FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I join Huntingdale Auto Club?
If you are a car or motorsport enthusiast, HAC offers the opportunity to share and develop your interest with a like-minded group of friends. HAC is renowned as a small, friendly club which offers encouragement particularly to new members. We can offer a wide range of motor sport events to members, either to compete in or to help out on the organisational side. We also have social outings where members can gather in a relaxed and non-competitive environment. Our members range in age from twelve (the youngest age to start competition) to seventy plus.
How do I join HAC?
Use the feedback form on the Membership Page or contact our Membership Secretary John on 0425 722 706 to request a Membership Application Form be emailed or mailed to you. Your 12 month Membership Card will be mailed to you once we have received your completed Application Form and payment.
What events are available to Members?
Huntingdale Auto Club specialises in what is known as club-level motorsport events. Most popular with members are motorkhanas, but our members also compete in other events such as sprints, lap-dashes, hillclimbs, autocross and khanacross. As event officials and organisers, HAC members are involved from helping out at our club level events right up to senior roles at events such as the Australian Grand Prix. At all levels both as competitors and officials, HAC members are willing to share their expertise with newcomers to our Club hence the reason HAC is renowned as a friendly Club. See our Calendar page for a full list of events available to Members.
What type of car do I need?
For most events that HAC members are involved in either an everyday road car can be used or purpose-built (often self-built) cars known as ‘Specials’. Road cars are usually driven to and from events but must pass a basic safety inspection before competing. ‘Specials’ are either scratch built or more highly modified cars, and in most cases must comply with a set of regulations either for a specific competition discipline or for a particular event or Series. See our Media pages to get an overview of the types of cars are members compete in. Smaller maneuverable cars are more popular in motorkhanas where additional power is not a necessity, although various Classes are provided to also cater for larger vehicles. For speed events, power and handling modifications are generally beneficial, but especially when starting out the main aim is to enjoy the events and build up experience gradually.
What licence do I need to compete in Events?
Most competition events require a Motorsport Australia (formerly CAMS) Licence for each driver. For the lower level events such as motorkhanas, sprints and hillclimbs these can usually be obtained online and without any additional testing. Refer to the Motorsport Australia web site for more details on the various Licence types and how to obtain them. Competitors as young as 12 can obtain a licence to compete in motorkhanas. Licences can also be obtained on the day at certain competition events. Contact the Event Organiser to confirm for a particular event.
I’ve never competed, can you help me learn?
HAC has a reputation for welcoming newcomers to motorsport and we offer special encouragement to junior drivers, who may compete in motorkhanas from age 12. We have many experienced members and topline competitors who are very willing to pass on their skills to anyone just starting out, whether it be in driving or preparation or building of their vehicle. Further information is also available from the Motorsport Australia website.
Do HAC members enjoy Social Events?
Although HAC no longer has regular meetings at a fixed venue, there are plenty of opportunities to meet with fellow members away from competition venues. ‘Pub Nights’ are popular with members (and their families or friends) and are usually held on the first Monday night of each month. Members are always sent an email to confirm the next date and venue, or check out our ‘Coming Events’ page. Cruise Drives and Film Nights are also occasionally on our Social calendar, and our pre-Christmas BBQ is popular with members and friends.
I don’t want to compete, but would like to help out at events.
Our favourite type of member, and you would be made most welcome! To run the events we are renowned for (and indeed any motorsport event) we need a variety of Officials. Many tasks, such as timekeeping, observing, marshalling or secretarial duties can be handled with minimal training or expertise, as there are always experienced Officials on hand to provide guidance. Motorsport Australia (formerly CAMS) has a structured Officials Licencing program which can take you from Trainee right up to a Senior role at large meetings.
Can I obtain a VicRoads Club Permit if I am a member?
Yes, HAC is an approved Club under the VicRoads Club Permit Scheme. The scheme allows vehicles over 25 years old to be driven for up to 90 days a year without full registration. However there are certain conditions from both HAC and VicRoads which must be met. Refer to our Club Permit page and the VicRoads website for further details.