GlobalAutoIndustry.com’s latest Audio Interview “Reach, Impact and Size of the UK Motorsport Industry” with Ron Hesse features Chris Aylett, who became Chief Executive of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) in 1998. Since when, he has led it to become the world’s leading business organisation serving this engineering, technology and sports entertainment industry. His extensive international business experience, gained from leading his own business group and international trade associations, has allowed him to build an exceptionally widespread global network of key industry contacts. He has personally developed and promoted the MIA and its members around the world, regularly leading successful business development visits to the USA, Europe, Japan and other markets.
About Interview Guest:
Chris Aylett, Chief Executive
Motorsport Industry Association (MIA)
To learn more about the “MIA CTS – Motorsport Engineering & Technology Show”
Held on October 15 & 16, 2025 at Silverstone in the U.K., please visit here.
In the 16-minute Audio Interview, Mr. Aylett discusses these questions:
• What does the Motorsport Industry Association do?
• What can you tell us about this year’s CTS – the UK’s leading Motorsport Engineering & Technology Show run by the MIA?
• What were the key findings from your recently published review of the UK Motorsport Valley?
• What are the top priorities for UK motorsport businesses?
• Where do the opportunities for future growth lie and what do the next 10 years of motorsport look like?
About Chris Aylett:
Chief Executive, Motorsport Industry Association (MIA)
Over the past thirty years, the UK has become the world centre for the R&D and innovation needed to succeed in all aspects of world motorsport – “The Business of Winning.” It is home to over 4,000 motorsport and high-performance engineering companies located in the unrivalled “Motorsport Valley®” business cluster.
Chris Aylett became Chief Executive of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA) in 1998. Since when, he has led it to become the world’s leading business organisation serving this engineering, technology and sports entertainment industry.
Worldwide corporate membership of some 350 includes Formula One, World Rally and USA teams, major promoters, leading manufacturers, circuit operators, and specialist service providers which collectively transact over $6 billion of international business These companies each year invest more than 30%of their sales income (£1.5 Billion in 2015) directly into R&D to stay ahead in the race for success; a ratio double that of pharmaceutical and ten times automotive.
In 2001, Chris led a strategic review to answer ‘what future is there for motorsport in an energy-efficient world?’ The MIA report, ‘Energy Efficient Motorsport (EEMS)’ uncovered and outlined the exceptional business opportunities which a low-carbon future would deliver to motorsport. In 2003, the MIA organised, in Birmingham, the world’s first international conference on this fascinating subject, following which he has led many such conferences around the world. These have created millions of pounds of new business for UK motorsport companies, in energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions.
This first cross-sector initiative spawned increased interest in the wide range of world-class, unique capabilities of R&D-based motorsport supplierswho can resolve disparate engineering problems, and deliver solutions very quickly. A wide cross-section of industries – from automotive to marine, space as well as healthcare and even architecture have become highly-valued customers of MIA members as a result. Fast-growing revenues from these new areas of business has brought increased financial security for these ultra-competitive companies. These are wisely invested in meeting the relentless demand for innovation which keeps them at the front of the grid!
Chris, a former Roosevelt Scholar, was a successful sportscar driver, team owner and race series promoter, as well as founder of his successful multi-million-pound international sporting goods distribution group.
His extensive international business experience, gained from leading his own business group and international trade associations, has allowed him to build an exceptionally widespread global network of key industry contacts. He has personally developed and promoted the MIA and its members around the world, regularly leading successful business development visits to the USA, Europe, Japan and other markets.
He is a Fellow of the Motor Industry and the Institute of Directors, co-author of “Motorsport Going Global: the challenges facing the world’s motorsport industry” published by Palgrave MacMillan and a member of the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC).