Andy Watts talks NORA Motorsport Team Event – Part 1 of 2

We thought it was a good time to catch up with Motocross Manager for NORA Motorsport, Andy Watts ahead of the 2026 Team Event which will take place on September 5th & 6th at Foxhill Moto Parc.

In this two part interview we asked Andy why it’s important to have the Team Event, the main objectives of the event, why it’s important for NORA affiliated motocross clubs, why Foxhill in 2026 and much more. Scroll down for part one of the interview.

 

 

Andy, for those who may not be familiar with it, can you explain what the NORA Motorsport MX Team Event is and what makes it unique within the UK motocross calendar?

“It’s an opportunity for our MX clubs to compete over two days with their teams, for the bragging right of being crowned NORA Motorsport team event champions with the emphasis on loyal club riders.”

The event has become a fixture on the motocross calendar every year since it began in 2022. How has it evolved since it was first introduced?

“The event has grown with added clubs each year and this year we’ve grown more with eleven teams competing, coming together from all over Britain which makes for a very exciting weekend.”

What are the main objectives of the MX Team Event each year?

“Its main objectives are for our clubs, riders and families to come along, have fun, enjoy the racing and also an opportunity to give our organisers a weekend off from running events.”

Why is it important for NORA Motorsport, as a governing body, to organise and run this event?

“I think it’s important to give something back to our organisers who work so hard all year and maybe sit back a little and enjoy the occasion, spending quality time with their families and friends, which to be honest those opportunities are very few and far between whilst running their clubs.”

What does the event mean to the affiliated clubs that take part?

“I think having run clubs in the past and attended team events as an organiser, it’s a weekend they can enjoy supporting their team, winning or losing, standing the spectator side of the fence rather than in official capacity, making memories within each of there team paddocks during racing and socially in the evenings.”

NORA Motorsport works closely with clubs across the country. How does the Team Event help strengthen relationships between clubs and the governing body?

“Yes, we try to work as closely as possible with all the clubs, but very rarely do we get our organisers together with their committees and helpers all in one place, so again, I think the team event brings everyone together and its always a talking point so very early in the season whichever club event I attend, so I like to think we all look forward to the annual event.”

What opportunities does the event provide for riders who may not normally get the chance to represent their club in a team environment?

“It’s the opportunity to be part of a Team set up which at grassroots level you often would not experience and also, it’s an opportunity to represent your club who you’ve been loyal to all season.”

Is the event as much about community and club spirit as it is about competition?

“Yes absolutely, the mx community and the fun element is the main objective of the event as is any grassroots event but maybe more so when everyone is together in the same paddock.”

How important is it for grassroots riders to have a showcase event like this on a national stage?

“Hugely important, I think we sometimes forget where we all started, so having a grassroots event like this for club riders to show of their skills etc has to be a positive.”

Stay tuned for the second part of our interview with NORA Motorsport Motocross Manager, Andy Watts next week!

 

Affiliation Terms

NORA affiliation is conditional upon compliance with NORA Rules and Regulations throughout the affiliation year, running from 1 January to 31 December.
The organisation/club is responsible for its own supplementary regulations, health and safety documentation and operational procedures. NORA affiliation, or the issuing of an RTA permit, does not mean NORA has checked, approved or accepted responsibility for those documents.
NORA reserves the right to suspend or revoke affiliation, licences and permits where an organisation fails to comply with NORA requirements or where serious concerns are identified.

1. Annual Affiliation and Compliance

Affiliation with NORA 92 Limited trading as NORA Motorsport (“NORA”) is granted on an annual basis, commencing on 1 January and expiring on 31 December of the relevant calendar year, unless suspended or terminated earlier.
Affiliation is not automatically renewed. Each organisation/club must complete the annual affiliation process and receive confirmation of acceptance from NORA.
By applying for and accepting affiliation, the organisation/club agrees to comply with all applicable NORA Rules and Regulations, policies, procedures, safety requirements and permit conditions throughout the affiliation period.
The organisation/club acknowledges that continued affiliation, the issuing of Road Traffic Act (RTA) exemption permits and access to NORA licensing and insurance arrangements are conditional upon ongoing compliance with these requirements.

