Campbell Smith to drive Motorsport Australia’s commitment to growth of off road category in his new role as Off Road Manager at Motorsport Australia.

A competitor turned category manager Campbell Smith honed his world-class skills during his decades of participation in the sport. Smith’s behind the wheel credentials include competing in the Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) in a Class 4 Trophy Truck, SXS National Short Course Championship, navigator in the Australian Rally Championship’s Queensland rounds as well as participation in speed events such as Hill Climbs and street sprints.

As the new Off Road Manager, appointed AORC Course Checker and current Chair of Motorsport Australia’s Off Road Commission, Smith leads the team specifically charged with the strategic planning and development of the off road discipline, along with assisting with the ongoing management of the off road category supported by Motorsport Australia.

“I started out in rally back in the early 90s, and I’ve done some circuit racing as well.” said Smith, who’s new role is pivotal to the proactive interaction between the Commission, competitors, clubs and event organisers.

“Providing a clear pathway for development of the sport for the next five years is a strategic imperative. It will help us to increase participation at all levels of the sport, particularly our grassroots and junior competitors.”

Ensuring there are dedicated, specialists managing the category reflects Motorsport Australia’s commitment to growing the category and its pathways to entry.

Smith added that the renewed focus will also facilitate attracting and retaining talented world-class officials, a badge of honour that Motorsport Australia wears with pride.

“We’re always looking to attract new, younger officials to be part of the sport. It’s critical to develop a diverse skills base as we build the pipeline of experienced officials through Motorsport Australia’s Officials Development Program.”

Excited by the potential growth of the off road category, Smith paints a compelling picture for continued investment in this unique sport.

“It’s long course, that is dusty, dirty, usually very hot, in vehicles that you will traditionally never see on the road.

“It’s an opportunity for people to really see the type of competitive skill that you don’t see on television very often – a vehicle capable of doing 200km/h through four-foot-deep holes.” adds Smith.

A true advocate for the off road category, Smith describes his new role as ‘business development’, facilitating the relationship between the competitors, the promoters and Motorsport Australia as governing body.

“It’s about bringing the focus back to this great discipline, while supporting a category that has great potential for growth from a grassroots base. We have exciting plans for the Championship in 2025 and beyond and I’m thrilled to be part of that,” said Smith.

Growing off road racing from a niche sport to one that garners strong national participation is of primary importance with Smith, who notes the advent of smart technology as a potential game changer.

“Live streaming of Trophy Trucks leaving Finke Desert Race this year was made possible by Starlink. It was fantastic.” said Smith.

Reporting to Lisa Crampton, Sporting & Technical Director at Motorsport Australia, Campbell Smith’s appointment signals a resurgence for a rapidly growing category in Australian motorsport.