CAMS and V8 Supercars have vowed to work closer in an effort to develop new circuits and provide upgrades to existing venues as part of a strengthened collaborative effort.

The increased alliance comes in the wake of an Ernst & Young report that was commissioned by CAMS which identified that a lack of tracks in Australia was restricting the sport’s growth.

CAMS and V8s have now vowed to make track development and maintenance a priority.

“Track development and upgrades remain an absolute priority for CAMS and Australian motor sport,” CAMS chief executive Eugene Arocca said.

“Without new tracks and continual improvements in the quality, safety and amenities of existing tracks, the growth in our sport will be restricted.”

While the number of licenced competitors and sanctioned events have grown in recent years CAMS said the growth will suffer in future through a lack of quality venues.

“We know that Australian motor sport contributes $2.7 billion annually to the Australian economy… there is little doubt this already significant figure would be higher if more venues existed,” Arocca added.

V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton said his category had been active in lobbying existing venues to improve their facilities over the years.

“Together with the venue operators we have piloted major upgrades such as the new pit complex, paddock and track upgrades at Mount Panorama, the new pit building.

“(and) Track upgrades and resurfacing of Barbagallo Raceway in Perth, safety upgrades at Symmons Plains and the new facilities, track redesign and safety upgrades at Pukekohe Park in New Zealand; as well as safety upgrades at most major venues in the country.

“We have also assisted with circuits such as Hidden Valley in Darwin where the Northern Territory Government has invested substantially in continual facility upgrades.”

CAMS pointed out that it would also focus its attention on grassroots and local venues in regional areas.

“CAMS does not shy away from this role. It is the custodian of motor sport in Australia and has been so for more than 60 years,” Arocca said.