Established in 1994, the WWC Driver Development Program has been the most comprehensive educational and training program of its kind. It’s purpose being to provide information and training for female racecar drivers who have demonstrated success on track and have a desire to pursue a career in professional motorsports. This year the Foundation has taken steps to move this ground breaking program to the next level. Drawing upon 14 years of experience, the Driver Development Program has been expanded from a four day experience for participants to a full year commitment including four “onsite” weekends. The redesign creates the opportunity for participants to apply the knowledge they gain with support from Foundation staff and includes a level of accountability for completing each Phase.

It is the intent of this program to identify potential champion drivers as well as create an experience that will present tools useful in furthering the careers in motorsports and enhancing the lives of race car drivers on and off the track.

Phase One:  Fitness and Mental Preparation

November 16-18, 2007
Phoenix, Arizona
Cost:  $500

Learning: 
This weekend will be focused on the physical and mental preparation that is required of a champion driver.  Drivers will experience a workout and learn how to develop an effective fitness plan.  They will undergo physical testing to create a baseline for improvement in the coming months.  The group will gain knowledge in preparing the mind for competition and will receive MindShaper Software to be used as a tool in improving mental skills such as speed of processing and reaction time. 

This year’s program will be held at Athlete’s Performance Center in Tempe, Arizona.  Dr. Jacques Dallaire of Performance Prime (formerly of Human Performance International) will address mental performance and the trainers of Athlete’s Performance will address physical readiness.

Experience: 
Each driver will be expected to follow a workout plan and keep a logbook of their activities.  They will also be expected to practice the Mindshaper software.  Program staff will be available for questions and mentoring.

Deliverable: 
Drivers will check in with program staff regarding their logbooks and workout routine throughout the months between onsite weekends.  Improvement must be demonstrated in both the physical testing and Mindshaper scores at the March onsite.

Phase Two:  Business Seminars and Media Training

March 2008 (2 days, date TBD)
Cost:  $500

Requirements:
Drivers will repeat the physical testing that was done in Phase One and must demonstrate a commitment to continue with the program.  They also must show diligence in maintaining their logbooks and Mindshaper scores. 

Learning:
In this part of the program participants will receive training in various aspects of working with the media, including such things as interviewing, writing press releases, and making speeches.  This section will also include seminars on “The Business of Racing” and “The Brand YOU” with topics such as sponsorship and financial planning.

Experience:
Drivers will be asked to make a contact and give a presentation to a potential supporter.  They will also be required to create a distribution list of interested parties to send updates, press releases and newsletters regarding their racing updates.  Program staff will be available for questions and mentoring.

Deliverable:
Program staff will be on distribution list.  Drivers will send a report to program staff about their experience of the sponsor presentation.

Phase Three:  On Track and Technical

Tenatively Scheduled for June 9 & 10
Location is TBA
Cost:  $500

Requirements:
All Deliverables from previous Phases must be complete and satisfactory.

Learning / Experience:
This will include both time on track and time focusing on the technical aspects of the sport.  Further details will be announced soon.

Deliverable:
Drivers will gain seat time in a variety of vehicles and be able to demonstrate skills learned in the mental prep part of phase one.  LSJ staff will have an opportunity to observe the participants skill and demeanor in a track situation.

Phase Four:  Review and Graduation

Time and Place – TBD
Cost:  No Program Charge

Requirements:
Successful completion of the previous three phases. 

Experience:
This Phase is planned to coincide with the Phase One of the 2008-2009 program.  Participants will give speeches, complete physical testing, and review program material.

Deliverable:
Program complete!  Measured and tangible results achieved.