MotorSport New Zealand - Scholarships

ACADEMY OVERVIEW:
MotorSport New Zealand Inc in following its Strategic Plan “Towards 2010” empowered the MotorSport NZ Scholarship Trust with establishing an Elite MotorSport Academy in 2004 to provide annually a one-week intensive “in camp” programme of physical and educational training assistance package to MotorSport NZ recognised Race or Rally competitors who have already demonstrated the ability to excel in their chosen motorsport discipline.

In addition the Trust were empowered to provide a tailored twenty four month follow up package for the elite academy graduates to ensure they retain and further develop the training regimes and educational opportunities demonstrated “in camp’. This programme has now developed into the Graduates Development Programme.

Those chosen [up to nine per annum] to attend live “in camp” for the duration of the Elite Academy and in addition to the personal development thrust of the programmes also undertake a number of team building activities. These team building activities are allocated point scores with recognition at the end of the camp to the team scoring the highest.

On arrival “in camp” attendees undertake physical fitness assessments. The testing not only guarantees the drivers have completed the pre camp training required that will ensure they are capable of completing the weeks activities, but also provides them with a benchmark, allowing comparisons with other world class motor racing drivers.

Workshops covering mental skills training, decision making, managing heat stress and correct hydration, nutrition, public speaking/media skills, creating the ideal team environment, performance planning as well as daily physical training routines provide an all encompassing week of learning designed to test and sometimes stretch attendees mental and physical limits.

On the last afternoon of the week parents, sponsors and friends are invited to attend the graduation ceremony plus gain an insight as to the programme.

ACADEMY PROVIDERS:
The MotorSport NZ Scholarship Trust contracts the New Zealand Academy of Sport South Island to organise and oversee the Academy programmes.

The New Zealand Academy of Sport: South Island (ASI) is one of two designated “centre’s of excellence” recognised by SPARC, the Government Agency for Sport and Recreation in New Zealand. Established in the year 2000, ASI provides services and support to elite and emerging athletes and their coaches as part of their overall performance enhancement programme. This includes sports science and medical support, career and education services, technology, training advice, and coaching support, packaged in a way that compliments their sports specific programme.

Otago University particularly their Human Performance Centre and senior lecturers also play an important role working in conjunction with ASI utilizing an extensive array of services equipment and facilities.

SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand) are a vital link to a further range of services and also provide, via MotorSport NZ, financial support to the Academies Graduate Development programme.

ELITE ACADEMY GRADUATES:
Since the introduction of the Elite MotorSport Academy in 2004 the following competitors have graduated.

Class of 2004 graduates:
Tim Edgell: Auckland;
Nelson Hartley; Palmerston North;
Andrew Knight; Christchurch;
Taryn Kugener; Nelson;
Tim Martin: Auckland;
Christina Orr; Whakatane;
Chris Pither; Palmerston North;
Sara Randall; Bulls;
Mark Tapper; Auckland;
Shane Watkin; Auckland

Class of 2005 graduates:
Lee-Anne Barnes, Auckland;
Daniel Gaunt, Auckland:
Emma Gilmour, Dunedin;
Matthew Hamilton, Christchurch;
Ben Harford, Wellington;
Brendon Hartley, Palmerston North;
Andrew Higgins, Auckland,
James Holder, Auckland;
Shane Van Gisbergen, Auckland.

Class of 2006 graduates:
Michael Bristow, Pukekohe:
Grant Crosby, Papamoa Beach;
Nic Jordan, Cambridge;
Erin Kyle, Palmerston North;
Sam MacNeill, Palmerston North;
Hayden Paddon, Geraldine:
Marc Russ, Auckland;
Andrew Waite, Auckland;
Mark Williams, New Plymouth;
Lance Hastie (journalist) Palmerston North

Class of 2007 graduates:
Earl Bamber, Wanganui;
Jonathan Lester, Taupo;
Caine Lobb, Christchurch;
Richard Moore, Auckland;
Anthony Pedersen, Rotorua;
Dominic Storey, Auckland;
Dean Sumner, Rotorua;
Greg Teece, Nelson;
Alastair Wootten, Auckland.

