Classic Action Motorcycle Sport (SI) Inc
Welcome to the online home of CAMS Racing! Our aim is to provide motorcycle enthusiasts with a supportive, fun, social environment for safe and affordable road racing of classic and post classic machines. Check out our race dates, browse through the race classes and rules, or if you’re just getting started, we’ve got plenty of useful information to get you underway. We welcome any inquiries so if you can’t find what you’re looking here,
then please feel free to contact us.
Thanks for the sneek peak Melanie J Smyth Images 🙂
Awesome day, weather better than anyone could have hoped for and some great close racing !
Massive thanks to all the officals, flag marshals and volunteers that made it happen, you guys and girls rock!!
Looking forward to Round 2, 14th Oct at Ruapuna ... See MoreSee Less
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We are all go for Round 1 tomorrow at Levels.
Heaps of pre-entries and great North Island turnout of 12 bikes for "The 48" .
Weather looking far better than expected 🙂 not much if any rain predicted......but it wont be hot.
Sign on from 8.30-9.30am
Food and Coffee available at the track.
No bar available after racing sorry but BYO.
Be there or be square ( behind in the points that is 🙂
Cheers
The CAMS Committee ... See MoreSee Less
aussie-kiwi-events.com/CAMS-Champ
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officialhdlink1.xyz/CAMS-Championship-Round-1/
CAMS Championship Round 1 - Levels
Round 1 of the CAMS 23/24 Championship Series is all go for Saturday 23rd of September at Levels Raceway.
Join us for a day of relaxed fun racing. New riders welcome.
Cant wait!!!
Featuring the "48" Bucket endurance race at the end of the day.
Pre entry and pre paying essential please, its makes our teams life so much easier and sign on much faster if you all pre enter.
Pre entry closes at midday Friday 22nd of September..
Pre Enter Here:
myregister.co.nz/cams/index.php
Any issues with access or you need to set up a profile, please contact Dave - camspresident@gmail.com .
Food and coffee onsite - TBC
Bar after racing - TBC
Sign on 8.30am - 9.30am
Officials briefing 9.30am
Riders briefing 9.45am
Practice/Qualifying from 10.00am
Race Program:
Practice/Qualifying 5 Laps (2 practice, 3 laps qualifying)
Round 1 - Points 5 laps
Round 2 - Points 5 laps
Round 3 - Points 5 Laps
Round 4 - The "48" Bucket Feature Race
Race Groups and Race order:
Group 1 - Modern Jnr, Modern Snr and Super Twins
Group 2 - Pre82 Snr, Pre82 Junior, Pre72 Snr, Pre89 F3, Pre63 Open
Group 3 - Clubmans- new riders, slower riders, older riders
Group 4 - Pre63, Vintage, Pre72 Junior & L/Weight, Pre82 L/Weight
Group 5 - Development, Buckets F4 & Super Singles ABC
Group 6 - Pre89 F1/F2 and Pre 95 all
Group 7 - Sidecars Modern and Classic
Points classes for all bikes including modern and BEARS etc.
We need a few extra flag Marshalls to join our race crew legends for this meeting, Can you help ?
Let Dave know asap please
See you there!
Photo Credit Melanie J Smyth Images ... See MoreSee Less
aussie-kiwi-events.com/CAMS-Champ
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Hi all
We are all go for the 2023 Totalspan Southern Classic Festival.
Lock in the dates 24th - 26th November Timaru International Raceway @ Levels
Thanks to the teams at Totalspan New Zealand, North and South Canterbury for continuing as NAMING RIGHTS sponsor of the event, with the support of MAJOR sponsors Biketranz Ltd Helicraft Racing Race Supplies CQ Print MCR - Motorcycle Replacements Bike Rider Magazine Mcraes Global Engineering
We have a long list of class sponsors this year, many new one's, so awesome to have them on board for the ride, and please support them where possible..... Obsolete Iron Mega Motorcycles Phil Price Sculptures, Marquee and Event Hire Affordable Storage Bay Building Dunedin The Wheel Magician Ltd MCR - Motorcycle Replacements British Motorcycle Parts Ducatispares.co.nz Stevenson Earthworks Limited Moto Xtreme Services South Island Couriers Ltd High Country Motorcycles Dynoworx Jonathan Rawcliffe Ltd Garven Contracting NZ Cylinders Autothority The Otago Motorcycle Club
Entry forms will be available on our website this week, as well as Rider Info & Supp Regs, check it out www.cams-racing.org.nz
Lots of exciting announcements to come, our CAMS team are looking forward to another great weekend of racing.
