The British Motorsport Trust wishes to announce that Jim Morris has been appointed as Chair following the British Motorsport Trust trustee meeting in February 2026.

The British Motorsport Trust is an established UK Registered Charity formed to improve safety and officials training for Motorsport UK-regulated competition. Morris will take over from previous Chair Rod Parkin, who has held the position since 2021.

Morris has a lifetime of experience in motorsport, following in the footsteps of his father, John Morris, who competed in the British Saloon Car Championship during the 1980s. Jim started karting at 15 and since raced in Production Saloons and Formula Ford 1600.

Morris became involved in several motorsport businesses, most prominently in his role as Managing Director of Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems Ltd. He founded the Coventry-based manufacturer of fire safety equipment and fire safety systems in 1994. Morris is also a current committee member and past Chair of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA).

Morris is a keen competitor in historic motorsport and races a restored Mk I Volkswagen Golf GTi that was originally campaigned by his father. He is also aiming to break the current front-wheel-drive record at Pikes Peak this year in another Golf, prepared by his Grove Motorsport business.

Jim Morris, British Motorsport Trust Chair commented: “Motorsport has been a lifelong passion to me and making it safer for all has inspired me for more than 30 years, so it is a huge honour to become Chair of the British Motorsport Trust. I would like to thank my predecessor Rod Parkin, General Secretary Allan Dean-Lewis and all the trustees for their support.

“The British Motorsport Trust is a community-powered foundation that protects volunteers and champions grassroots of the sport. If Motorsport UK’s Vision 2030 strategy closes the gap between passion and participation, then my mission is to close the gap between passion and protection.

“We can achieve this by strengthening the sport’s safety infrastructure, empowering and training our volunteers and supporting the clubs and organisers, who will then ensure that our sport continues to thrive.”

Under Rod Parkin’s stewardship as Chair 2021-2026, the British Motorsport Trust was rebranded from the British Motor Sport Training Trust, which repositioned the organisation to further engage the community and showcase its initiatives. This was underlined by a series of safety programmes, including the roll-out of FIA-homologated light panels across UK circuits to promote better communication to competitors, especially in adverse weather conditions. The future of two grassroots venues was also secured, with new safety barriers installed at Kimbolton kart track and resurfacing of the Scammonden Dam Speed Hill Climb venue.

Commenting on the new appointment, Rod Parkin said: “I am very grateful to the trustees for their invaluable support during my time as Chair, in which we achieved a great deal to promote safety in our sport. I wish Jim great success in his new role as Trust Chair.”

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO comments “Jim’s appointment comes at an important moment for our sport. Through our Vision 2030 strategy, Motorsport UK is focused on widening participation while strengthening the foundations that support it — particularly safety, training and volunteer development.

The British Motorsport Trust plays a vital role in delivering that ambition at grassroots level, and Jim’s experience and passion for safety innovation make him ideally placed to lead its next chapter. We look forward to working closely with him to ensure the Trust continues to protect, support and inspire the people who make our sport possible.”

The trustees wish to express their gratitude to Mr Parkin’s invaluable contribution and best wishes in his future endeavours, and now look forward to fulfilling Mr Morris’ vision for the British Motorsport Trust.