Ford-Holden Challenge

[RaceTime]

Information to hand suggests that CAMS have finally realised that the Ford-Holden Challenge which is due to start in the next week or so - and was to be led by Dick Johnson and Peter Brock - is not a CAMS accredited event.

Consequently, my information is that both Brock and Johnson have been 'pursuaded' to pull out of the event and that solicitors letters have now been issued in realtion to this breaking of contracts.

I am also led to believe that their pull-out is now heading straight to the ACCC for resolution.

All of this begs the question - why are some people so intent on causing this sort of trouble? Surely they aren't that blind that they can't see the long term problems they are causing for the sport?

[Big Trev]

Welcome back Ractime, we certainly missed you, and all your inside information.

And NO, I haven't spread any (un)founded rumours about you (well, not many anyway)

[RaceTime]

Thanks!

I won't be around for that much longer on here anyway - a few things have been happening and they should be ready to fly in about 4 to 6 weeks time - so, hopefully, bigger and better things in mid to late April.

[Big Trev]

Keep me posted. BTW, I have lost the address - DAMN - can you PM it to me please.

[Wrighty05]

Pardon my ignorance, but surely two legends of the sport, doing what really is a promotional rally, is good value for the sport therefore giving the sport good publicity, therefore it should be in CAMS best interest that these two people are involved.

I'm a bit behind the times so bare with me. Why wouldn't the organisers of the event want the event to be CAMS sanctioned? Is it purely due to the cost of obtaining the CAMS sanctioning?

And is it worth CAMS going through all the grief of getting solicitors involved. To many times the good of the sport is put on the backburner just for the sake of a few $$$$.

Am I completely off track and in la la land, or do I have some sort of grasp of reality?

[Dirk]

Definately la la land, not only off the track but stuck in a sand trap!

[Wrighty05]

Originally posted by Dirk
definately la la land

Why?

[Dirk]

The Ford and Holden Challenge have sort the insurance for their event through a cheaper source because the CAMS prices are so high. CAMS have allegedly now gone to Mr Brock and Mr Johnson and told them they would be advised to remove themselves from the event, essentially causing the event to fall over. These are the sorts of heavy-handed tactics that CAMS are getting quite popular for of late. CAMS believe that any motorsport conduct in the country must be done under their jurisdiction, after all they are the self appointed "controlling body"

[SRabbit]

can the event still happen even though the insurance was sourced elsewhere? if yes, then what hold over DJ & PB would CAMS have?

[Matthew Ronke]

SRabbit you make an interesting point. Something that we have a mentality in Australia that you can't use other insurance other than CAMS. It is interesting to find out that CAMS are the only FIA ASN in the world too sell Public Liability insurance. The question that should be asked is why are CAMS selling insurance.

[Dirk]

I think CAMS are selling insurance to prop up their luxurious organisation. They have a very flamboyant way of spending their money (oops the members money) so they need to be able to earn a dollar somewhere. And don't forget the jobs for the boys.

[SRabbit]

I'm still interested in the content of the conversation that 'inspired' the 2 drivers to pull out

[Dirk]

Yes it would be interesting but I think it is one of those things that we will never ever know. I am sure you could imagine what was said.

[Big Trev]

I reckon this will definitely finish up in a court of law somewhere. People have paid lots of money to be part of this as a contestant.

[Dirk]

The event is still going ahead, it just appears that the people organising it may or may not have been pressured to source their insurance through a certain organisation.

[Big Trev]

and that would be CAMS, wouldn't it?

[Dirk]

Possibly

[stoned pony]

So let me understand this 'coz I'm a bit slow: The Ford-Holden Challenge is still happening, the organisers have brought insurance from CAMS because they got a terrific deal (!) but Messrs Brock and Johnson are still not taking part?

[Matt H]

stoned, i think from the first line i read it said it wasnt a cams acredited event. so that is the issue, cams of told dicky and peter not to go, coz of that fact... sounds like an accc issue for mine.

[Dirk]

Wrong on the CAMS bit, anything from cams would be well and truly over priced. Brock and Johnson will be there I believe. I think there is some dodgy negotiations going on to force the Ford-Holden Challenge people to use the CAMS insurance

[Big Trev]

and MAYBE CAMS have brought pressure to bear on the proposed Team Captains to not participate without the use of CAMS Insurance. MMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!! If to say that did happen then that wouldn't be legal or ethical would it?

[Dirk]

If this is the case then the ACCC should be contacted because if CAMS are doing this then they are abusing their market power.