Photo credit thanks to Melanie J Smyth Images ... See MoreSee Less
We'll be there 😊👍
Going
Wont be Able 2 Race but wil be a Flaggy 4 the Weekend😁
Mel Smyth👌👌👌👌
I'll be there flagging 🙂
Blair Knox ... Marty Carroll .. Belinda Knox 👍🫣
Wendy Garrett
Snow Buckton
Hi All,
Hope you're all well and your bikes are all good to go after some winter maintenance and the odd upgrade.
Our first CAMS meeting of the year is coming up quick!
The Brooklands Challenge is a combined classic car and bike meeting hosted by the Classic Motor Racing Club along with the Vintage Car Club at Levels , Saturday 2nd of September.
Its a great fun day to start the season with a single all in bike class for Classic, Post Classic and small/medium cc modern machines.
Limited to 30 bikes so dont miss out.
Expect practice, 4 races plus the Brooklands challenge trophy race between the classic car and classic bike teams.
CAMS have won the past few years so looking to keep that tradition going!
To enter
email Dave - camspresident@gmail.com.
We'll need your name, race #, bike make and model plus cc in advance for the event program.
Entry is $100 and close Monday 28th August.
See you there
CAMS Membership
Memberships for this season are now due.
Your membership helps pay the Clubs operating costs so we really appreciate your support.
Please make payment of $40 to the CAMS bank account :
Westpac 03-1702-0084303-018
Classic Action Motorcycle Sport Inc
Use your name as reference and membership.
Membership forms for changes and new members are available for download on the CAMS website- www.cams-racing.org.nz
You must also email Sue to advise her of your payment AND any detail changes- ph,email, address etc or your membership processing may be delayed or missed.
secretary@cams-racing.org.nz
CAMS Race Dates 2023-2024 Season
Sept 2nd 2023 CAMS/CMRC Brooklands Challenge-Levels
Sept 23rd 2023 CAMS Championship Round 1-Levels
Oct 14th 2023 CAMS Championship Round 2-Ruapuna
Oct 29-30th 2023 North Vs South Challenge Manfield
Nov 24th-26th 2023 Totalspan Southern Classic Festival-Levels
Jan 27th 2024 CAMS Championship Round 3-Ruapuna
Feb 17th 2024 CAMS Championship Round 4-Ruapuna
March 9th 2024 CAMS Championship Round 5-Ruapuna
April 20th 2024 CAMS Championship Round 6-Levels
May 11th 2024 CAMS Don Bryan Memorial/Prize Giving-Ruapuna
Cheers
The CAMS Team ... See MoreSee Less
Getting Started | Classes & Rules
CAMS is a Classic and Post Classic bike racing club but also prides itself on being inclusive and caters for all makes and models. If it fits within one of the classes and formulas listed below, then it can be run at a CAMS meeting.
CLASSIC PRE 1963 – 250, 350, 500cc AND OPEN MODIFIED
CLASSIC GIRDER FORK – PRE WAR 1946 AND VINTAGE 1931
POST CLASSIC PRE 1972 – LIGHTWEIGHT, JUNIOR AND SENIOR
POST CLASSIC PRE 1982 – LIGHTWEIGHT JUNIOR AND SENIOR
POST CLASSIC PRE 1989 – FORMULA 1, FORMULA 2 & FORMULA 3
POST CLASSIC PRE 1995 – FORMULA 1, FORMULA 2, FORMULA 3 AND SUPERBIKE
CAMS SUPER SINGLES
Super Single Group A ( up to Pre 89 – 4 stroke 501cc + & 2 stroke 251cc+ )
Super Single Group B (Up to Pre89 – 4 Stroke 251cc + & 2 Stroke 126cc + )
Super Single Group C ( Up to Pre 89 – 4 Stroke up to 250cc & 2 Stroke up to 125cc )
BUCKETS – F4 & F5
CAMS DEVELOPMENT CLASS
Up to 150cc single or twin 2 strokes, up to 250cc single or twin 4 strokes, chassis and tyres open. competition or street models and parts allowed.
