press release

Following the success of the inaugural AMSF Driver Development Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra and in line with the AMSF's new mission to become a centre of excellence for improving driver performance, the AMSF are rolling out a suite of short courses which will allow aspiring young Australian drivers to attain a performance edge over their rivals.

To be run in April and May, the short courses will focus on fitness and sponsorship acquisition. The fitness courses will be conducted in conjunction with Formula 1 fitness guru Phil Young, who has spent the last eight years training Formula 1 drivers including our own Mark Webber and most recently Jenson Button. Over this period, Phil has also trained other drivers in the Renault and Honda Racing Formula 1 teams. Phil is now based in Australia and currently trains a number of leading V8 Supercar drivers. Phil will be supported by Glenn Lindsey who has also worked with drivers in Formula 1 and V8 Supercars.

Mark Webber, AMSF patron and one of the fittest drivers in Formula 1, is pleased that the AMSF is taking this direction and believes the courses will be of great benefit to young Australian drivers seeking that performance edge.

"To be at the top of your game you need to be on top of your fitness. Physical and mental toughness is an absolute requirement at the highest levels of motor sport. These courses will help you to gain that competitive edge," said Webber.

The fitness camps will cover a range of topics including fitness testing, reaction testing, cardio and strength training, recovery and injury prevention, core stability, exercising in high stress environments, maximizing diet and optimising event hydration. The camps will be held at Surfing Australia's High Performance Centre (HPC) at Coolangatta. The HPC is a recognised world class facility for the coaching, training and testing of athletes in a fully serviced "live in" environment. The HPC was developed with support from the Australian Sports Commission and the AIS.

AMSF General Manager Quentin Crombie believes that these courses are essential to help develop drivers who are aspiring to motor sport success both here in Australia and internationally.

"The AMSF is pleased to be able to offer these exciting courses and we are thrilled to be working with Phil Young who will help to ensure that these courses are the best in Australia. It is all part of the AMSF's plan to help develop our drivers to ensure that they can maximise their potential," stated Crombie.

Two two-day camps will be conducted on April 12-13 and May 3-4 and will cost $1,790 (inc. GST) whilst the one-day camp (including overnight stay) will be conducted on April 27 and will cost $950 (inc. GST). The cost for all three camps includes overnight accommodation, apparel, learning materials and all meal expenses. Participants will stay on-site at the HPC and will be accompanied by a Camp Coordinator.

The sponsorship workshop will be conducted by industry expert Phillip Whittaker who has over 15 years experience in the sponsorship acquisition space, having raised over $45 million dollars in sponsorship revenue. Phillip has been working with the AMSF previously to deliver the sponsorship component of the CAMS Rising Star curriculum, and more recently for the AMSF Driver Development Camp. The half-day workshop will be held in Melbourne at the headquarters of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation on May 10. The cost of the workshop will be $395 (inc. GST).

Spots are limited for all courses and applications close on 31 March 2008. Please click HERE for further details and to download the registration forms.