Circuit Racing

The pinnacle of circuit (black track) motor sport is racing.  The club conducts ten race meetings each year.  The requirements are:

Licence:  The minimum Licence requirement is a CAMS Clubman Circuit Licence.

Medical Examination:  A medical examination by a CAMS designated Medical Examiner is required for a new application.  Once you have had your first examination you may be required to have another examination when you renew your licence, dependant upon your age.

Once your have completed the application and medical and submitted the form to CAMS, you will be required to complete an on line Race Licence Module.

This course provides participants with information to assist them in obtaining their Circuit Racing Driver Licence.

At the completion of this training participants should be able to:

• Understand the role of CAMS in Motor Sport
• Identify and use the relevant paperwork required
• Know what to do at the circuit
• Identify all the flags and their meanings
• List the official and their duties
• Understand the judicial requirements and procedures
• Use appropriate safety equipment

A Pre-Licence Authority (PLA) is issued once an applicant has:

• satisfactorily completed the medical fitness requirements for the level of licence required
• passed the required theoretical component (training module) related to the discipline
• satisfactorily completed the licence application form

The applicant will then be permitted to complete the practical component known as an Observed Licence Test (OLT)

Observed Licence Test:  New drivers are required to attend an OLT.  These are conducted at the Club’s Saturday Tuning Days or arranged directly with one of the examiner’s for a weekday fixture.  You must book in for your OLT and information regarding the test will be sent to you.

Once your have passed your OLT, the examiner will sign your Pre-Licence Authority and you can return it to CAMS who will issue you with your competition licence.  In most cases you will need to request a temporary licence if you are competing within two weeks of having passed your OLT.  Note:  You cannot compete until you have a either a temporary licence or your actual CAMS competition licence.

Vehicle Requirements:  Vehicles that compete in circuit racing must comply with the technical regulations of the category that it competes in, as well as regulations that all competition vehicles must conform to.  These regulations are published in the CAMS Manual of Motor Sport.  This Manual is updated quarterly and it can be downloaded from the website www.cams.com.au.  All vehicles that race must have a CAMS log book.  For new vehicles an application form must be completed and the vehicle inspected.  All vehicles that race must have a CAMS approved roll cage, except Ja and Ka and Lb Historic classes.  We recommend that any person intending to race should purchase a copy of the CAMS Manual and study the relevant requirements for circuit racing and the class you intend competing in to avoid unnecessary expenses.  We suggest you also speak to a category representative to see what is suitable for you and your budget.

Categories:  Whilst there are many and varied CAMS racing categories, the Club conducts events for: 

• Formula Vees
• Formula Fords
• Historic classes (Groups J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q R and S)
• HQ Holdens
• Improved Production Cars
• Marque Sports Cars
• Saloon Cars
• Sports Cars
• Sports Sedans
• Street Cars (Sports Sedans with restrictions)

In order that a reasonable level of competitor numbers is maintained in these categories the Club does not envisage introducing any new categories in the foreseeable future.  If you want to begin motor racing in WA you will need to start with a car that fits into one of the currently competing categories.

Clothing:  CAMS or FIA approved driving suit, gloves and boots must be worn.  Drivers whenever on the circuit must wear a safety helmet.

Racing is conducted in WA at Barbagallo Raceway Wanneroo and Collie Motorplex.

The object of racing is to achieve the lowest elapsed time, i.e. come first across the finish line!  Each meeting commences with a 10 minute qualifying session and during the day each group has three races of 8 laps duration.

Most races are standing starts, that is, cars positioned stationary on the start/finish straight waiting for the extinguishing of the red light to signify the start of the race.  Formula Classic and Sports Car races are flying starts.

The WA Sporting Car Club conducts State Championships for CAMS recognised classes in which competitors are able to score points towards end of season awards.  No prize money is paid by the Club.   However, some class associations do arrange their own prize pool.

All drivers must complete and sign the Entry form.  Entry forms are available before the events and generally close a week and a half before the event.  The entry fees, inclusive of GST, for circuit racing are $175.  For national championships/series fees are higher.

Electronic timing is used and competitors are required to purchase and fit a Dorian timing transmitter to their vehicle.

To conclude we highly recommend that anyone contemplating racing should carefully research the category they would like to compete in against their budget.  Once you have decided on the category and you are wishing to purchase a race car we recommend that you research the vehicle’s competitiveness versus your budget.