A Scottish Government inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three spectators at the Jim Clark Rally may also probe motocross accidents at Elgin’s Woodside track.
Safety at events in Scotland has been called into question after the horrific incident in the Scottish Borders at the weekend that saw three spectators killed.
In commissioning an inquiry into that incident the Scottish Government may also take account of the Woodside motocross meeting last month that saw six riders and two marshals suffer injuries.
“Moray has several motor sport events that attract a lot of support and those involved will be aware of the dangers,” the region’s MSP, Richard Lochhead, said. He added: “I know the organisers review and improve safety systems regularly and I think getting a further independent review will compliment that process.
“Recent incidents, and especially the very sad deaths of spectators at the Jim Clark Rally, have brought a focus on motor sport event safety. I think it is absolutely right to review the systems in place when incidents like this happen.
“It is also important to remember that motor sport can be dangerous, as can many other sports for participants and spectators.”
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has said the review will be conducted over the next month and will take evidence from event organisers, police and motor sport organisations.
Brian Fraser, chairman of the Grampian Motocross Club, welcomed the review, saying: “We have absolutely nothing to hide, the event is well organised and last month’s meeting was just a freak one-off.
“I have been involved with the sport for 12 years and been chairman of the club for the past two. During all that time I have never known so many injuries at one meeting.”
Following the Woodside meeting the Motocross Federation announced it would be carrying out its own review of track safety in Elgin.