Sponsor Spotlight – Air Tech Integrity

Sponsor Spotlight – Air Tech Integrity

🎤 Sponsor Spotlight Q&A – Kevin Paris, Air Tech Integrity

We’re proud to have Air Tech Integrity supporting the SSVRC and also as the Main Sponsor of the GMSC Crail Summer Stages. Their backing helps keep grassroots motorsport thriving, and we wanted to learn a bit more about the man behind the company – Kevin Paris.

Here’s a quick Q&A 👇

About the Company:

❓ For those who might not know, can you tell us a bit about Air Tech Integrity and the type of work the company specialises in?

💬 Answer:

Airtech Integrity is an inspection and maintenance company specialising in the energy sector. We primarily support oil and gas operators in the North Sea, delivering inspection services and mechanical support. In addition, our UAV (drone) capabilities allow us to inspect a wide range of onshore assets safely and efficiently.

How and when did the business first get started?
I started the business during the COVID period. Having worked in inspection for years, I decided to take the opportunity to build something of my own. It’s been the biggest challenge I’ve faced, but also the most rewarding—and thankfully, it’s working well so far.

What inspired you to set up your own company in this field?
I’ve always wanted to run my own business and do things my way. From my past experiences, I knew there were areas that could be improved—particularly around how people are treated—and I wanted to build a company that reflected those values.

How has the company grown since it first launched?
We’ve seen strong growth since launching. Our team has doubled in size—which sounds impressive, although that means there are now two of us! More importantly, we’ve achieved 872% growth between 2021 and 2025, and we’re focused on maintaining that upward trajectory.

What values or standards are most important to you when running the business?
Respect and looking after people are at the core of everything we do. In the past, I experienced poor working conditions and a lack of appreciation, and I was determined to do things differently.

We make sure everyone working with us—especially subcontractors—is treated well and valued. Because we’re a small company, we can keep things personal. In fact, subcontractors have recommended us to larger companies, which has directly led to new work. That, to me, is the best proof that we’re doing things the right way.

❓ What was your first car?

💬 Answer: My first car was a Citroën AX 1.0L. It cost me £380—and to be honest, it was an absolute shed!

❓ Any car that you have had in the past that you wish you still had?

💬 Answer:

Definitely my F80 M3 in Space Grey. I sold it during COVID and later found out it was one of only two in that colour in the UK, and one of just three worldwide. I’d love to have that back. I also had a mint Subaru Impreza Type R, which I regret selling.

❓ Favourite rally car of all time?

💬 Answer:

That’s a tough one, but I can’t look past the Ford Escort.

❓ Favourite era of rallying?

💬 Answer:
For me, it’s the Group A era—when you could watch the rally at the weekend and buy a version of the car on Monday. I was a bit too young to fully experience Group B, but that would be a close second.

❓ What got you into motorsport?

💬 Answer:

My dad rallied when I was younger, so I grew up around it. Many weekends were spent travelling through the night to events. As I got older, I asked him if he fancied building a car together—and that’s how it all started for me.

❓ Do you remember your first event?

💬 Answer:

Yes, it was the Summer Stages in 2017. We had just built an Impreza and had a brilliant time.

❓ Do you have a favourite event?

💬 Answer:

I’d always wanted to do the Mach 1 Stages and finally got the chance in 2025. Unfortunately, we had clutch issues and missed a few stages. With help from Scott at G&M, we managed to get the car back running for Sunday. Despite the setbacks, it was a great event and I’m looking forward to going back in 2026.

Kinloss is always a fantastic event as well.

❓Who is your motor sport hero?

💬 Answer:

As a Scotsman, it has to be Colin McRae. That said, chasing Jimmy McRae around Knockhill last year was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

❓ What would you say is your favourite motorsport memory?

💬 Answer

It has to be being a kid—around six years old—sitting on hay bales at Crail or standing trackside at Ingliston waiting for my dad to come through.

