Andrew Jones is the fastest MP in North Yorkshire -official- as measured by one lap of Silverstone in a Motor Sports Association simulator.
Andrew, the Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough, completed the lap in a Formula 1 car in just over two minutes as part of the 2012 Motor Sport in Parliament Challenge.
The event was held in Westminster and was intended to give MPs a better understanding of the country’s sporting heritage and of the contribution British motor sport has to the UK’s economy.
The Motor Sports Association is working closely with the Government in the hope of introducing legislation that will enable local authorities to host motor sport events on closed public roads in the UK, which is currently not possible without an Act of Parliament.
Research suggests that local communities could benefit from this legislation by up to £2m per event.
Andrew, who has campaigned to have the World Rally Championship held in the county, said:
I had great fun on the simulator and I am pleasantly surprised to find I am the fastest in North Yorkshire – I didn’t even know it was a competition until I received my certificate!
Motor sport is an activity for all ages and there are many talented competition drivers in the area.
Our region is well suited to host events like the World Rally Championships because of the marvellous facilities we have and the back drop of our beautiful countryside.
Economically, motor sport racing could be a boost for Yorkshire, attracting visitors to our area and bringing inward investment.
It is important not to forget the outstanding effect British motor sport has on the UK economy, contributing £6 billion annually with over 70 percent being from exports and employing over 40,000 people.
