How to get your CAMS racing licence

Combined, our own Marton Pettendy, Sam Charlwood and Nadine Armstrong bring years of motoring experience, a solid dose of steering confidence and are rarely short on banter. As automotive journalists, they get to drive a wide variety of cars in a range of conditions – including the race track. There are few cars this crew haven’t had a steer of…

But in the name of continued learning, they’re going to step outside of their comfort zones on the journey to getting their circuit racing licence, which is a prerequisite to compete in a range of competitive motorsport events.

Despite their eagerness and experience, all three admit to varying levels of trepidation.

Marton’s claustrophobic tendencies would do him no favours, Nadine’s performance anxiety kept her focussed and Sam simply went at it like a bull at a gate.

It’s fair to say that everyone’s experience plays out differently and our Track School instructor John Boston -- a man with nerves of steel -- promises us that butterflies are indeed a good thing...

In Australia, motorsport of the four-wheeled variety is governed by the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS). A CAMS circuit racing licence allows you to compete in a range of door-to-door tarmac racing disciplines.

For anyone keen to race on a regular basis, getting your CAMS race licence is the next step up from basic club (or speed) events and will see you eligible to compete in a variety of CAMS regulated events throughout Australia.

It’s also a great way to develop your driving skills in a controlled track environment, which will in turn make you a better every day driver. It’s a win-win situation.

You’ll find details about all of the types of CAMS licences available on the national body’s website, along with the application forms that need to be completed prior to your track-based observed licence test.

If you’re one of those people who loathe form filling, please be seated. It’s a fairly detailed seven-pager that also requires a full medical.

It’s at this point in the process that you’re reminded of the serious nature of motorsport. It’s physically demanding and there are significant risks involved. A good bill of health is a must.

Despite the, shall we say, more mature age bracket represented by Nadine and Marton, neither had ever had a full medical before. Tick!

Once you submit your completed application form, you’ll be asked to complete an online lecture that includes a flag test and CAMS rules and regulations.

When you’re on the track, it’s the flag marshals that ensure good racing and, above all, safe passage. If there’s a problem, it’s the flags that let you know how to respond. Responding in a timely manger to changing flags is critical to safe racing and an essential part of not only successfully getting your licence, but also retaining it.

Only once these steps have been completed will you be issued with a Pre-Licence Authority (PLA), which then allows you to take your observed licence test (OLT).

The driving skills component of gaining your racing licence is your opportunity to demonstrate that you can manoeuvre a vehicle at high speeds on a racetrack; also known as the seriously fun part known to induce mild anxiety!

Tested under simulated race conditions, your instructor observes not only your driving ability, but also your mental attitude, ability to perform under pressure and readiness to react to changing conditions – including passing or being passed at pace.

In our case, a very wet track proved a great example of having to adapt your racing to the changing conditions at hand.

“In less than ideal conditions, I’ll be happy just to keep it on the black stuff,” confessed Marton.

Before any circuit event, every driver is required to attend a driver’s briefing. This session not only reminds drivers of the rules and regulations at the respective track, but highlights any special circumstances for the day ahead -- like changed track conditions for example. It also gives drivers a chance to ask any questions. When in doubt, ask!

It’s also worth noting that at a National event, you’ll find up to 80 CAMS officials on hand, some staff and many, many volunteers who literally make Australian motorsport possible.

Our perpetual ‘lucky bugger’ status means we’ve got access to two great cars for our OLT. We’d get started in the Toyota 86 before upgrading to the Formula 4 open-wheeler!

If you’re familiar with the Toyota 86 Racing Series, you’ll know this is a proven track car. This one’s not dissimilar from the standard 86, but with some modifications to shocks, brakes and tyres. Our 86 also featured a half roll cage and a sliding race seat to ensure each driver can achieve their ideal driving position.

And then, the fun began.

“I had an absolute ball,” gushed Marton.

“I’m a bitter and twisted old journo and I’ve driven this car many, many times on many tracks, so I didn’t expect to have so much fun!”

It’s the Formula 4, however, that has us all gasping for air. This FIA-approved series is designed for junior kart racers and paves the way for, ultimately, a career in F1.

Bolted to the back of the Mygale monocoque chassis, you’ll find a Ford Fiesta ST-based 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

It weighs a fraction of a road car, your butt is literally centimetres from the ground and your front wheels are always in view (hopefully).

“I’m looking forward to squeezing my 40-something lady hips into a moulded seat made for a 15-year-old boy,” laughs Nadine.

Unlike the 86, there are no clever driver-assist technologies to help you – no anti-lock brakes or stability control. This one is all about skill. Hitting the track on your own (no instructor here) is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. But not for long.

“[That was] unbelievable, I loved every second of it. This is addictive and I think I’ve just caught the bug,” said Sam.

Let’s not sugar-coat this. motorsport is not a cheap past time and the bills keep on coming – particularly if you venture onto the black stuff on a regular basis.

Starting with the basics, your annual National Circuit licence fees range from around $320 and CAMS process around 200 new licence applications each year.

If you don’t have a car to run on test day, you’ll have to rent one from the likes of Track School. The same Toyota 86 we used is priced from $750 per day. A Mazda MX-5 will set you back from $695 per day.

Then there’s the gear. CAMS-approved race attire is a must and keeps you safer in the event of an accident. You’ll need a full race suit, helmet, gloves, shoes and fireproof undergarments. Bought new, this gear can easily set you back $2000.

We’d suggest you phone a friend, at least until you’re fully committed.

Formula 4 is the breading ground for young drivers aiming for the world stage and a year-long drive in a CAMS-owned Formula 4 vehicle will set you back around $200,000 give or take.

If you’re looking to compete on a regular basis, there are, however, a variety of more budget-conscious race series that make racing more affordable than you may think, as our Editor in Chief Mike Sinclair, who runs a Hyundai Excel in the one-make series, can attest.

Smiles broaden and anxiety levels tame as our instructor announces that all three students have passed with flying colours!

With a Probationary licence in hand, each driver must now participate in at least three circuit events within a 12-month period. At these events, the Clerk of Course will observe their driving and, all things going to plan, they will sign off on your race licence.

Any type of penalty or poor behaviour is likely to leave you wanting. In addition to gaining three signatures, each driver must participate in eight hours of officiating – usually under the supervision of a flag marshal. It’s the responsibility of the Chief Flag Marshal to sign off on completion this component.

With this all done, in theory, you’re officially ready to race!

Sam admits that hitting the wet track in a Formula 4 was a baptism of fire, but the experience is worth the risk.

“I feel like it’s been a valuable day aside from getting a licence, just getting that time behind the wheel. You could apply this to the way you drive on the road,” said Sam.

As a motorcycle racer for almost a decade when he was younger, Marton was surprised just how many similarities there are between the two- and four-wheel track experience.

“The difference between racing cars and bikes is not as great as you might think. When I raced bikes I thought car racers were just pussies and racing cars was something that anyone could do, but the concentration levels required to be on the pace are every bit as great,” he conceded.

“I’m blown away by how far we’ve come in just one day. I’ve emerged not only more confident and faster on the track, but a better driver overall,” Nadine opined…

And guess what, the fun’s just beginning…