SMEs in Motorsports: What is driving their journey to sustainability?

Motorsports is seen as fossil-fuel guzzling, speed-hungry and competitive, which makes it an interesting context for sustainability research. Motorsports is shifting with Formula 1 pledging to be net zero by 2030 and with Formula-E growing. Past research reveals that developing sustainably in SMEs is thwarted by limited awareness of the impacts and benefits, lack of time/resources and lack of skills/expertise (Journeault, Perro and Vallières, 2021). This research started by implementing Green Impact intervention with Motorsports Valley® SMEs. This longitudinal case study research explored the degree to which SMEs engaged, and sustained environmental focus over time. Leadership and personal values have a role to play in environmental progress for SMEs, however, perhaps stronger are the market forces and survival instinct of SMEs. Hence, it was the combination of leadership; financial and competitive necessity and the networks and market drivers in the sector that were key to prolonged sustainability for these SMEs.