MODERN RACE GROUP
Modern Junior (up to 590cc)
Modern Senior (590cc and over)
Super Twins Open
SIDECAR SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS
Classic and Post Classic Sidecars
CAMS recommend you go to Chapter 8 of the MNZ regulations and read the complete safety chapter.
RACE SET UP GUIDE
If you have a race bike or road bike and want to come racing, it will have to fit in with the MNZ rules. Below is a guide of some of the things that will be required to come racing. Note that road bikes will need all lights and indicators removed or completely taped over.
– Number plates/race numbers as per MNZ Rule 10-2-3-Securely mounted exhaust system
– Baffles wired and silencers fitted
– Efficient brakes
– Brake and clutch levers must have a flat back, rounded ball ends and no sharp edges
– Brake pedal return stop on hydraulic type-Handlebars must not exceed 92cm and must be plugged
– Fairing blade must be rounded as per MNZ Rule 10-11-3
– Crankcase, gearbox, carb and air cleaner drain and breather tubes, must be run into a securely mounted catch bottle
– Drain plugs, oil filler caps, oil filter retaining bolts and brake caliper mounts must be lock wired
– General; wheel bearings, swing arm pivot, suspension, split pins in wheels, spokes, steering head bearings, all fittings, footrests, secure mounting of seat and tank
– Etylene glycol is banned from use in road racing events, MNZ Rule 10-13-2
CAMS recommend you go to Chapter 10 of the MNZ regulations and read the complete technical chapter.
– Helmet, full face. DOT approved. Must have a visor or goggles.
– Boots, sturdy motorcycle boots in good condition.
– Leathers. One piece or zip together. Must be in good condition, no holes, rips or broken zippers.
– Back protector either as a separate item or incorporated into you leathers.
– Chest protector to the standard in MNZ riding gear rules link above
– Gloves, Leather only.
CAMS recommend you go to Chapter 8 of the MNZ regulations and read the complete safety chapter.
– You’ll need to be a member of an MNZ affiliated club.
– Pay for a one event license or have an MNZ competition license
– Pay an entry fee
– New riders get their own briefing and will be taught safety rules, race etiquette and race procedures in the new rider class. Plenty of advice on technique and bike set up is available from experienced riders and trainers. New riders progress to the faster classes once the trainer is happy he/she is safe.
– Get plenty of sleep and get organised the night before, no need to be stressed and rushed on race day, its supposed to be fun.
– No riding hung over or under the effects of mind f*ing drugs from that wicked rave you went to last night.
– Bring food and plenty of water, dehydration saps strength, concentration and speed.
– Bring a great friendly attitude, be prepared to have the best day you’ve had with your pants on in years.
If you require clarification on any rules or getting started please don’t hesitate to ask. We were all new riders once and are happy to help.
CAMS Membership
Download the form, pay by bank transfer and
send an email to Sue to confirm payment and details.
Westpac 03-1702-0084303-018
Classic Action Motorcycle Sport Inc
CAMS Merchandise
CAMS tee shirts and hoodies are now available for sale through Iron & Oil Clothing. Show your support for your favorite classic racing club by wearing the clothing (plus we make a few $ towards the clubs coffers) Click here to look at the range and make a purchase…




Our Mission Statement is “To provide motorcycle enthusiasts with a supportive, fun, social environment for safe and affordable road racing of classic, post classic machines and support for most classes of motorcycles while promoting the preservation of their machines.”
CAMS History
Classic Action Motorcycle Sport Inc. (S.I) club was formed over 25 years ago in Christchurch, NZ, by a group of racers wanting to keep the classic bikes of yesteryear on the South Island racetracks, many of these machines were “SPECIALS”, B31’s, B50’s, etc. running parts that were not completely original to these bikes when they came out of their factories.
