News

Melbourne will play host to the anticipated return of Lewis Hamilton, Felipe Massa, Kimi Räikkönen, Australia’s Mark Webber and the rest of the F1 elite as they battle it out at speeds in excess of 300 kilometres per hour.

Now here’s something you may not be aware of. If you are a driver, co-driver or navigator in a motor sport event you are considered to be an athlete.

All drivers should be aware that the 2009 Anti Doping Policy includes prohibitions not only on specified substances (drugs) but the manner in which those drugs may be administered.

All sports in Australia are required by the Australian Sports Commission to adopt a revised, common Anti-Doping Policy from 1 January 2009.

Members should be aware that although CAMS has a Personal Accident Insurance scheme which provides benefits to competitors, crew members and all authorised officials at all CAMS sanctioned events, the coverage is not unlimited and may not be adequate for your particular purposes, should you be injured at a motor sport event and have clause to claim on the policy.

The entire Anti-Doping Policy is available on the CAMS website and drivers are encouraged to make themselves familiar with it.

With preparations for 2009 under way, the Australian Rally Commission (ARCom) considered it appropriate to release the draft calendar for the 2009 Australian Rally Championship (ARC).

Following a recommendation from the Australian Off Road Commission (AORCom), the Board of CAMS has approved the recognition of each class winner in the Australian off Road Championship (AORC) as a Champion.

Following the purchase of additional Lion alcolmeter SD400 breath testing units earlier this year, and the subsequent increase in alcohol breath testing at events, CAMS has initiated a review of the current procedure for alcohol breath testing.

Most CAMS members will be aware that as a high profile, responsible and Internationally recognised sport, CAMS is required to have an Anti-Doping Policy for motor sport. This policy must be compliant with all other Australian Government accredited sports and therefore with the policies of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), the FIA and the World Anti Doping Authority (WADA).

Recently a significant amount of media attention has been given to athletes in high profile sports in regards to their actions toward illicit, illegal or recreational drugs. CAMS has been closely monitoring the matter and has also had several meetings with other sports, including the Australian Football League and the Australian Cricket Board.

As of 1 January 2009, the new World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) will come into effect. Athletes and sporting organisations, including CAMS and all its members, licensed officials and competitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new code, as it will form the basis of the new Anti Doping Policies which will be introduced by all sports, including motor sport.

The Targeted Scrutiny Program was trialled in Western Australia during 2006 and then introduced nationally in 2007. Throughout this period it has been refined, and from the start of 2009 will be the only scrutiny system mandated at CAMS circuit events.

My vehicle hasn’t had a Pre-Race Check. Can I enter an event without this?
Yes, but do not expect the check to be undertaken at the meeting. Plan ahead as this is no different to the check required for any new vehicle.

CAMS has revised its Motorkhana regulations in an effort to make organising and running Club and Multi-Club Motorkhanas easier.

In response to the requests from many organisers, and consistent with the principles of the CAMS Safety 1st Strategy, the role of the Compliance Checker has been removed.

Significant changes to the current medical service requirements have been approved by the Board of CAMS for speed events, off road events and races.

Key leaders in Australian motor sport gathered together at the inaugural Motor Sport Leaders Forum on April 30, 2008.

The CAMS Safety 1st Strategy, which combines all safety-related areas and sets a detailed path for motor sport to follow in the future, has been approved by the CAMS Board.

The CAMS Board recently approved an amendment to the Clothing Standards for circuit activities to allow teams to wear shorts in Pit Lane.