With the motor sport season well underway the timing is designed to provide the seven strong squad with the opportunity to review their progress so far. As well as routine physiology testing, strength and conditioning classes and media training, the squad will also undertake group and individual psychological sessions with de Prazer consulting and attend lectures on heat exhaustion and nutrition.
Also incorporated into the camp this time round is a tour of current Australian Rally Championship (ARC) leader Neal Bates’ workshop in Canberra, which will be hosted by none other than Bates himself.
“I believe that we really need to support our up and coming Australian rally drivers,” said Bates.
“Rallying is a very involved sport and we are happy to pass on any information that may help their progress to the top. We are looking forward to showing them around our workshop.”
With two rounds of the ARC down and four to go, Victoria’s Glen Raymond is the program’s highest ranking ARC point scorer to date, currently sitting 8th in the overall standings.
“It’s nice to be at the pointy end but we have had a few hiccups along the way,” said Raymond.
“However, it is thanks to the CAMS Rally Driver Development program that I have been able to persevere when problems present themselves and just narrow my focus to finishing the event. I’m looking forward to heading back to the AIS and continuing my development.”
South Australian young gun Mitchell Hall is also keen to head back to the nation’s capital to further his development.
“I am specifically looking forward to our lecture on heat exhaustion with Rally Queensland coming up soon, as well as furthering my knowledge of ways to enhance my endurance and concentration in racing conditions.”
Also attending next week’s camp is Queensland circuit driver Victoria Whitley. Whitley, who is currently competing in the Australian Formula Ford Championship is excited about heading back to Canberra.
“The knowledge and tools learnt at the AIS through the CAMS Driver Development Program are absolutely invaluable. I am particularly looking forward to the psychology sessions as I am continually learning ways to gain a psychological advantage over my on-track rivals.”
The three day camp in Canberra will see the squad take part in an intense itinerary of physical and mental activities designed so the participants can use the strategies learnt from these throughout their driving careers.
CAMS CEO Graham Fountain confirmed “these development camps are a clear indication of our renewed organisational focus on sport and club development, particularly involving the grass roots level, women and youth participation.
“In partnership with the AMSF, whose focus is on the elite level of driver development, we continue to strive towards building a stronger and therefore successful sport in Australia,” said Fountain.
CAMS Rally Driver Development Program: Glen Raymond, Paul Batten, Mitchell Hall, Brenton Kaitler, Nathan Quinn
CAMS Women’s Driver Development Program: Molly Taylor, Victoria Whitley
*Note: The next camp for the CAMS Off Road Driver Development Program will take place in August.
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