Nominations Open For 2012 Rising Stars
The Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) has announced the opening of nominations for their 2012 Rising Star programs.
Drivers wishing to nominate themselves for the 2012 programs must meet specific assessment criteria including age (14 years and above), demonstrate elite past driver performance, and the ability to provide the balance of an operational racing budget.
"The self nomination approach has been chosen to encourage talented drivers to be proactive in their pursuit of a national or international motor racing career" the AMSF said in a statement.
Once a short list of candidates is established, they will be interviewed by the AMSF selection panel. Potential candidates may also be asked to attend an on-track evaluation day at a Victorian circuit prior to selection, with successful candidates being announced late October 2011.
Nomination deadline for the state and national programs is Friday 28th September 2011, with the international program closing Friday 28th October 2011.
Current CAMS Rising Star drivers Jack Le Brocq and Trent Harrison hope to soon follow in the footsteps of past graduates including Scott Pye, John Martin, Ashley Walsh and Daniel Erickson in stepping up to the international program.
A highly notable graduate of the AMSF International Rising Star program is Daniel Ricciardo, who has recently become the first AMSF driver to break into the prestigious world of Formula 1. Competing against the world’s best drivers including AMSF patron Mark Webber, Ricciardo is now looking towards his fourth grand prix start. The AMSF are incredibly proud of Daniel’s achievements and feel honoured to be associated with his progression.
Additional graduates having achieved international success include Will Power (currently second in the IZOD Indycar series), James Courtney (Ex Formula 1 test driver and 2010 V8 Supercar Champion) and Chris Atkinson (World Rally/Asia Pacific Rally Championship driver). The current AMSF International Rising Stars are Scott Pye and Molly Taylor currently competing in the British Formula 3 Championship and at the World Rally Championship Academy respectively.
For more information, visit www.amsf.org.au