CAMS History (As told by George Begg, in the first CAMS Newsletter, November 1989)
The success of CAMS has meant a considerable number of young enthusiasts have joined the classic racing scene and they would not have been around when we were involved with the Auckland based NZ Classic Racing Register.
Just to recount, “The Register” came into being in 1978 by a group of Auckland and Hamilton enthusiasts forming a club under the sheltering wing of the Hamilton Motorcycle Club, ‘to encourage the preservation, restoration, and use of Pre 1963 racing motorcycles’. What a tremendous force of pent up enthusiasm they unleashed with the inaugural meeting at the Pukekohe circuit in 1979. Much hard work went into formulating a set of rules which would carry out the aforementioned aims, and that they were successful would be to make an understatement.
As with all good things in life, the movement into classic racing spread, aided by several South Islanders travelling up to that first Pukekohe meeting. Hugh Anderson and Tim Parker came south at Easter that year to a Vincent Owners Rally and met with local enthusiasts. From this, a small club was formed, initially to meet, talk old motorcycles, and enjoy one another’s company. Anambitious first race meeting was held at Timaru, November 1979, organised by a small but willing band, and no one was more surprised than them when some 40 machines turned up!
Some of them were from the North Island. More meetings were held at Ruapuna and Levels, one of the most notable being when John Surtees, former World Champion, came to Ruapuna in 1981. Great day’s, great bikes, great camaraderie, great enthusiasts! About this time “The Register” applied to the ACU and were granted the right to be New Zealand’s only national club to be recognised by them.
Things went along very well, with the North Island members organising the tremendously successful Pukekohe meeting every February, adding classic trials events to their calendar. They were also invited to, and participated in, event’s organised by others, such as Whenuapai, Taupo and Manfield. Here in the South Island, meetings were extended to the old Cust circuit, scene of many a Grand Prix battle from 1936 to 1963. We were invited to use the circuit and were aided by the Cust Community Centre, to whom all the profits were to go.
The 1983 Cust Reunion was a boomer! Over 140 stalwarts from as far away as Auckland attended. Talk about racers of yester-year getting together to relive their yesterdays. A wonderful occasion and worth every minute of the long hours to put it together. But by the late 1980’s the scene in the South Island was changing. All was well with the Pukekohe Classic Meeting, in fact it seemed more and more genuine. classic racers were appearing and they saw no need to change anything. In 1988 a quartet came south from Auckland in an attempt to get a coordinated solution to our numbers problem, and were inflexible and stood fast on their original eligibility rules. By late 1988 support was getting pretty low in the South, we were getting about 25 entries at Timaru, about half of the early 80’s meetings. A vociferous group, all of whom had never organised anything in their lives, was doing their best to undermine the efforts of the committee by claiming non-eligible bikes were racing. The people running the show were nonot keeping up with the rules and doing their jobs etc etc. Also a total breakdown in communication between North and South, with correspondence being ignored or not answered, so the future did not look good from our perspective.
Easter 1989 saw Cust once again on the calendar and, as before, it was a great Success! Register Chairperson, Jean Southern, came down and we were delighted and honoured to have her with us. Our impression was this was a private visit to view the racing, so most of us respected this and avoided hassling her over the problems the Register were having. A great pity, as we later learned that not only did she want to see Cust, but also to talk about our differences. A pity, as this was a lost opportunity for dialogue. Jean is a charming person, with the Register and its well-being at heart, and she is held in the highest regard for her contribution to the classic movement from us here in the south.
Mid 1989 and with the AGM of the South’s sub branch of the Register approaching, it was apparent that none of the committee was prepared to preside over the demise of classic racing as it had been. At this meeting, when all said they were ‘unavailable for re-election’; it left a gap, to say the least. A move was then made and the vociferous group who had always wanted to have a go and show the world how it should be done, were installed. They were fortunate to take over ample funds built up by the hard work of their predecessors, plus equipment and everything in good shape. What a fiasco! They didn’t last a season.
