Bam Media
The Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) is pleased announce that nominations are now open for the 2009 CAMS Rising Star Program.
Once again, Australia’s brightest young stars will be able to nominate themselves to be considered for the 2009 Program. Those selected to participate in the Program will compete in either state or national level Formula Ford.
The self nomination approach has been chosen to encourage young talented drivers to be proactive in their pursuit of an international open-wheel motor racing career. Recent graduates of the CAMS Rising Star Program who have gone on to race successfully overseas include Joshua Scott, Ashley Walsh and John Martin, with both Walsh and Martin chosen to be part of the new AMSF International Rising Star Program.
Launched in 2005 following a successful pilot year, the CAMS Rising Star Program aims to identify and fast-track the development of young Australian drivers from the junior ranks to national and international competition through clearly defined and supported pathways.
Drivers participating in the 2009 Program will benefit from several new initiatives including but not limited to, working with industry experts Phil Young (ex-Formula 1 personal trainer) and Phillip Whittaker (Sponsorship) as well as opportunities to test cars in higher formula.
AMSF General Manager Quentin Crombie confirmed the importance of the additions, “we are thrilled to be able to offer these extra elements to the Program and feel sure that they will make a significant difference to those who participate next year.”
Drivers wishing to nominate for the 2009 Program must meet specific assessment criteria including age, past driver performance, and the ability to provide the balance of an operational budget.
Once a short list of top candidates is established, they will be interviewed by an AMSF selection panel. State level candidates will also have to attend an evaluation camp at the Australian Institute of Sport and an on-track evaluation day at a Victorian circuit in late August.
The successful candidates will be announced after Round 6 of the Australian Formula Ford Championship at Phillip Island in mid September..
