Cameron Waters makes racing V8 Supercars look deceptively easy. From the very beginning of his career, his skill and dedication singled him out as a champion in the making. In the 2022 edition of Harvest, the St Joseph’s College alumnus reflected on his time as a student and how he stays focused and grounded despite his remarkable success.

What about racing drew you to it in the first place?

My Dad raced speedway cars when I was a child which led me to watching more racing on TV and specifically Supercars … and I just loved it. Dad bought me my first kart when I was six and I became even more hooked, although my family made sure I achieved good school grades, or the karting would be put on hold.

How did your time at St Joseph’s College prepare you for your life and career now?

It taught me that studying hard and applying myself to chosen goals, as well as having sound work ethics, ended up rewarding me with further opportunities in life. Also, what you learn during your teenage years, both at school and away from school, helps prepare you for the important years ahead. The harder you work, the luckier you get.

What are your highest achievements in the world of racing?

Winning multiple championships prior to moving into Supercars, and winning races at the pinnacle of Australian Motorsport while up against some of the best drivers the world:

2011 Formula Ford Champion

2015 Dunlop Series Champion

2nd in 2020 Supercars Championship

2nd 2020 & 2021 Bathurst 1000

Voted Driver’s Driver by my Supercar peers in 2020

What is your favourite college memory, subject, and camp or excursion?

My favourite memory while at school was making a lot of friends that I still have today and passing Year 12, which also pleased Mum and Dad as they always told me I needed a back-up plan if motor racing didn’t work out as my chosen career path. My favourite subject was Economics, which interested me at the time and provided a preliminary insight into business and commerce, which still interests me to this day. My favourite school camp/excursion was the Falls Creek Snow trip in (I think) Year 10.

What motivates you to keep working towards your goals when faced with challenges?

The end result, and the feeling of achieving, or surpassing, set goals. Also, the continuous improvement initiatives needed to maintain competitive form over a sustained period.

How do you stay focused in such a competitive field?

Working a ‘9 to 5’ job never interested me one bit. A load of hard work goes into being a professional sportsperson, despite the outward perception of living what might seem to be a charmed life.

When you fail, what do you do to pick yourself up?

I keep working harder, put in more effort and understand what went wrong while also staying process driven. A back-to-basics review never hurts, either.

What advice would you give to our students who might be inspired by you?

Finish your studies, stay grounded, and maintain faith in your abilities. Stay focused on the now and the later will take care of itself. Follow your dreams.

What do you love most about racing and being behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar?

The thrill of qualifying when the car has the most grip and balance, and you need to drive it at 100% to achieve a competitive lap time, while sometimes having to go past 100% in order to secure Pole Position. Racing wheel to wheel with excellent drivers on great racing circuits at up to 300kph. Knowing you are pursuing individual goals as well as team goals that can provide people with great satisfaction when meritorious results are achieved.

What do you miss most about Mildura?

Being out on the Murray River with family and friends and the relaxed country atmosphere – especially in summertime. Mildura will always be home to me wherever I may go at any point in my career.

What do you want to achieve next?

To win the Supercars Championship and the Bathurst 1000 event. I also want to explore overseas opportunities and continue to enjoy doing something at a high level that only a very select group has managed to achieve.