Nissan Motorsport will reward a driver from this year’s inaugural CAMS Jayco Australian Formula 4 Championship with a test in one of its V8 Supercars.

Team co-owners Rick and Todd Kelly, who is also backed by Jayco, will hand pick a driver to undertake the test at the end of the seven-round season.

The test is in addition to the prizes already set out by CAMS, which will see the championship winner receive a Formula 3 test with Carlin Motorsport.

The second, third and fourth place-getters will meanwhile receive support to sample Dunlop Series V8 Supercars.

The F4 Championship is set to kick-off in Townsville this weekend, with all of its rounds supporting the V8 Supercars Championship.

The Kellys are now both V8 Supercars veterans having graduated through Formula Ford and the now defunct Formula Holden on their way to the tin-top category.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to have a hand in trying to bring the next generation of drivers through the ranks,” said Todd Kelly.

“Developing young talent is something that Rick and I are passionate about, considering the hard work that we went through to become professional racing drivers.

“We know better than most the money, equipment and commitment that is needed to have a decent crack at a career in this game.

“We’ve tried a few different ways of giving young drivers a chance and this is another opportunity for us to be involved in the development of a future star.”

As the Kellys were both helped into V8 Supercars by the Holden Young Lions program, Rick says he’s always wanted to be able to use his own team to help young talent.

“When Todd and I started the business, we always had a keen interest in having a development program to allow young guys and girls the same opportunity that we had in our early years,” said Rick Kelly.

“It’s exciting that Jayco shares the same passion for youth development and we’re looking forward to working with them in conjunction with its commitment to Formula 4.

“We are excited that a company like Jayco are looking to invest in young driver talent. Jayco has some great sporting programs nationally and it’s pleasing to see that motorsport is becoming a key part of their plans.

“It’s great to watch some of the young guys that we’ve helped in the past move forward, and we look forward to doing the same with one guy that we select from F4.”