2010 AMSF International Rising Stars

Taylor, Pye and Kovacic announced as 2010 AMSF International Rising Stars

The Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) has today announced that Molly Taylor, Scott Pye and James Kovacic have been selected to represent the AMSF International Rising Star Program in 2010.

2009 AMSF International Rising Star and World Rally aspirant Molly Taylor, 21, has been rewarded for her impressive results with a second year in the program. Taylor's 2009 campaign in the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup couldn't have started any better, with Taylor victorious in the first two rounds of the season. Taylor maintained her steely resolve and competitive edge throughout the season, however encountered mechanical problems in the final round and was forced to retire; all but dashing her 2009 championship hopes.

In 2010 Taylor will compete in the Citroen Racing Trophy in Europe, and is motivated to continue her rise through the international rallying ranks.

"I am extremely excited and honoured to have the continued support from the AMSF in 2010. Spending 2009 in the UK has been a great opportunity for me and allowed me to develop a good foundation from which to build on in 2010," Taylor said.

"My goal is to be competing in the World Rally Championship and with the AMSF behind me I am able to keep moving towards this target."

For 2009 CAMS Rising Star Scott Pye, a third place in this year's Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship showed the will, resolve and winning attitude that is required on the international motor sport stage. Pye was very consistent in 2009, finishing every race in the CAMS Rising Star Spectrum and was rarely seen outside the frontrunners.

Pye is no stranger to the AMSF International Rising Star colours, competing in the 2009 Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand with the assistance of the program. Pye finished third in the final standings of the championship; while also winning the International Trophy and finishing runner-up in the chase for the rookie of the year award.

2010 presents Pye the opportunity to break into the European categories and display his talent on the world stage.

"It's fantastic to be selected as a 2010 AMSF International Rising Star, I have been involved in the scholarship since 2007 so I am excited to continue the partnership further," Pye said.

"I would like to thank the AMSF for believing in me enough to continue to support me in my campaign to someday race Formula One".

"I will be hoping to compete in the 2010 UK Formula Renault 2.0 Championship and do Australia proud.

"2009 was a very successful year for Australians overseas and I feel confident I can continue that success with a good season in Renault in 2010." Sixteen year old James Kovacic has shown the world this year that he is ready to step up to the next level of his short but rewarding international career. Competing in the 2009 Formula BMW Americas series, Kovacic showed a lot of pace and secured his maiden victory, as well as five podiums along the way.

As an AMSF International Rising Star, Kovacic will be competing in the 2010 Star Mazda series in the USA and is already preparing for the season ahead.

Kovacic has an impressive karting resume, with a national championship win in the Junior National Light category in 2007 and countless state titles. The prospect of Kovacic extending his already impressive reputation through the AMSF International Rising Star Program is something he feels is crucial to his future.

"The AMSF International Rising Star Program will definitely help me to progress further and bring home some championships. With this fantastic support not only financially but in all aspects of motor sport, the AMSF will definitely give me an advantage against some of my competitors," Kovacic said.

"I hope to represent the AMSF and the International Rising Star name with pride and success. The opportunity offered to me is a dream come true and my ultimate dream to race in F1 and represent Australia, the AMSF and all of my sponsors and supporters is now one step closer."

The AMSF International Rising Star Program was established in 2008 to ensure talented young Australian drivers reach their potential on the international motor sport stage. The aim of the Program is to manage and develop selected Australian drivers participating internationally, who are aiming to compete at the pinnacle of their chosen motor sport discipline. Previous drivers who have received funding and support through the AMSF International Rising Star Program include Daniel Ricciardo, James Davison, Will Power, Will Davison, Daniel Erickson and John Martin.

-credit: cams