2. Organisation/Club Responsibilities

The organisation/club accepts full responsibility for the planning, organisation, management and safe operation of all activities and events conducted under its authority.
This includes ensuring that appropriate documentation, procedures and safety measures are established, maintained, implemented and enforced.
In particular, but not limited to, the organisation/club is responsible for:
Preparing, maintaining and implementing its own supplementary regulations, ensuring they comply with applicable NORA Rules and Regulations.
Preparing and maintaining appropriate health and safety documentation, including risk assessments, method statements, emergency procedures and event safety plans.
Ensuring all documentation complies with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements and NORA Rules and Regulations.
Ensuring all officials, employees, volunteers, contractors and other persons acting on behalf of the organisation/club are aware of and comply with the relevant regulations and procedures.
Ensuring that appropriate safety measures are implemented and maintained throughout each event or activity.
Ensuring that circuit certificates are in place, valid and adhered to where applicable.
The organisation/club acknowledges that responsibility for the adequacy, accuracy, legality, implementation and enforcement of its own supplementary regulations, health and safety documentation and internal procedures rests with the organisation/club.

3. NORA’s Role and Limitation of Responsibility

NORA provides the regulatory framework under which affiliated organisations/clubs may organise and conduct approved motorsport activities.
Affiliation with NORA, or the issuing of an RTA permit, does not constitute confirmation, certification or approval by NORA that an organisation/club’s supplementary regulations, health and safety documentation, risk assessments or internal operating procedures are adequate, compliant or suitable for their intended purpose.
Unless expressly confirmed in writing, NORA does not undertake responsibility for preparing, reviewing, verifying or approving an organisation/club’s internal documentation.
NORA shall not be responsible for any failure by an affiliated organisation/club to prepare, maintain, implement or comply with its own supplementary regulations, health and safety documentation or internal procedures.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, NORA shall not be liable for losses, claims, damages or consequences arising from such failures by the organisation/club.
The organisation/club acknowledges that NORA affiliation does not transfer responsibility for the safe and compliant organisation of events from the organisation/club to NORA.
Nothing in this Agreement excludes or restricts any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

 

4. Road Traffic Act (RTA) Exemption Permits

RTA permits issued through NORA are granted strictly on the understanding that the organisation/club and the relevant event will comply with all applicable NORA Rules and Regulations, permit conditions and regulatory requirements.
The issuing of an RTA permit is conditional upon compliance with NORA’s regulatory framework and does not relieve the organisation/club of its responsibilities under applicable legislation or its own supplementary regulations and safety procedures.
An RTA permit must not be interpreted as confirmation that NORA has independently inspected, verified or approved all aspects of an event or the organisation/club’s internal documentation.
Where NORA becomes aware of, or has reasonable grounds to suspect, non-compliance with its Rules and Regulations, permit conditions or relevant safety requirements, NORA reserves the right to:
Refuse to issue an RTA permit.
Suspend or withdraw an RTA permit already issued, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Require corrective action or additional documentation before permitting further activities.
Suspend or terminate the organisation/club’s affiliation.
Suspend or revoke any NORA-issued licence or authorisation, subject to the applicable licensing rules and procedures.
NORA may take immediate action where it reasonably considers this necessary.

5. Non-Compliance and Withdrawal of Affiliation

Compliance with NORA Rules and Regulations is a fundamental condition of affiliation.
Where an organisation/club fails to comply with these requirements, or fails to maintain and implement appropriate supplementary regulations, health and safety documentation or operational procedures, NORA reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate action.
Such action may include suspension or termination of affiliation, refusal or withdrawal of RTA permits, and suspension or revocation of NORA-issued licences or authorisations.
NORA may request evidence of compliance, including copies of supplementary regulations, risk assessments, health and safety documentation and other relevant records.
Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of compliance may result in the suspension or withdrawal of affiliation, permits or applicable licences.
Where reasonably practicable, the organisation/club will be given an opportunity to respond to identified concerns. However, NORA reserves the right to take immediate interim action where necessary for safety or regulatory reasons.