Eight race and rally competitors aged 16-24 are following in the footsteps of drivers including Hayden Paddon and Shane Van Gisbergen at the Elite Motorsport Academy camp at the University of Otago School of Physical Education.
Motorsport New Zealand trustee Lyall Williamson said the athletes would be tested on strength, endurance, flexibility, heat stress tolerance, reaction time, visual abilities and muscle balance at the camp, which had been run for more than 10 years.
The athletes were a mix of drivers and navigators, and all would be tested under trying conditions, including driving simulators in 42degC and 60% humidity while wearing their full gear.
''Some of the best drivers from New Zealand that you see racing now have gone through the camp.
''They are taught how to speak to media, mental training and how to pitch different proposals for sponsorship,'' Mr Williamson said.
The highly competitive world of motorsport meant it did not matter how good the athlete was, if they were not well rounded they would not make it internationally, he said.
Race driver Arran Crighton (19), of Auckland, said the camp had been intense, but beneficial.
''There are so many diff-erent aspects to motor racing besides driving.
''I'm now thinking about analysis of data, diet and preparation.''
He had competed in the Formula Ford Championship for the past four seasons and would incorporate what he had learnt at the camp, particularly about diet, into future race preparations.
The athletes would be offered ongoing race and health analysis for the next 12 months.
Otago Academy of Sport manager Michael Coutts said the camp offered one of the closest insights young racers could get into the world of professional motorsport.
The camp finishes on Saturday.