And without making anyone feel old, some of those same competitors are still involved today!

❓What are your motor sport plans this year?

💬 Answer:

The plan was to compete in the full STRC, but the car had other ideas at Knockhill. We’ve had a lot of support getting it back together—again thanks to G&M—but we’re still facing issues. With Kinloss only days away, it’s a bit of a race against time.

We’d also like to take on bigger events like Argyll and Mull—although my brother says we’re not ready yet… I might have the final say on that! I also have to say a big thank you to the continued support from Stewarts Garage in Crossford, owned by Derek Stewart. We would not be attending events if it were not for him.

❓ Where did your interest in motorsport and rallying first begin?

💬 Answer:

Although I grew up around it, my interest really picked back up after leaving the military. While serving, it wasn’t something I could pursue. Once I returned to civilian life, I got involved again—starting with marshalling—and after attending the Grant Construction Stages, we decided to give competing a go.

❓ Have you always followed rallying, or was there a particular event or person that sparked the passion?

💬 Answer:

I followed it closely when I was younger during the Group A era—back when you had to check the TV listings to catch coverage!

Work took over for a while, but after buying an Escort shell and deciding to build a car, the ambition to compete was always there.

Supporting the Sport:

❓ Air Tech Integrity has become a sponsor within rallying – what motivated you to start supporting the sport?

💬 Answer:

❓ Being in a position to run a company gives us the opportunity to give something back. When I saw the Mach 1 Stages were looking for a sponsor in 2025, it felt like a good chance to get involved and support the sport.

❓ What made you decide to support the SSVRC?

💬 Answer:

Let’s just say I was strongly encouraged by Bobby MacDonald!

❓ You are also the main sponsor of the GMSC Crail Summer Stages – why was it important for you to support that particular event?

💬 Answer:

I’ve always enjoyed competing at Crail—it’s a great event, even if we don’t always finish! It’s also important to me to support local events.

❓ How important is sponsorship for grassroots motorsport?

💬 Answer:

It’s hugely important. Without sponsorship, some events within the SSVRC and STRC could struggle to continue. If we can help sustain and grow these events, then we’re proud to be part of that—both as a company and as competitors.

❓ What do you enjoy most about being a sponsor?
💬 Answer:

To be honest, events like Crail and Mach 1 are so well organised that there’s not much required from the sponsor’s side. The team runs it like a well-oiled machine.

That said, now that we’ve grown slightly as a company, I’m sure we’ll become more involved moving forward.

❓ Do you see sponsorship as giving back?
💬 Answer:

Yes, I’d like to think it benefits everyone involved in the sport. That said, like most businesses, there’s also an element of raising awareness and hopefully generating opportunities.

❓ Have you seen business benefits from sponsorship?
💬 Answer:

Not directly so far, but it’s still early. Motorsport brings together a wide range of people, so you never know where opportunities might come from.

❓ What would you say to other businesses considering sponsorship?
💬 Answer:

I’d definitely encourage it—even if it’s a joint sponsorship. It’s a great way to support local events and be part of the community.

❓ Hopes for the future of the championship and Crail Summer Stages?
💬 Answer:

On a personal level, I’d just like a hassle-free event where the car lets us get on and enjoy it—that seems to be our biggest challenge at the moment!

❓ What’s next for Air Tech Integrity?
💬 Answer:

We’re focused on continuing to grow the business while maintaining the quality of service we’re known for. Expanding internationally is a key goal, and ultimately—like most people—the aim is to build something successful and enjoy the rewards.

From a motorsport perspective, we’ll stay involved as long as possible. If we’re not competing, we’ll still be there supporting the events—whether that’s through sponsorship or marshalling.

👏 A big thank you to Kevin and Air Tech Integrity for their continued support of rallying and grassroots motorsport.

#SSvRC #CrailSummerStages #MotorsportSupport #GrassrootsRallyingHow important is sponsorship for grassroots motorsport?