Motorsport throughout the world is directed and controlled by the FIA. Founded in 1904, with headquarters in Paris, the FIA is a not-for-profit association. It brings together 219 national motoring and sporting organisations from 130 countries on five continents. Its member clubs represent more than 100 million motorists and their families.

The FIA has been dedicated to representing the rights of motoring organisations and motor car users throughout the world via campaigns and activities that defend their interests. On issues such as safety, mobility, the environment and consumer law the FIA actively promotes the interests of motorists at the United Nations, within the European Union and through other international bodies.

The FIA is also the governing body for motorsport worldwide. It administers the rules and regulations for all international four-wheeled motor sport including the FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Rally Championship and FIA World Touring Car Championship. The FIA aims to ensure that motorsport is conducted in accordance with the highest standards of safety, fairness and social responsibility. So that the above standards may be exercised in a fair and equitable manner the FIA has drawn up the “International Sporting Code” (the Code). Motorsport Australia, together with in excess of 120 other ASNs in over 100 nations, is committed to carrying out the mission of the FIA. As such Motorsport Australia is responsible for the regulation and organisation of motorsport across Australia consistent with FIA regulations and processes.

In many countries the ASN is also the body recognised for all motoring activities, including sporting and touring. However in some countries, including Australia, the sporting power and touring authority are held by separate and independent bodies. The FIA’s touring affiliate in Australia since 1972 is the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Motorsport Australia, in partnership with the AAA, delivers the FIA’s objectives and programs across Australia.

Motorsport Australia is also the recognised National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for motor sport by the Commonwealth Government via Sport Australia.

In 2019, Motorsport Australia moved its National Office to Canterbury, Victoria. This new office, known as Motorsport Australia House, also provides a physical home for the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame, paying tribute to each existing member of the Hall of Fame.