Aspiring racer Cameron Shields will receive a Sport Australia Hall of Fame mentorship starting in 2019.
Currently on triple-duty in the CAMS Payce Australian Formula 4 Championship, Australian Formula 3 Premier Series, and Australian Formula Ford, Shields is the first car racer to be selected for the program.
It will see the Toowoomba teenager mentored by Graeme Lloyd, a two-time winner of baseball’s World Series with the New York Yankees.
“To be selected in one of Australia’s most prestigious scholarship programs is remarkable,” Shields said.
“The recognition I may receive from being a part of this program and the advice from my mentor will be invaluable for the progression of my racing career.
“This is the beginning of a new journey for me and it is one I cannot wait to embark on.”
Lloyd believes his non-motorsport background could open up new opportunities for Shields.
“I am looking forward to this opportunity and challenge to help this young talent improve and become the force that I believe he can be in racing,” Lloyd said.
“I really love the idea of mentoring athletes from different sports. I think it can open up a whole new facet or way of thinking that might not have been explored yet.”
“Cameron gives motor sport his all and should be congratulated for being recognised with this scholarship,” added CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca.
“The Sport Australia Hall of Fame scholarship is a terrific opportunity for someone like Cameron who is showing tremendous skill whenever he races in the CAMS Payce Australian Formula 4 Championship.
“Working with an athlete like Graeme Lloyd, who has competed in one of the biggest leagues in the world, including playing for the New York Yankees – one of the most iconic teams in the world – will be a terrific learning experience for Cameron and one that will certainly help him become the best driver and athlete he can be.”
Shields will be formally presented with the scholarship at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Induction and Awards dinner in Melbourne next month.