Whilst the hopes of a nation will be pinned on the back of Team Australia at this weekend's A1 Grand Prix of Nations being held at Sydney's Eastern Creek, Race Control will also have a distinct Australian flavour with Tim Schenken appointed as the Series Race Director.

Tim is well known in both Australian and international motor sport circles as the Race Director for the V8 Supercar Championship Series and Clerk of Course for the FORMULA 1 Foster's Australian Grand Prix. He is also a long time CAMS employee and has held the position of Director of Racing Operations since 1999.

An accomplished open-wheel driver in his day racing in Formula One during the early 1970s and being one of only four Australian's to score Championship points in Formula One, Schenken has seen many motor sport initiatives come and go over the years but is positive about the A1 Grand Prix of Nations concept.

"I think it's fantastic that the organisers are promoting this Series with an emphasis on nation against nation. Not only will it attract the traditional motor sport fans, but also those who are passionate about their heritage and country," Schenken said.

The inaugural round of the Championship was held at Brands Hatch in the UK, which Schenken claims was an amazing experience.

"The event was a huge success and the crowds were both colourful and loud. The notion of country versus country really instils a sense of patriotism amongst the fans and this brings with it a totally unique atmosphere to the sport."

Schenken's role will require him to follow the A1 Grand Prix of Nations circus overseas during the next five months, but having previously held the role as Race Director for the Asia-Pacific Touring Car Championship and the World Touring Car Cup, Schenken is no stranger to working with officials from a different nationality.

"Motor sport has taken me all over the world and I've discovered that English is very much accepted as the international motor sport language. In most European countries I can get by when it comes to motor racing terminology, but it will probably be a bit of a challenge when we reach the Asian rounds because the languages there are so different."

CAMS' Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rob Nethercote, also acknowledged Schenken's appointment as a tribute to CAMS' standing in the international motor sport community.

"Tim's appointment to this role is testament to the invaluable experience and knowledge that he brings to the CAMS community and it is indeed an honour for an Australian to be invited to fulfil such an important role on the world motor sport stage.

"The development of international opportunities for CAMS officials in recent times has also increased Australia's profile as world leader in motor sport. These opportunities have provided our officials with sought after skills and expertise, which is reflected in Tim's appointment," concluded Nethercote.