 January.

The show is Europe's largest annual motorsport exhibition and brings together the related industry, participants, media and fans in one glorious celebration of one of the world's most exciting sports. What better place then, to engage the entire motorsport fraternity in preparation for NMW 2008 - August 9-17?

The brainchild of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), NMW is a promotional platform for the Motorsport Foundation - the charity created to support the motorsport industry by encouraging new people into every avenue of the sport. The requirement goes way beyond drivers and their engineers, to marshals, event organisers, media experts, etc.

NMW HAS ALREADY ENCOURAGED THOUSANDS TO JOIN THE SPORT

Said the MIA's Chris Aylett: "Since its inception in 2006, NMW has encouraged thousands of enthusiasts to join our sport. In 2007, Lewis Hamilton single-handedly increased interest in motorsport in this and, indeed, many other countries. Our aim for NMW 2008 is to harness this fresh excitement and show everybody concerned that our sport is a lot broader and more accessible than people imagine, and that there is a place for everybody within it."

The sport's stars will no doubt once again be voicing their support for NMW. Last year, radio interviews with Jenson Button, Stirling Moss, Derek Bell, David Brabham and a host of other aces created two million minutes of airtime and were listened to by no fewer than one million people. The drivers' observations included: :: Grand Prix driver Jenson Button - "National Motorsport Week is a fantastic initiative." :: One of the greatest drivers of all time, Sir Stirling Moss OBE - "NMW is a very good thing. Britain has long since led the world in motorsport and it is important for the industry that we attract newcomers to the sport." :: Five-times Le Mans winner Derek Bell - "Without the fans, there would be no point in going motor racing." :: 2007 GT1 Le Mans winner, David Brabham - "Getting newcomers involved in the sport fuels their passion and you never know what doors may then open for them."

CALL TO ACTION

The MIA is encouraging all motor clubs, event organisers, representatives of the motorsport industry, etc, to think how they can become involved in NMW 2008 and actively support this worthy cause. All interested parties are invited to visit the MIA stand at Autosport International (Stand 6400, Hall 6) and talk to organiser Clare Stone, or to contact her afterwards at clare.stone@the-mia.com, or by calling +44 (0)2476 692600.

Further information on National Motorsport Week 2008 is available at http://www.nationalmotorsportweek.co.uk