Tasman launch 'Search for a Superstar' initiative.

A guaranteed test in a genuine V8 Supercar is the prize that awaits the winner of an exciting new grassroots development initiative launched this week by Tasman Inner Circle Rum Motorsport and XCELLERATE Sports Management.

Tasman and XCELLERATE will present the 2005 Tasman Motorsport 'Search For A V8 Superstar', a contest open to competitors in the 2005 NSW Formula Ford Championship.

Next year's competition winner - after the series' six rounds have been held at Eastern Creek, Oran Park and Wakefield Park - will be invited to step into a Tasman Motorsport Holden V8 Supercar for a fully supervised test day.

Tasman Motorsport general manager Jon Matthews said the team, which will shift its home base from Sydney to Melbourne later this month, wanted to leave behind a developmental legacy after being Sydney's only V8 Supercar operation for several years.

"It's good to be able to put something back into the sport whenever you can, and this is something we're very comfortable about," he said. "Many of the younger guys get involved in the sport with the dream of one day being invited to drive a V8 Supercar. We want to bring that dream a step closer and who knows - we might uncover a star in the making."

Series promoter Wensley Carroll, of XCELLERATE Sports Management, said the initiative was an extension of the series charter to help promising drivers make the step to the next level.

"This form of racing is all about giving talented drivers a leg-up to get noticed in higher forms of the sport, and this opportunity being offered by Tasman Motorsport is certainly in keeping with that," he said. "The beauty of this alliance is that it brings together two parties who very much have the interests of young motorsport drivers at heart."

The 2004 NSW Formula Ford champion, Joel Spychala, said the announcement of the 2005 Tasman Motorsport 'Search For A V8 Superstar' was almost enticement enough to contest the state series again in 2005.

"I've competed in the NSW series for the past two years and we've set ourselves to contest the national series next year, but a V8 Supercar drive is what I'm working towards so it is pretty tempting," the 22-year-old said. "I'm sure it will bring more guys from interstate into the NSW series who have the same sort of ambition as me. You have to go overseas if you're going to drive open-wheelers at the top level so being able to take a very positive step towards the V8 Supercars is just a great opportunity.

"At this level of the sport you get home from the racetrack and look at your bank balance and think, 'what am I doing this for?' but if you've got a prize such as the one Tasman Motorsport is offering, it makes it all worthwhile if you're moving towards it."