Nominations are now open for 2012 AMSF Rising Star Programs
August 05, 2011
The Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) has announced the opening of nominations for their 2012 Rising Star programs.
Australia’s brightest young stars have the opportunity to nominate themselves to be considered for one of three programs in season 2012, with applications being accepted for AMSF Rookie Rising Star (Victorian State Formula Ford Championship), the CAMS Rising Star (National Formula Ford Championship) and the AMSF International Rising Star which assists young Australians aboard.
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.
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.
The AMSF Rising Star programs aim 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. The 2012 programs will be strengthened by a continued focus on fitness and motorsport psychology to ensure peak performance. With fitness and development camps planned at the Australian Institute of Sport, team members will have the opportunity to train and learn at the world class facilities in Canberra as well as within the team workshop and of course, on track.
Financial support is provided to the Rising Stars through the AMSF, as well as having access to a range of support services including but not limited to; media and sponsorship training, specialised motor sport fitness training, access to the Rising Star sports psychologist, networking opportunities with the AMSF’s key stakeholders, and exposure to the vast knowledge and skill base of the AMSF Board of Directors.
The AMSF Rising Star programs have proven over recent years to be the leading driver development programs, not only in Australia but worldwide.
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.
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.
For further information on the Australian Motor Sport Foundation, available programs, assessment criteria, or to download the 2012 nomination forms, please visit www.amsf.org.au
The AMSF Rising Star Programs acknowledges the support from its partners including; the Australian Government via The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) The Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS), Penrite Oils, Go Markets, OAMPS Insurance Brokers, Boylan Traffic Solutions, Relux Slabs, Revolution Racegear, AMSF Patron Mark Webber and the AMSF Network Group.