After three challenging days at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the CAMS Off Road Driver Development squad have returned to their home states to concentrate on increasing their fitness levels and work on other strategies to maximise their individual abilities on the track.

Travis Milburn (25), Luke Erceg (25) and Clayton Chapman (17) make up the squad who travelled to the AIS in Canberra last week. The group participated in physiological testing, a media skills workshop and met one-on-one with a Sports Psychologist amongst other activities.

Although the program is made up of three very long and physically-demanding days, the group remained completely focussed on developing their skills during their stay.

“I had a fantastic time at the AIS. I learnt a lot about my body, fitness level and the many components that I can work on to give me a competitive edge,” said Erceg.

“I will definitely be doing everything I learnt in those three days to increase my fitness level between now and the next camp, should I be selected, and also to aid in our assault of the 2009 National Championship.”

The squad’s youngest member, Queensland’s Clayton Chapman, has had a remarkable year in 2008 achieving his first Australian Off Road Championship Production 4WD class win at the Sunraysia 500, as well as being selected for the Off Road DDP.

“It’s been a great year for me and we have achieved a lot more than we expected to in 12 months,” Chapman said.

“The facilities at the AIS were very impressive. We had a lot of fun and learnt a lot at the same time.”

Amongst many other things, the squad learnt the importance of hydration and the negative effects that dehydration can have on their concentration levels therefore affecting their driving skills. The squad was also treated to practical recovery sessions in the AIS’ new recovery centre where the trio alternated between a 14-degree plunge pool and a 38-degree spa pool following intense training sessions.

“The recovery sessions were a real eye-opener for us all,” said Erceg.

“We all knew that exercise and fitness were important for endurance racing, but had no idea that the recovery would be such a benefit in between sections and after a long race. Although it was painfully tough to slide into the plunge pool, we all felt a lot better and revived after each recovery session.”

South Australian Milburn, the only member to attend the camp previously, was pleased to be back at the world-class facilities after a season of highs and lows in the AORC.

“The camp has been tailored for drivers, and the staff at the AIS in conjunction with CAMS has definitely been doing their homework on what it is that we need from these camps.” he said.

“Every lecture that we attended was relevant to us as off road drivers, and the knowledge that we have gained from these is invaluable. I certainly hope to be back next year and will focus on increasing my fitness levels in the off season”.

The three young drivers will now focus on finishing their respective seasons on a high note before putting all their commitment into their 2009 championship attacks.

CAMS would like to thank the Australian Government via the Australian Sports Commission for its continuing support of CAMS’ Driver Development Programs.

Source: CAMS website