One of the many decisions those organising a national racing category need to take is whether to run it as a series or a championship. Some clubs traditionally prefer to administer championships, while others enjoy the greater freedom that operating series brings – but there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer in terms of which is best.
Yet it is a question that’s in the spotlight for those in charge of MG Car Club categories that are in the process of finalising new homes for 2024 following the club’s decision to end its long history of organising race events. For instance, earlier this month, the MG Trophy was confirmed as joining the Classic Sports Car Club fold, in a move that enables it to retain championship status – the first of several championships joining the CSCC, which has previously avoided point-scoring competitions.
An argument in favour of championships is that they give something for drivers to aim and fight for across the course of a season. Competitors could be more likely to have a greater engagement with the category if there is something meaningful at stake. Those chasing a championship are more likely to commit to every round – the holy grail for organisers – and that is especially helped if there are multiple classes, so plenty for drivers up and down the grid to fight for.
But that very same positive can also easily become a negative. Should a driver quickly fall out of championship contention over the opening few events, then they may still head elsewhere over the rest of the season. And, while being crowned a champion brings prestige, the average club racing title winner is not going to receive a career-changing prize. The Pre-’83 Touring Cars champion is very unlikely to suddenly find themselves on the British Touring Car grid, for example.
The other problem – which is, depressingly, seen time and time again even at a humble club level – is that, when there is a championship at stake, it can lead to rows in the paddock. Whether it’s over an aggressive move or the perennial accusations of cheating, a championship can very easily turn sour. That, obviously, can still happen in a series but, with a generally more relaxed atmosphere and no season-long prize on the line, it is less likely.
The most significant advantage for organisers opting for a series is the increased flexibility that it allows. The individual coordinator or club has more freedom and control to run the category how they want rather than being governed by more rigid regulations required to receive championship status from Motorsport UK.
Source: Autosport