Class of 2008 graduates:
Michael Burdett, Auckland:
Sloan Cox, Rotorua:
Kieran Hall, Nelson;
Courtney Letica, Auckland;
Patrick Malley, Auckland;
Kirsty Nelson, Northland;
Richie Stanaway, Tauranga;
Stefan Webling, Taranaki;
John Whelan, Dunedin

ELITE MOTORSPORT ACADEMY APPLICATION PROCESS

(c) To the level of physical fitness prescribed [refer item fitness prerequisites] prior to arrival in Dunedin, and

(d) Prepared to undergo a complete medical examination prior to attending the camp and allowing the outcomes of the medical to be transmitted to the Director of Human Performance Centre: School of Physical Education; University of Otago, and

(e) Able to provide a time commitment to attending and participating in the package or packages arranged as part of the Elite Academy, and

(f) Furnish reports on outcomes achieved as and when required by The MotorSport NZ Scholarship Trust and MotorSport New Zealand Inc.

(2) Applications for the 2009 Elite MotorSport Academy open 1st September 2008 and close 5.00pm Friday 20th March 2009.

(3) Applicants (or persons on their behalf) are expected to complete an application form, which is forwarded to a judging panel that consider all applications, conduct interviews where deemed appropriate, and determines a successful applicant.

(4) The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Whilst the Elite MotorSport Academy is open to all competitors it is envisaged that persons between the ages of sixteen and thirty-five will be better equipped to gain the best advantage. Not withstanding these comments the judges may consider applications from applicants outside these age groups.

FITNESS PREREQUISITES

(1) The Elite Academy will not be a holiday camp and all successful applicants will be required to have a good level of fitness prior to arrival at the camp.

Competitors selected for the 2009 Elite Academy are accepted on condition that they will be at the required pre entry fitness levels prior to the commencement of the Elite Academy.

The Academy of Sport South Island will establish tests regionally for the selected applicants to attend. Failure to pass these tests could mean exclusion from the Elite Academy.

(2) It is generally acknowledged that a top motorsport competitor will maintain a fitness level of being able to pass a test at any time of;

*1.5 mile run either on a track (6 laps of 400m track) or treadmill. In less than 9 minutes 15 seconds.
*Beep test. Of ^^level 12, shuttle 5 or more.

Notes:
* These tests are maximal and should only be attempted by those in very good physical shape.
^^ For applicants the minimum beep test level is 9

For all Academy applicants the following fitness regime should be achievable.

Muscular endurance:
2 minute push up test:
This test will give you an indication of your chest, shoulder and triceps endurance. The idea is to complete as many push-ups in a 2-minute period. You can rest at anytime during the test (you cannot though move your hands) by dropping onto your knees. You must take the elbow to the right angle for the push up to count, best to use a friend to adjudicate and take the time. You are looking for a minimum of 50 push-ups in the 2-minute test.

2 minute sit up test:
This test will give you an indication of your core endurance. The idea is to complete as many sit-ups in a 2-minute period. You can rest at anytime during the test. You will need someone to hold you feet and you must have a bent knee. Your arms need to be folded across your chest with your hands resting on your shoulders. The sit up does not count if you do not return your shoulders to the floor after each sit up, if you lift your arms off of your chest or if you lift your hips off the ground. You are looking for a minimum of 50 sit-ups in the 2-minute test.

Flexibility:
Sit and reach:
Do this simple flexibility test after you have completed the fitness test, you will be nice and warm and will get a true indication of your flexibility levels. This test will look at you hamstring and lower back flexibility. Sitting on your bottom place your bare feet onto a wall straight out in front of you. Keeping your knees on the floor coming forward with a straight back with your hands stretched out in front and see if you can touch the wall. You need to hold the stretch for 2 seconds; this stops you from bouncing the stretch and thus cheating. You are looking to be able to touch the wall.
If you are currently doing very little in the physical conditioning area we would advise getting some professional guidance. This could be through you nearest Academy of Sport or local respected gymnasium. Remember you are training to be an athlete not a body-builder.

