CAMS is delighted to confirm it has received a funding pledge from the NSW Government to build a new Motor Sport Centre of Excellence at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The Berejiklian Government today confirmed that if it was re-elected in this year’s state election, CAMS would receive $6.4m to build the new facility which would be home to a number of community and grassroots programs.
CAMS President Andrew Papadopoulos was thrilled with the news, saying the funding pledge would have a major impact at all levels of motor sport.
“Today’s announcement is a significant boost for motor sport in Australia,” Papadopoulos said.
“Funding for CAMS’ Centre of Excellence will ensure that we have a state-of-the-art community facility to host a range of programs for those involved in grassroots right through to the elite level.
“We have spent many years planning for this Centre of Excellence and we are very grateful to the Berejiklian Government for their support.
“CAMS can also confirm the Centre of Excellence will also be able to be utilised to host training for those involved in motor sport in the Asia Pacific region, which will bring with it significant economic activity for NSW. Through our links with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), the Centre can expect to see many international visitors who will utilise the talents of our local motor sport officials, who are regarded as some of the best in the world.
“The innovative Dare To Be Different (D2BD) program will also utilise this space. D2BD is a global initiative that aims to encourage young females to consider a career in motor sport, not just as a driver, but also as mechanics, engineers as well as working in the motor sport media.
“There is strong international interest in this Centre of Excellence, and we have no doubt it will be used as a template for other motor sport governing bodies around the world.
“The Centre is a unique opportunity for Western Sydney which will also attract advanced motor sport engineering jobs.
“Our NSW affiliated clubs and members will also be big winners from today’s announcement, with space available for meetings and training as needed.”
NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres announced further investment at the Sydney Motorsport Park precinct, with permanent lighting and improvements to neighbouring Sydney Dragway also flagged.
“Motor sport is the fourth most watched sport in the country and thousands of people in Western Sydney love it which is why we want to ensure the sport has a strong presence in Western Sydney in the future,” Ayres said.
“Adding lights to Sydney Motorsport Park will make is more attractive for major events and allow motor enthusiasts to enjoy a lot more track time.
“This will make Sydney Motorsport Park the Silverstone of the Southern Hemisphere.”
CAMS Centre of Excellence will be home to the local editions of the following:
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F1 in Schools Program
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Ricciardo’s Racers – our popular junior development program
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Dare To Be Different (D2BD) – encouraging female participation in all aspects of motor sport & STEM careers
• CAMS Officials Safety Training
• CAMS Medical Training Centre
• A meeting space for affiliated CAMS clubs
• CAMS Elite Driver Academy – to train and develop the next generation of drivers