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Six drivers shortlisted for 2009 Cams rising star program |
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Monday, 18 August 2008 |
The Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) has confirmed the short list of drivers who will compete for up to three spots in the 2009 CAMS Rising Star Program.
The shortlist is:
- Tom Tweedie, 20 (NSW) - currently competing in state Formula Ford
- Luke Ellery, 19 (VIC) - currently competing in state Formula Ford
- Jordan Oon, 18 (WA) - currently competing in state Formula Ford
- Nathan Morcom, 16 (NSW) - currently competing in sprint-karting and state Formula Ford
- David Whitmore, 16 (NSW) - currently competing in sprint-karting
- Jesse Batson, 16 (SA) - currently competing in sprint-karting
These young drivers have all achieved outstanding results either in Sprint Karting or Formula Ford (or both) and with the assistance of the Rising Star Program will be able to fast-track their development.
Although the exact mix is yet to be determined, it is likely that there will be a presence at both state and national level Formula Ford in next year’s program.
Successful drivers will form part of a squad that will be involved in a highly structured program that will include, but not be limited to, access to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and leading mentors from the business community, and a subsidised drive in a state or national Formula Ford championship with Borland Racing Developments (BRD).
The process began with over two dozen high quality applicants, which was shortened to ten who were interviewed by an AMSF expert panel, comprising AMSF personnel, the Program Psychologist and a representative from BRD. Following the interview process, the list was reduced to six, all of which will now attend a pre-selection camp at the AIS in Canberra, an on-track evaluation day and complete some additional psycho-motor and psychological testing.
AMSF General Manager Quentin Crombie was pleased with the quality of the applicants.
“As in previous years, the quality of the applicants was excellent and I feel confident that we will have another great squad of drivers for 2009,” said Crombie
“Choosing from a list of such high quality candidates is always difficult, however it is vital that we spend a significant amount of effort on recruiting the right drivers, as we hope that, with our assistance, the majority will go on to enjoy successful international careers.”
The final six candidates will attend the AIS on Tuesday and Wednesday this week before heading to Winton Motor Raceway on the 25th and 26th of August. This will be followed by another day of additional psycho-motor and psychological testing at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 27th of August.
The AMSF is expected to announce the successful candidates in mid September.
The CAMS Rising Star Program acknowledges the support from its partners including: the Australian Sports Commission, BRD, Biante Model Cars, OAMPS Insurance Brokers, Mark Webber, Stand 21 Australia, Fleetwood Print Group, Just Cars, Robert Bosch (Australia), Kings Fibreglass and McBadges.
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