Driver development in Australian motor sport is set to benefit from a more active involvement by the sports’ peak body with the appointment by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) of former V8 driver and CAMS Ambassador Cameron McConville as Driver Development Manager.
McConville will be responsible for developing and implementing a program which is expected improve the identification and nurturing of our talented younger drivers. The new appointment will encompass everything from reviewing world’s best practice in driver development and creating a motor sport equivalent of a high performance academy that is now common place in major sports around the world.
CAMS Chief Executive Eugene Arocca says CAMS new approach to driver development can only add to the achievements of the CAMS Rising Stars programme and the efforts of the Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF), which aims to assist talented young Australian drivers reach the pinnacle of world motor sport.
“This new approach is about taking driver development to the next level. It is incredibly important that CAMS, as the custodian of Australian motor sport, does everything possible to find and support our future champions. We believe that having someone of Cameron McConville’s calibre and experience will be extremely beneficial to young drivers and the great sport that they are attempting to excel in.” Mr Arocca said.
The driver development role will be carried out in collaboration with the AMSF and the appointment has the support of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).
“CAMS will be working very closely with the AIS in taking this important and expected initiative on driver development to a standard never before seen in this country.” Said Arocca.
McConville says he is looking forward to playing an even greater role with CAMS and young drivers of Australia. He sees as vital the continual emergence of Australian talent with the right tools to see their potential realised on the Australian or World stage.
“We have Mark Webbers, Daniel Ricciardos, Will Powers and a Rally star in Molly Taylor right now, but we want to ensure that the stream of talent behind them is continual, nurtured and developed.”
McConville added “”This is something I truly believe in. From the fitness element right through to talent recognition and mentoring. I can’t wait to get involved with our young talent and play a role in helping the motor sport stars of the future.”
McConville has already played an important part in the 2013 AMSF Elite Driver Development Camp and will be lead instructor when CAMS stages the Asia-Pacific selection event of the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy in Sydney in October.
