Club level motor sport has received a major boost through the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport’s (CAMS) Club Funding Program with just over $40,000 distributed amongst ten clubs from all over Australia.
After the successful implementation of the program in 2004, the program’s popularity has gone from strength to strength, with 13 applications received in 2004, 15 in 2005, 26 in 2006 and 32 this year, which is equivalent to 10% of all CAMS affiliated car clubs. The primary focus of the program is to provide support for projects that increase junior and female participation levels and strengthen the club motor sport system.
“Club activity is the cornerstone of Australian motor sport and its development is essential in sustaining the health of the sport at the elite level, ” said CAMS Member Services and Development Manager, Quentin Crombie.
“CAMS now has a strong program of both elite and grass roots initiatives and this could not have been possible without the support of the Australian Sports Commission. “
In 2007, the funds will go towards supporting junior development programs run by the Alfa Romeo Owners Car Club of Australia (NSW), Christian Autosports Club of Australia (NSW), MG Car Club of Tasmania (Tas), Northern Districts Sporting Car Club (Qld) and Western Districts Car Club (Vic), which will give young motor sport enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire skills and develop an understanding of safety, car control and responsible vehicle management within a controlled environment.
The HSV Owners Car Club of Victoria (Vic) will use their grant to implement a new initiative to increase female participation. The club will run a women’s only competition, where female competitors will be competing for their own club championship. All competitors will also take part in a driver training program with the John Bowe Institute of Driving.
The Spencer Gulf Off Road Association (SA) and TORC Off Road Racing Club (Vic) have secured funds to construct multi-purpose facilities. The facilities will primarily be used to conduct scrutineering, act as a storage area, provide shelter during the winter months and provide space to house a canteen.
Another club to benefit from the 2007 CAMS Club Funding program is the Westlakes Car Club (NSW), who will use their funds to help restore their current competition surface. The club facility includes a Rallysprint course, a Khanacross course and a large area for Motorkhanas.
| 
|