Historic racer pledges Octagon support

Murray Smith, the man appointed to the board of British Motorsport Promoters in the wake of Rob Bain’s resignation from Octagon Motorsport, has pledged that major historic racing events will remain a part of Octagon’s plans for British motor racing.

Smith, a seasoned historic racer and Group Director of IPG, parent company of Octagon, said: “I am very keen to try to help as far as historic racing is concerned. People enjoy historic racing and historic festivals should be part of the plan.

“Everyone loves them, look at what Goodwood’s done. I’ve got the greatest admiration for Charles March. Silverstone could do a historic festival that complements what other people do; Goodwood can’t run things like TGP, for instance.”

Smith, a member of the BRDC, recognises the need to protect the grass roots of the sport and is keen to co-operate with clubs like the VSCC and HSCC to share in the success of their events.

“We should be really close to the clubs, they are our customers. I’m keen to work with them,” he said. “I’m keen to help nurture the sport and make a profit out of the top-end stuff. Without Octagon’s investment, British motorsport would not be a very happy place right now. But there is a tremendous amount that can be done to improve Octagon’s relationship with the motorsport industry.”

Smith’s ex-Reutemann Brabham BT42 is based in America, but he also has a Lotus 15 and a low-chassis Invicta in Britain, and is planning to race the Invicta in the upcoming Le Mans Classic.