You should strive to achieve a minimum of 3-5 hours a week on physical conditioning (both upper body strength endurance and general aerobic activity). There is no expectation that you should achieve the standards indicated above by June, merely they should give you a reality check with where you are at and where you need to strive to be. As an absolute minimum you should be able to maintain form and complete 20 press-ups, 30 sit-ups and run/cycle/swim continuously for 45 minutes at a comfortable level.

HOW TO APPLY

All Applicants:
(1) Read the following detail then click on the link below which takes you directly into the online application form.
You must complete and submit Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3 immediately to register your interest.
You then need to complete all of the remaining sections and submit the form [by clicking on the provided final submission button prior to the stated closing date for applications] to complete the application.
You are able to edit the content in Sections 1, 2, 3 after the initial registration of interest…but once you submit ALL Sections, you cannot edit your submission again.

(2) The application form asks a number of questions aimed at providing a detailed insight of the applicant’s achievements to date and what is hoped to be achieved in the future.

The more information that is provided through the questions, to the judges in assessing each applicants abilities, the better chance they will have of making a soundly based decision of the best recipient.

(3) Completing an application should not be a difficult or onerous task if you [the applicant] follow these guidelines;

(a) Read through the application form and these notes to get a feel of what the judges will be looking for.

(b) Draft a response to each question on a separate sheet of paper then review what you have written, grouping your responses into a logical sequence. When you are satisfied then complete the final copy of each answer.

(c) If MotorSport NZ does not already hold a head and shoulders photo of yourself – you will need an electronic photo available to upload as part of the registration of interest.

Recommendation: It is advisable to complete the application and submit it as soon as possible after the application opening date.
This gives the Judging Panel a greater opportunity of researching and assessing the application.
You can always send further result information in for consideration immediately prior to the closing date for applications

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

The 2009 Elite MotorSport Academy applications close at 5.00pm Friday 20th March 2009

NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION FOR FINAL REVIEW OR INTERVIEW

Applicants selected for final review or interview will be advised by telephone or email soon after the closing date.

The Judging Panel will conduct all interviews in Auckland. All costs involved with attendance at the interview are the applicants care.

AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT

The successful applicants for attendance at the 2009 Elite Academy will be the subjects of a media announcement usually as part of the MotorSport NZ Annual Awards Dinner in May.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

The applicants selected for the 2009 Elite MotorSport Academy will;
(a) Attend the Elite Academy camp in Dunedin, scheduled for the first week in July, all accommodation and meals provided and travel to and from Dunedin (refer Note 1), and

(b) Participate in a specifically tailored follow up programme over the following twenty-four months.

Note:
The Trust will arrange air travel for all attendees requiring such up to a maximum of $500.00 per attendee. Any attendee not requiring air travel but based more than 100km from Dunedin will be paid a travel allowance up to a maximum of $500.00 per attendee on presentation of a travel claim complete with all receipts.

With special thanks to SPARC the Trust in August 2008 was able to launch this enhanced follow up programme for Academy graduates.

Graduates are admitted to the programme on graduation from an Elite Academy. The graduate development programme [GDP] consists of two parts, individual performance development options and a two day refresher camp to review progress plus reaffirm training options.

The programme is established for two years commencing 1st August annually and concluding on the 30th July two years there after.

The GDP will be monitored by ASI on at least a two monthly basis to ensure those currently in the programme;

Individual performance development options
At the conclusion of all Elite MotorSport Academies those graduating are offered a range of services available regionally on subjects such as mental skills training, decision making, nutrition, public speaking/media skills, creating the ideal team environment, performance planning as well as daily physical training routines. The Trust provides a moderate amount of funding to cover the agreed individual programmes.

Two day refresher camp
Soon after the annual Elite Academy graduates of the previous years Elite MotorSport Academy having completed successfully year one of their individual performance plans will come together in Wellington for a two day refresher programme. This refresher will enable the second year programme of services to be discussed and outcomes decided plus introduce new options or reinforce existing services available to the graduates.
[Note: this would be the nine graduating less any who had failed to meet all the agreed outcomes of the first year allocation]