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.
For 2010 The Trust also created the opportunity for a competitor from KartSport New Zealand to also seek a place in the annual programme.
In addition the Trust were empowered to provide a tailored 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.
Approximately four weeks before the camp and again on arrival "in camp" attendees undertake physical fitness assessments. The testing ensures the drivers have completed the pre camp training required and will be capable of completing the weeks activities.
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, sponsorship proposal preparation, reading and understanding data 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 tour a range of the Academy programmes to gain an insight as to what has been undertaken during the week.
Dates for 2013 are 1st - 7th July 2013