Ok, so lets assume that you have a car, any car, and know how to drive it to the shops and back. Guess what, you are just 3 easy steps away from racing in your first event!

Please note that this is generalised information and some loacations and events will have different requirements. This relates to entry level CAMS sanctioned events.

step 1

JOIN A CAR CLUB

Not a Facebook "club", a CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) Affiliated car club. There are loads to choose from, some are restricted to certain car makes, others are open to everyone.

CAMS have a very handy club finder here: CAMS Club Finder

This tool provides links to the club websites so you can investigate which one looks like the best fit for you. Things to bear in mind:

  • Membership usually ranges from $50 -$300 a year depending on the club.
  • Many clubs focus on a particular make and model of car, if one matches what you are driving then that is probably the best place to start.
  • A good car club is an invaluable source of information and advice, so look for one that is involved with the kinds of motorsport activities that interest you.
  • Look for a club that is friendly and responsive to queries; if you ask a question about joining and no one responds within a few days, move on.
  • Even if a club appears to be dedicated to a particular make or model, quite often they will offer affiliate membership for people that just want the membership to take part in motorsport. WRXSA (the club I am a member of) is a good example; it offers a discounted Associate Membership for only $50 initially and $30 per year thereafter. Trust me it doesn't get much cheaper than that!

Holding membership in a CAMS Affiliated Club is a requirement for Step 2.

step 2

GET A CAMS LICENCE

When you are first starting out there are 3 types of licences available but the one I recommend to most people is the Level 2S: Speed which will allow you to compete is the most number of different event types:

  • Level 1: Single Day
    • For first timers only and only valid for social and non-competitive participation. These are available through the event organisers and are a good entry to the sport if you are still unsure if it is for you.
  • Level 2NS: Non-Speed
    • Limited to non-timed road events, motorkhana's and khanacross events. Not a bad choice if these are all you are interested in.
    • Cost = $85 per year
  • Level 2S: Speed
    • If you want to do track days and hillclimbs this is what you want. It will allow you to compete in most events short of wheel to wheel racing.
    • Cost = $130 per year

Get your CAMS Licence Here

step 3

Basic preparation

The easiest event to take part in are Motorkhana's; these are low speed and require no car modifications at all. Generally all you need is enclosed shoes and long sleeved clothing; you don't even need a helmet! This is where I started so I can't recommend these events enough!

To take part in hillclimbs or track days there is some safety gear you will need:

  1. Helmet: Entry level helmets start at about $150 and quickly jump up to $500+ for a Velo Full Face Helmet (which is what I currently use)
  2. 1Kg Fire Extinguisher: Generally available for about $35; but when purchasing make sure you check the date of manufacture; as per Schedule H of the CAMS Manual your extinguisher must be serviced every 3 years. Some stores will sell extinguishers that are already more than 3 years old and will not pass scrutineering at the track! Your extinguisher needs to be mounted somewhere within reach of the drivers seat, I have mounted mine in front of the passenger seat utilising the existing bolts that hold the seat in.
  3. Stickers: You can get away with cutting up electrical tape but it looks pretty rough and it is far easier to just purchase purpose made stickers for between $10 - $15. There are 2 essential stickers that you need:
    1. A blue triangle is required to indicate where the cars battery is located.; and
    2. "TOW" stickers indicating the location of your tow points on the front and rear of the car.
  4. Car Maintenance: Good car maintenance is far more important than any upgrades you may think you need. The main things to think about are
    • Brakes, make sure they have plenty of life left as you don't want to be running metal on metal halfway through the day!
    • Tyres, a good set of road tyres should be the first thing you invest in. I recommend the Hankook RS-3 as a good all round option. But any tyres will do for Motorkhana
    • Fluids, check or replace all your engine fluids especially before a track day as these are the most demanding.  I trust all my servicing to Driven Motorsport who are dedicated to making sure your car will reach the track ready to race!

There you have it, what is stopping you? Everyone that I have ever spoken to that hasn't been racing thinks there is so much more to it; but its just that simple!

If you are still unsure don't be afraid to ask questions; you can ask fellow club members, other people at the track or even email me! You will find that everyone involved will be very eager to help you out because the more people that get involved, the better the sport will become!

Why do you think I am sharing how easy it is!