A, for automobiles and the world's first-ever automobile race – on July 22nd, 1894 – from Paris to Rouen. A is also for authority within motorsport that needs to be decisive, responsible and respectful.

B, for briefing, and an acknowledgement of the good decision to hold drivers' briefings on-line, a marked improvement in the organisation of rally events.

C, for commissions and the challenges they face in a much-needed streamlining of motorsport where communication with the grassroots should be seen as one of the most important criteria in the continuation of motorsport.

D, for drifting, and the way that spectrum of motorsport has evolved, what can be learned from it given that it wasn't that long ago when it was frowned upon within other motorsport circles.

E, for enterprise that is needed from the affiliated clubs to make the sport better for everyone.

F, for fuel (again) that continues to be a concern in terms of storage and distribution.

G, relates to governance yet again. The decision to have a Strategic Structure Review (SSR) underlines what many of last year's letters in the A-Z mentioned. Time will illustrate why the system needs changing.

H, for Head of Motorsport and the appointment of Pat Finn for what is actually a new position. Motorsport Ireland doesn't have a CEO anymore. The wish is that the Nenagh native will be allowed to be the ‘head’ of motorsport (albeit administration) and bring calm and assurance between all elements of the sport.

I, for Inquiry into aspects surrounding last year's Rally of the Lakes – it could have serious implications for the governance of the sport. The inquiry has yet to be published.

J, for the J1000 (14-17 year old) category and how it has evolved since its inception around a decade ago. Has it already become too expensive or even elitist even at such a young age?

K, for Keohane (Michael) and the competitive return in 2026 of West Cork's best known racing driver, as revealed in The Southern Star. There will be further news soon. Could another ‘K’ also make headlines?

L, for location and the wish that all rally entry lists include where the various competitors are from (nearest town or village) and not just a county. After all, everything is local!

M, has to be for marshals. Without them the sport would not exist. Their dedication has to be admired and never taken for granted. Some clubs are better than others at reciprocating their presence at events and this needs to be addressed and acknowledged. Marshals stand out in all types of weather and maybe an end of season (regional) gathering could offer some appreciation.

N, for negativity that should never be confused with the truth. Opinions in motorsport have and will always differ. It is finding what is best for the sport whatever the consequences. The truth will always be such.

O, for occasions, in particular events within the Irish Tarmac, National and Forest Rally Championships can be profiled much better with local area involvement.

P, for pause, the one introduced a few months ago ‘to allow time and stability for an independent facilitator to assess all areas of our sport/organisation. This will allow Motorsport Ireland to make important decisions, in a stable environment, to future-proof the sport and inform future strategic goals.’

Q, for questions that club delegates are afraid to ask, not just because they may not get an answer but more out of fear of being categorised as negative or troublesome.

R, for review and the hope that the ongoing Strategic Structure Review (SSR) will bring clarity and purpose and improve everything that needs to be improved.

S, for sponsors. It was disappointing to see how some championship sponsors were treated in 2025. The promotion of some championship sponsors was poor to say the least.

T, for timing, not just about stage times but the issuing of information – a proper plan has to be put in place so that clubs are aware of what each other are all about. In addition, clashing of events within the domain of Motorsport Ireland (26 counties) and the ANICC (Northern Ireland).

U, for universal. While there are up to 20 clubs involved in the various championships, each club has to individually submit regulations to Motorsport Ireland for their event – a process that then takes the governing body more time to approve the said regulations. Would it not be better if each championship were to have its own standard regulations and then each application would only require additional information such as list of officials, time schedule, etc. Think of the savings and of course, a quicker approval time.

V, for vision. Who is looking at the bigger picture, or even asking what is the bigger picture?

W, for WRC. Why is it that there seems to be an obsession in some parts to having a round of the World Rally Championship? Yes, the latest bid is being paused, but why?

X, is why is the process seemingly all about ticking boxes for certain organisations, the real workers are still on the ground.

Y, for the yearbook. The Motorsport Ireland Yearbook is the go-to guide for general competition rules and mostly everything else under the umbrella of Motorsport Ireland.

Z, for Zoom. The advent of zoom meetings has proved to be of great benefit, especially for clubs that are based three and four hours from Dublin. But why is it that some sections of the sport are required to attend meetings or training when the same is carried out on Zoom for other groups?