For the first time, Australia's brightest young drivers will be able to nominate themselves to be considered for the 2006 CAMS Rising Star program. Details of the new selection process were announced today by CAMS.

Launched in 2005 following a successful pilot year in 2004, the CAMS Rising Star program aims to identify and fast-track the development of young Australian drivers from the junior competition ranks to national and international competition through clearly defined and supported pathways.

The self-nomination process has been introduced to encourage Australia's young driving talent to be proactive in their pursuit of an international career.

Drivers wishing to nominate for the 2006 program must meet specific assessment criteria including age, past driver performance and the ability to provide an operational budget at least equal to the CAMS contribution.

A short-list of standout nominees will be ranked by an expert advisory panel comprising industry representatives, promoters, journalists, administrators and current drivers (including ex-karters).

The successful 2006 squad members will be announced in early October with the final driver selection taking place later that month following a Rising Star selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and an on-track evaluation day at Wakefield Park in New South Wales.

The nomination deadline is 14 September 2005. For further information on the selection criteria and to download the 2006 nomination form, please visit www.cams.com.au/go/risingstar

CAMS would like to thank the Australian Sports Commission, Aon, the Australian Motor Sport Foundation, Borland Racing Developments, Mark Webber and Blue Gum Clothing for its support of the CAMS Rising Star program.