Pictured is Mike Newton, recently appointed as a Vice-Chairman of the BMMC, on the podium at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2005 following an historic win |
Said Mike Newton: "It is a real privilege to be able to take-up a Vice-President position at the BMMC whose 1,750 members form the bedrock of British motorsport. From the pits to the trackside it is the volunteer marshals who really are the unsung real heroes of racing. Their professionalism ensures that events run smoothly whether it be the administration or, crucially, providing all important life saving safety cover."
The entrepreneur and racing driver's longstanding connection with the British Motorsport Marshals Club - formerly known as the British Motor Racing Marshals Club - stretches back to the late 1970's. In fact Newton's first real taste of motorsport was as a marshal. He then started racing Formula Ford 1600 in 1985, and between 1995 and 1997 was a regular top-placed finisher.
Newton's personal motorsport landmarks include: victory in the 2002 Daytona Grand-Am finale (GTS class) in a Saleen S7-R; driving his Ford Falcon EL to class victory in the 2001 Nurburgring 6 Hours; and finishing sixth overall in the Super Touring feature race at Bathurst in 1999. Mike has raced five times in the famous Le Mans 24 hours, claiming 6th in class in 2003 (Saleen), then helping the MG Lola EX257 to its most enduring 24-hour run ever in 2004, before winning LMP2 in 2005 and again in 2006. He has also secured honours in 2007 winning Le Mans Series (LMP2 class), has completed in the Spa and Bathurst 24 Hour races, and finished 4th (DP) at Daytona.
Commented Chris Hobson, National Chairman, British Motorsport Marshals Club (BMMC): "I am extremely happy to announce Mike Newton's appointment as a Vice-President of our club. Mike will bring his tremendous experience and enthusiasm to this pivotal role. He has been an influential figure in the club for many years having joined as a marshal before his highly successful business career allowed him to make the move to being a competitor and entrant."
Mike will bring his tremendous experience and enthusiasm to this pivotal role |
"During his racing career Mike has always given fantastic support to the club, not only through exclusive sponsorship, but also by promoting our name, our values and our aims at all levels. Mike is currently working hard on a number of initiatives to generate vital funding from organizers and competitors to combat dwindling numbers, and the risk of cancelled meetings. Mike also puts in regular appearances at club functions and always goes out of his way to talk to marshals at events where he is competing."