More than 100 special guests and staff were on hand for the opening of CAMS’ new headquarters in Canterbury on Wednesday.
 
Featuring the new Motorsport Australia branding, the building also includes a brand new area for the Australia Motorsport Hall of Fame, which highlights the contributions of the 84 inductees and three legends that have been honoured across all disciplines of motorsport.
 
The launch also included a special visit by one of Australia’s greatest drivers, Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones MBE, who also donated memorabilia to be securely displayed as part of the Hall of Fame display.



“This new building basically shows what CAMS has been up to. Motorsport has been growing and growing in recent years, and this building is a wonderful testament to that,” Jones said.

“Donating the trophy was a simple decision really. It was at home and people don’t get to see it at my home. I thought it would be better here on display at the home of Australian motorsport where people could come in and see what a Formula 1 World Championship trophy looks like. 

"There are a lot of countries around the world that have a Hall of Fame and it's fantastic that Australia now has one that people can visit." 


 
The headquarters, to be known as Motorsport Australia House, is home to all Melbourne based staff, with members welcome to the office to renew or upgrade their licences as well as ask any other enquiries as necessary.
 
CAMS President Andrew Papadopoulos said the new office, combined with the upcoming rebrand to Motorsport Australia, signified an exciting period for the sport.
 
“Since 1953, CAMS has been the peak body for motorsport and this change to Motorsport Australia, along with the opening of Motorsport Australia House only further highlights that role to a growing participation base,” Papadopoulos said.
 
“Today marks a brand-new chapter for motorsport in this country as we officially open our new headquarters and prepare for the upcoming rebrand to Motorsport Australia.”


 
CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca said the new office would allow staff more space and also ensure the organisation was in a more modern, environmentally friendly building.
 
“We are pleased to be in a bigger space, which will allow us to better serve the needs and requirements of our members and all four-wheeled motor sport in this country,” Arocca said.

“We’re on track to have a record number of licence holders in 2019, which signifies the passion which exists for this sport.
 
“Of course we won’t rest on our laurels, and with the rebrand to Motorsport Australia in 2020, we will be on a mission to ensure more people are enjoying more motorsport more often.”



Also present at the launch was the Honourable Shaun Leane, Member of Parliament for the Eastern Metropolitan Region, representing the Victorian Government. 

“It’s fantastic to be here today as a representative for Premier Daniel Andrews,” Leane said.

"It’s an amazing facility which captures the importance of what motorsport is for Australia and how big it is, because there are so many passionate motorsport fans around the country. 

“We like to think we’re the sporting capital of the world, so to have this new building here in Victoria and Australia is fantastic."


 
The move to Canterbury was funded by the sale of the previous Malvern East headquarters, which was sold at auction in 2017.