The Kirkstall sprintcar driver says a four-day Speedway Australia rising star program camp in Canberra opened his eyes to the hard work needed to become an elite driver.

Cooley, 19, will focus on his fitness, nutrition and media skills in the off-season as he prepares to spend an extended time behind the wheel of a Peter Milnes-owned 410 sprintcar.

He hopes the advice he heard at the AIS will fast-track his career.

“It was flat out, five hours’ sleep a night, it was pretty gruelling but it was definitely worth it,” Cooley said.

“I definitely came out of it changed as a driver and I am sure all of them did.

“About 700 young drivers, (aged) 16 to 24, put their application in to try and get into the program and they choose 20 each year so I was one of the lucky ones to get in 

“It was absolutely awesome. It’s not just steering a car around in circles, there’s stuff behind the scenes.

“It’s about trying to get fit as well and nutrition and hydration, especially for endurance during an A-Main when you start to sweat and it starts to get hot in the car.”

Cooley, who graduated from Emmanuel College last year, grew up surrounded by motor sport. His dad John owns Cool Chassis and, in keeping with the family career theme, he has started a mechanics apprenticeship at Norton Motor Group. Cooley made his 410 sprintcar debut last season. He said “the challenge and the adrenaline” enticed him.

“You could finish an A-Main at 10 o’clock at night or 3am and you’re still pumped driving home from Adelaide or somewhere,” he said.

“It’s very hard – one night you could be on the top of your game and the next you could be on the back of the D-Main or maybe not even make the invert, it’s just one of those sports.”