The Australian Government has proposed the phasing out of lead in racing fuels and the use of avgas for racing, to take place over a two-year period beginning the 1st of July 2017.
The proposal is based on findings from a 2015 National Health and Medical Research Council report, as well as advice from the Fuel Standards Consultative Committee and consultation with race fuel suppliers and associations.
Please take a moment to read CAMS’ bulletin, which includes CAMS’ efforts to manage this transition and its effect on historic motor racing, below to keep up to date with this important initiative.
Phase out of Leaded Fuel
The Australian Government has been reviewing the use of lead in racing fuels in Australia, given increasing concerns about the impact of lead on both the environment and on public health and safety.
In response to a 2015 National Health and Medical Research Council report on the effects of lead on human health and advice from the Fuel Standards Consultative Committee, the Ministry for the Environment subsequently consulted with racing fuel suppliers and racing associations on a phase-out timeframe for lead in racing fuels and how industry might need to adjust its practices.
As such the Government proposes to phase out lead in racing fuels and the use of aviation gasoline (avgas) for racing, over a two-year period from 1 July 2017, with a proposed prohibition on lead from 1 July 2019.
Given the impact this phase out will have on Historic Motor Sport, CAMS is currently developing a strategy to manage the phase out and the development of changes to ensure that affected vehicles can be modified to ensure they can continue to be used in the sport. Further to this, CAMS is seeking dispensation to allow the use of a leaded fuel to make sure that some of our most popular and renowned events can be participated in by a unique range of vehicles from both Australia and abroad.
CAMS will be issuing an update in due course with further details on how it plans to facilitate a steady transition for Historic Racing in Australia during this phase out period.
All current holders of section 13 racing fuel approvals (leaded and unleaded) have been granted an extension until 30 June 2017. This extension will not require an application, and is at no cost to the supplier. Before the extension ends, information will be provided to racing fuel suppliers and racing associations on the outcome of the Ministry for the Environments’ consideration of the use of lead in racing fuel.
List of approvals for holders of Section 13 racing fuels available HERE [PDF]
For further information please direct all queries to historics@cams.com.au