Australia might seem an unusual choice of locale to begin a meditation upon the state of British motorsport, but it is remarkably relevant.
In the past 10 years, the number of motorsport licence holders in Britain has fallen. In the same period, Australia has increased its number of licence holders by 15%.
A country with half the population of the UK - one that is more spread out, and with fewer motorsport venues per mile - now has as many licence holders.