Motorsport: Bathurst 'baby' still on L-plates

Rising star Cam Waters will run a Kelly Racing-prepped car at Bathurst - becoming the youngest-ever competitor in the Great Race. Photo / Getty Images

A teenager still on his 'L' plates is set to become the youngest driver ever at the Bathurst 1000.

Cameron Waters, 17, who is still a learner driver on the roads, has won a seat in next weekend's prestigious V8 Supercar race via a reality television show.

He will partner television personality Grant Denyer in next Sunday's race around one of the world's toughest motor racing circuits.

Three days later, he will go for his provisional driver's licence on the road.

At 17 years and 67 days on race day, he will be eight days younger than the previous Bathurst baby - current V8 regular Paul Dumbrell - when he debuted in the 1999 race.

Waters, from Mildura in Victoria, is an experienced motor racing driver.

He currently leads the Australian Formula Ford championship and has years of experience driving go-karts and open-wheelers.

Waters was selected by V8 Supercar team Kelly Racing to drive one of their Holdens from the Seven Digital television program Shannons Supercar Showdown, in which 10 drivers competed for a shot at competing at Bathurst.

Kelly Racing co-owner Rick Kelly, himself a V8 Supercar driver and Bathurst's youngest ever winner, defended the decision to throw the teenager into the testing race.

"The critics will say he shouldn't be doing this for his first race and he's very young, but I don't think it's an issue," said Kelly, who made his Bathurst debut aged 18.

"We've been genuinely surprised every time we've put Cam Waters in one of our cars, with what he's capable of.

"Cam performed amazingly and really opened the eyes. We are genuinely excited about Cam's ability and potential.

"We really hope it provides him with a kick-start to his career. He's got the talent to go all the way in this sport."

Waters, who has only been to Bathurst as a spectator, said he was ready for his baptism of fire as part of a huge few days.

"Hopefully I pass my 'P' test the Wednesday after Bathurst," says Waters, who wants to pursue a fulltime V8 career.

"The V8s is where I want to be. I've been racing for years now - I've been in karts since I was six.

"I've been doing this for a long time and hopefully I'll go alright up there. I can't see why I won't."

Waters beat English 22-year-old Andrew Jordan to win the prize.

- AAP