About R.A.M. Motorsport Developments Ltd & our History

First of all, "R.A.M." are the initials of the late Roel Maas. Back in the Netherlands from an early age, Roel was Armand's mentor and responsible for introducing him into the world of motorsport in the broadest sense. Anything from Motor-Cross (2 wheels), Rally & Race Cars (4 Wheels) through to Trucks (6 Wheels!) was engineered and repaired in the secluded workshop in Groningen.

In 1987 Armand migrated to New Zealand with a healthy dose of engineering and automotive knowledge, following all forms of Motorsport, mainly from the sideline, though often from the Pit lane or Service Parks. The New Zealand way of Motorsport (and engineering) was substantially different, but the impressive "kiwi-inginuiety" phylosofy was soon mixed with the European hands-on knowhow.

Not satisfied with the fact that certain products were not available or not suitable, development work begun on the Sprintcar Air Filters, which came with the support from Pipercross Air Filters from the United Kingdom. In his spare time and weekends untold hours were committed to the development and Testing. Kerry Brocas (a hard-charging Midget and Sprintcar driver from Pukekohe) offered support and recommendations in developing a new Strong One-Piece Air Filter that was tested to every possible limit.

In the meantime, Bob Middleton - a keen Australian SuperTruck Racer - gave the knod for testing 2 of Armand's Pipercross STR Air Filters on the Twin Turbo powered CAT / Freighliner C-12 engine. During crucial testing at Manfield Raceway (near Palmerston North) the old filters were exchanged for the new and an improvement in acceleration was noticed by Bob on the first lap. Fearing that the additional Airflow may compromise filtration, the filters were removed after a rigorous weekend of racing. However, the intakes into the huge Schwitzer Turbos were clean, dispite the amount of dirt thrown up during the (almost compulsary) off-track excursion of most competitors. To this day Bob still runs with the Two Pipercross Air Filters (both have been rebuild once each in 5 Years!).

Great testemony was achieved with the supply of a new Air Filter for Carl Hansen's record-breaking TVR Tuscan. After Two Years this filter is still in prestine condition, but more important, the engine stays clean on the inside!

The further development and testing of the Sprintcar Filter let to the Midget Air Filter. Justing Insley of the BSL / Aggressor Chassis Team provided valuble information and dimensions. Soon an initial sample was supplied to undergo serious on-track testing. This filter was further enhanced to fit the BSL/Aggressor Chassis Airbox/Hood and a new standard was introduced. In New Zealand these Air filters are distributed exclusively under the winning brandname of Aggressor through BSL. The original Air Filter is still used by Scott Buckley on the No.25 midget, and literally "been around the world".

2008 saw the opportunity to seriously expand the company and the operation at RAM is now a 24 Hour, 7 day business. With some new exiting products in the pipeline, R.A.M. will grow offering the best available products to the International Professional Motorsport Industry.

R.A.M. Motorsport Developments is 100% New Zealand owned and operated, specialising in Air Filtration and Fluid Conveyance Consultation.

Motor Sport Sections Supported:

• Speedway - TQ, Midget and Sprintcars, SuperModified & SaloonCars
• Off-Road Racing - Forrest, Endurance & Hill Climb Series
• Circuit Racing - All Classes of Racing
• Rally Cars - (FIA & National) WRC, Group N & Group A
• Truck Racing - Euro Truck & SuperTruck
• Oval & FlatTrack Racing - Nascar, Nextel, Busch, etc.