Those dedicated classic racers who had been the driving force for some 10 year’s reckoned if they were going to have a chance at any racing, they had better start again, as there was no way the ‘Register’ would accept any form of breakaway group. A set of rules to start with were the first priority, and whilst kicking ideas around, Terry Timms, George Begg, and Ian McGregor thought “why not just draw up a list of those makes and models which could be eligible, including Japanese machines, of the late sixties and early seventies as the cut off”. We reckoned, and our experience has shown, that most of the argy-bargy came from defining just what is the make and model from just that one year, whichever year you choose. That our formula works is proven, as there has been near a total lack of eligibility arguments. It is either eligible or it isn’t.
These three basic thinkers then took their ideas to a larger group, and these folk could see the merit. It was then sent to enthusiasts in Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill, and back came the answer……..’it was just what was Wanted’. Next step was to form a small club, select a name, and get under the shelter of a larger ACU affiliated club. The name?? There was some agonising over that. We wanted something like the B.E.A.R.S. having something the initials spelt out an object that identified with motorcycles. And so ‘C.A.M.S.’ it became, dreamed up by Maurie Wear. With Terry Timms as Chairman, George Begg as Secretary, Sandra Hurrell as Treasurer, and a good eager committee, no money in the bank, but confident high hopes, we set out organising our first meeting in Timaru, November 1989.
The rest is history really. Timaru was great with entries back up around 40, the old spirit back, and a ‘happy, happy’ scene. The ACU has wanted a set of Classic Racing Rules, as many good remits for other avenues of racing were being prejudiced by the effect on classics. If they had their own rules, that would not be the case. We said “why not use CAMS rules, they are simple, and they work?”. A remit was put into conference through our parent club, Canterbury Auto Cycle Club. Terry, Ian, and George went to this conference to give it support, but being some-what innocent types, they did not foresee the animosity and energetic opposition our former Northern mates would generate. It was passed alright and so the ACU had what it wanted. The “Register” (and we could not understand this, as the rules did not affect them) fired all their big guns, with an article written by their Chairman, amply supported by photos and cartoons, to rubbish the ACU, and by inference the club which put them forward, CAMS.
We think the piece in the aforementioned article where it said that a “TRIUMPH Sprung Hub was a ‘circular’ suspension” just about says it all. Well, they managed to change them to what they wanted at the last conference, and best of luck to them. CAMS will continue to run CAMS rules as this is the formula which suits them best. Perhaps we will get together again one day with our erstwhile colleagues in the North. We can’t see any hurry about it though as the scene is now one where friendly camaraderie abounds and the non-believers in our cause have been banished. The future looks rosy, where under Ian McGregor and his team we have what must be just about the best classic racing scene in the world. We have a magazine under the editorship of Maurie Wear any club anywhere would be proud of, to keep us all in touch, race on any track or street circuit, at a minimal cost, can scramble it, trial it, or road race it to your heart’s and physical content. And all in the company of some of life’s finest sport’s people.
Long live the good ship CAMS, and all who sail in her.
Copied, 16 May 2019, by Roger O’Regan.
So much has changed, so much restoration taken place, but George quite bluntly has his say in this first Red Line.
We are now affiliated to MNZ (the former ACU) and stand alone as an enthusiastic and inclusive club.


Classic Action Motorcycle Sport
P O Box 16335, Hornby
Christchurch
New Zealand
CAMS COMMITTEE
President – Dave Reesby: (027) 232 2860 | Email Dave
Vice President – Gary Cotterell: (021) 163 5161 | Email Gary
Club Captain – Campbell Stevenson: (027) 220 3759
Treasurer – Layton Matheson: (027) 271 8005 | Email Layton
Race Secretary – Roger O’Regan: (027) 436 1402 | Email Roger
Club & Membership Secretary – Sue VDH: (021) 274 6657 | Email Sue
2021 COMMITTEE
LACHLAN MACDONALD
SARAH DOUGHERTY
SHAUN MILLS
LOGAN JACKSON
CAMPBELL STEVENSON
NICKY BREAYLY
YVONNE EVANS