The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport will rebrand to Motorsport Australia in 2020, the governing body has confirmed.

Australia’s motorsport ASN has announced the name change which will come into force next year at this weekend’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

CAMS believes the rebrand to Motorsport Australia better fits the current industry, bringing it into line with sanctioning bodies for rival sporting codes.   

Australia’s motorsport National Sporting Authority has be known as CAMS since 1953.  

Motorsport Australia’s responsibilities remain entirely the same and there is no change to the organisation’s constitution or structure, aside from the alteration of the organisation’s name.

CAMS has confirmed that several names were considered before the board decided on Motorsport Australia. 

“There are many reasons for this name change and we feel that the sporting, government, participation and commercial benefits are certainly among the key reasons the Board voted to make this historic change,” said CAMS President Andrew Papadopoulos.

“Motorsport in this country is in a strong position – we’re proud of the recent growth across all areas of our sport, including having a record number of events, officials and active licence holders.

“Just because we are seeing that growth doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels. We need to make sure we are doing what is best for the sport now and into the future.

“Anyone who may be looking to get involved in the sport will now know the first port of call will be Motorsport Australia – in line with other sporting bodies – and will not be confused about what our role is. 

“We know from our own experiences, ‘CAMS’ or the ‘Confederation of Australian Motor Sport’ didn’t necessarily express the leading role we play to those unfamiliar with our sport.

“While other names were considered, the change to Motorsport Australia is the most obvious fit and brings us in line with what many other sports have already done, including the Australian Government’s own agency, Sport Australia.”

CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca said the change had been a long time in the planning and included consultation with many industry stakeholders, including members, licence holders and government.

He also confirmed that current members will not be required to make any changes to their current licences.

“We sought feedback from many of those already dealing with us on a regular basis and the message was clear – the change made sense but not at the expense of CAMS’ storied history,” said Arocca. 

“That history dates back many decades to 1953. We can assure everybody in the sport that this history will not be forgotten in everything we do in the future as Motorsport Australia.

“What this new name does do is provide us with an opportunity to take motorsport in Australia to another level through better relationships with government and commercial partners across our various Championships, Series and events.”

“For our members and licence holders, you won’t need to do anything as part of this change.

“Your licences remain current and will gradually be replaced as they are renewed. Any competitors who would like a replacement sticker for their licence or vehicle can also get in touch via our website.”

CAMS has also confirmed that it will move its headquarters 275 Canterbury Rd, Canterbury from October 28 following the sale of its existing Malvern East headquarters in 2017.