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CAMS Offers Junior Drivers AIS Training

press release

The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Ltd (CAMS) is offering Australia's up-and-coming young drivers the opportunity of a lifetime to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as part of the CAMS Junior Driver Development Program in 2008.

The AIS in Canberra leads in the development of elite athletes with world-class facilities and support services, and together with CAMS, is offering young drivers the chance to take their level of physical and mental preparation to the next level.

The camp will focus on elements of nutrition, physiology, psychology, strength and
conditioning and media training.

Drivers from all disciplines of motorsport are encouraged to apply, providing the applicants meet the nomination criteria (see below).

The successful 2008 squad members will be announced in mid-August, followed by the camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in late August 2008.

CAMS has already conducted successful CAMS Rally, Off Road, and Women’s Programs this year. Now Junior drivers have the opportunity to nominate for a place in the Junior Driver Development Program.

Current Australian Rally Championship competitor Glen Raymond sees this experience as hugely beneficial for the successful applicants and encouraged young drivers to apply.

As a member of the 2008 CAMS Rally Driver Development squad, Raymond attended the AIS earlier this year and learned a significant amount from the experience.

“The CAMS Driver Development Programs are a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is lucky enough to take part in them,” said Raymond.

“I think it’s great that our junior drivers will have the chance to take advantage of the resources available at the AIS and make the most of the developmental opportunity that CAMS is offering.”

Although this will be the first CAMS development program of its kind, similar CAMS programs have proved beneficial amongst participants.

Past CAMS Driver Development Program participants include World Rally Championship driver Chris Atkinson, current V8 Supercar Championship Series leader Mark Winterbottom, current Formula 3 Championship leader Leanne Tander, as well as several current Australian Rally Championship contenders including Eli Evans, Raymond and Spencer Lowndes.

“The new program is designed to facilitate the development of Australia's most promising young motor sport competitors at the grass roots level, irrespective of what discipline they are currently competing in,” said CAMS CEO Graham Fountain.

“Juniors are the future of Australian motor sport. The program recognises this and will continue to form part of our Sport and Club Development Program.”

Drivers wishing to nominate for the 2008 program must meet the following assessment criteria:
- Only drivers are eligible to apply;
- The driver must be between 12 and 18 years of age (as of 1st January 2008);
- Applicants must be competing in CAMS-sanctioned competition (includes Australian Karting Association licence holders);
- Applicants must have demonstrated solid results over the last 12 months;
- Applicants must present themselves as a good ambassador for the sport;
- Applicants must have the ability and desire to progress to a career in CAMS-sanctioned motorsport;
- Applicants must be available to attend camps at the AIS, Canberra on 25-27 August 2008.

Nominations are now open and close on Friday 4 August 2008.

For further information on the selection criteria and to download the 2008 nomination forms, please visit www.cams.com.au/go/sportsdev or email ais@cams.com.au

Direct Link to Nomination Form: HERE (pdf)

CAMS would like to thank the Australian Government via the Australian Sports Commission for its continuing support of CAMS’ Driver Development Programs.

Images:

  • ARC driver Glen Raymond recommends the AIS experience to young up-and-coming drivers HERE  
  • Glen Raymond participates in training at the AIS in Canberra earlier this year HERE
  • Current V8 Supercar Championship Series leader Mark Winterbottom is one driver who has benefitted from the program at the AIS HERE  
  • Australian WRC star Chris Atkinson is another driver who has benefitted from the program at the AIS HERE                                   


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