Elite Motorsport Academy
In June 2004, in association with MotorSport NZ, ASI hosted what's believed to be the world's first elite driver academy of its kind. As a pilot programme the resources of the University of Otago and ASI were combined to lift the performance of New Zealand's ten most promising circuit and rally drivers. They were aged from 16 to 23 - three women, seven men - some already well known in motor sport, and with international experience.
The week-long programme covered topics ranging from media skills to musculo-skeletal testing, nutrition to sponsorship presentations. Very different from any other high performance, motor sport training programme, as at no time were the participants behind the wheel of a race car. The closest they got was at the University of Otago's Human Performance Centre being tested under simulated racing conditions in a specially designed heat chamber.
In June 2005 another ten promising young circuit or rally drivers entered the week-long, elite academy course. Their ages ranged between 15 to 25, two female, seven male.
The curriculum was similar to the first but, thanks to the latest technology, with additions such as the University's Wombat software. This tested their decision-making ability while being confronted with several information sources at the same time.
A long-term contract with MotorSport New Zealand has been signed and planning for the 2006 Elite Academy is well in hand.