Elite Motorsport Academy
The School of Physical Education, in partnership with The Motorsport New Zealand Scholarship Trust and NZ Academy of Sport South Island, delivers a tailored high performance driver academy to the rising talent of NZ motorsport.
The programme, having been initiated in 2004, focuses on equipping the drivers with the skills required to cope with the intense demands of world-class motorsport competition. Selected drivers are immersed in the world of high performance sport, being exposed to disciplines such as physiology, mental skills training, nutrition, media training and life management skills during an introductory week-long camp.
Graduates of the camp gain access to a two- year, individually specific, programme of support services, including an additional two day graduate camp, at the completion of year one, which allows for further upskilling and reassessments.
During the programme held in Dunedin, the Academy drivers are put through their paces in a series of challenging physical and mental tests and attend several educational seminars developed by the School of PE – all designed to help them reach the peak of their potential. Most of the training days run from 7am through to 9pm so it is always a real test of stamina not only for the drivers but for all staff involved!
Academy drivers must have a very high standard of physical and mental fitness prior to commencing the challenging programme, which demands that participants have the mental capacity that are equal to or better than those of fighter pilots.
As well as attracting high profile national media attention, the Academy has now become an internationally recognised event which highlights the prominent status the programme has achieved over the past five years.
Previous graduates of the Motorsport Academy read like a who’s who of the current crop of NZ’s leading drivers, from both Rally and Circuit racing disciplines. Past graduates include Brendon Hartley, Shane Van Gisbergen, Hayden Paddon and Emma Gilmour.
For more information click on:
