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Four Formula 3 teams have requested that a CAMS tribunal investigate possible ‘breaches of motorsport rules’ by the governing body over its management of Formula 4.
Harvest Motorsport, Gilmour Racing, Shirvington Racing and Alpine Motor Sports have individually written to their respective CAMS state councils asking them to instigate a CAMS Investigatory tribunal into a possible breach of anti-competitive behaviour rules.
A joint statement released by the teams asks that a tribunal considers the following key questions.
• Have CAMS National Office breached its own rules with regard to using the National Competitions Rules to engage in anti-competitive behaviour while promoting or operating the Australian Formula 4 Championship?
• Have or are CAMS, in implementing the recommendation of the review of category management arrangements for Formula 3, Formula Ford and Superkarts in breach of the anti-competitive behaviour rules of CAMS?
CAMS recently announced that it will end the national competitions for Formula 3, Formula Ford and Superkarts over the next 18 months.
“We’re hoping to have an independent party at CAMS examine the conduct of the national office, which is why we’re asking the State Councils to instigate the tribunal,” said Harvest Motorsport team principal Terry Stott.
“The members need to be assured that their confidence in CAMS as a regulator is not eroded by any commercial interest in a particular category.
“We expect this to be investigated with the full co-operation of all in open-wheel racing, including CAMS, and other open-wheel competitors.”
“We believe that CAMS members, as owners of Formula 4, are entitled to know how their funds are being used, and whether they are being used for proper purposes.
“We believe it is in the best interests of the sport to give CAMS the opportunity to demonstrate with minimal fuss that they indeed are motor sport, and are governing in the interests of all the shareholders of CAMS.
“While there are anti-competitive provisions in the CAMS rules, there are additional laws in the Trade Practices Act, and I would encourage teams, drivers or suppliers who feel they have been disadvantaged by CAMS conduct in being the regulator, lessor of racing cars, and category manager of Formula 4 to contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and lodge a written complaint.”
The statement added that “the teams do not expect a prompt resolution, as there is an expectation that each State Council will independently and deliberately consider whether it is in the best interest of the sport and their members to conduct the tribunal hearing in their state, to ensure independence from the national administration which is operating Formula 4.”
CAMS has since issued a response dismissing the claims that it has breached motorsport rules.
The statement went on to confirm that an investigation will not be conducted.
The CAMS statement in full below reads.
“The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) has dismissed claims it has breached “motorsport rules’ regarding its managed of the Australian Formula 4 Championship.
“CAMS can confirm that it will not direct that an investigatory tribunal be conducted into claims of anti-competitive behaviour in the management of the new Federation Internationale de’l Automobile (FIA) certified development category for young drivers.
“CAMS is the National Sporting Authority for motor sport in Australia. It is delegated this responsibility by the FIA and recognised as the National Sporting Organisation for motor sport by the Commonwealth Government via the Australian Sports Commission.
“CAMS recognises that it sanctions the majority of four wheel motor sport in Australia and is acutely aware of the legal responsibility which comes with this position.
“It is the right of CAMS, the custodian charged with the administration, development, promotion and regulation of four wheeled motor sport in Australia, to operate as delegated and recognised.
“CAMS has been highly successful in building up the reputation and success of motor sport in Australia and does not apologise for doing what is best for the sport.
“CAMS takes seriously any claim of anti-competitive behaviour and will defend any legal action on the issue to the fullest extent.”
