Following a successful pilot of the program in 2008, the AMSF will run an expanded program in 2009 to include the rally discipline, with applications now open until August 29, 2008.
The aim of the Program is to manage and develop selected Australian drivers participating internationally, who are aiming to compete at the pinnacle of their chosen motor sport discipline.
AMSF General Manager Quentin Crombie indicated that there would be a number of major changes for the 2009 Program.
“We intend to build on the success of 2008 and make the Program better for next year’s participants,” said Crombie.
“Some of those key enhancements include the allocation of suitable mentors to the drivers and early selection of the squad to allow for driver/team contracts to be executed in a timelier manner.
“We are also pleased to be able to offer one of up to four spots to a promising young rally driver who is looking to launch their international career.”
The Program has been designed to enable the AMSF to play an active role in the development and management of drivers racing internationally. This includes forming alliances with the leading racing teams in Europe and other locations outside Australia, as well as providing access to leading sports psychologists, physiologists, driver coaches, mentors and other support services.
"With this Program, we feel very confident that we can maximise the chances of getting our drivers to the pinnacle of motor sport in an efficient and effective manner," said Crombie.
With a significant number of races still to be completed, the Program has already enjoyed significant success in its debut year with two of the four Program participants achieving race victories. At the junior end of international competition, Tim Blanchard already has two victories in the British Formula Ford Championship and is on track to finish second overall.
At the senior end, James Davison recently won his first race in the Indy Lights Series, which is the feeder category to the IndyCar Series where Ryan Briscoe and previous AMSF graduate, Will Power, are currently competing.
Other Program participants in 2008 include previous CAMS Rising Star graduates John Martin and Ashley Walsh, who are participating in the highly competitive British Formula 3 International Series and Formula Renault 2.0 Western European Cup respectively.
Applications for the 2009 AMSF International Rising Star Program are now open and close on Friday 29 August 2008. Please visit amsf.org.au for further information and to download the application form.
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