CAMS Driver Development Squad Return From AIS

Author: Janah McLean

Following three physically demanding days at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the CAMS Rally and Women’s Driver Development Program participants have now returned home to prepare for the remainder of their respective seasons.

As well as psychology, nutrition and a broad range of other lectures following up from those undertaken at the earlier camp, the squad also took part in some intense physiological testing conducted by the AIS Physiology department. In addition to routine skin fold and the beep test participants were subject to some more in depth testing this time round.

“We were all asked to run a series of sprints which were timed in splits as well as doing some timed push ups, sit ups, jumps and grip testing all of which were required as part of a new study being conducted by the AIS” said Victorian rally driver Paul Batten. “The extra testing gave us a good indication of our strength in the muscles that we use driving. The AIS Physiology team were really interested in our sport, and it showed in their coaching. Hopefully with the skills learnt we will someday be able to take on Neal Bates and his famous one handed push ups”.

After a busy first day the squad headed to Hume where they were treated to a workshop tour by current Australian Rally Championship (ARC) leader, TRD’s Neal Bates. “It was awesome to spend time at Neal's workshop but also to hear about his rise through the rallying ranks. He has a really positive can-do attitude and clearly that has paid off for him. I certainly hope that we can all follow in his footsteps” said Team BK’s Brenton Kaitler.

The most physically demanding session of the camp this time was the Strength and Conditioning practical which was held over two days. Conducted in the AIS Gymnasium the squad was pushed to their limits by AIS trainers. “Of all that we were put through over the three days, the strength and conditioning exercises were definitely the most difficult to endure” stated Glen Raymond.

The sessions started with some upper body and strength based exercises and led on to some interval training. “There were times where I really thought that I was going to have to stop however, I somehow powered through. It’s amazing what you can do when you are really pushed to your limits” Glen enthused.

CAMS CEO Graham Fountain was pleased with the success of the 2008 CAMS Driver Development Program’s and commented that “The participants attending these camps in 2008 have each proven that they are worthy of their selection onto the squad and I commend the obvious efforts that they have made towards achieving their motor sport career ambitions. These camps are a clear indication of CAMS commitment to grass roots level competitors, women, youth and sport and club development, in particular involving disciplines other than circuit racing. We look forward to the seeing the ongoing success of the Rally and Women Driver Development Squad members in 2009.”

2008 Rally Driver Development Sqaud
Nathan Quinn (NSW)
Brenton Kaitler (Vic)
Paul Batten (Vic)
Mitchell Hall (SA)
Glen Raymond (Vic)

2008 Women Driver Development Squad
Molly Taylor (NSW)
Victoria Whitley (Qld)

*Note: The next camp for the CAMS Off Road Driver Development Program will take place in August

Article courtesy of www.rally.com.au