Another major step in Race's 50-year history occurred in December 2000, when Oliver Chapple acquired the business from its former owner Ian Finlator. After 10 years of building Race to its current position as a major supplier of auditorium and public seating installations, Ian will continue to be associated with the business as a consultant, particularly in relation to developing new product concepts.

Oliver Chapple was formerly Chief Executive of Calderburn Plc, the specialist commercial furniture group and has previously been Group MD of two other public companies.

On asked about his plans for the future, Oliver replied "I have invested in Race because I know the company has an excellent reputation and the potential to develop considerably with the assistance of further investment in new products and continuing focus on meeting the needs of architects and their clients".