EASTERN suburbs-based V8 supercar racer Tony D'Alberto has joined forces with Norfolk Island before the 2010 championship starts, becoming an ambassador for the island's driver awareness and safety program.

The relationship will mean D'Alberto, based in Knoxfield, will visit Norfolk Island at least twice a year to promote the V8 Supercar Series and the number 3 Centaur Commodore, and talk about road safety, responsible driving, healthy lifestyles and striving for success.

"It's not every day that you get an opportunity to be an ambassador and role model to a whole community," D'Alberto said.

"V8 Supercars is a fantastic sport that continues to grow and reach new regions, such as Norfolk Island.

"As a driver I believe it's important to take on roles like this and to help promote the sport, along with important messages like road and driver safety."

One of D'Alberto's first duties was to visit Norfolk Island last weekend, a trip he describes as "the perfect opportunity to embrace the local culture and meet young drivers and road users".

Closer to home, D'Alberto is launching a road and driver safety program in Victorian primary and secondary schools.

"The recent number of deaths on our roads has been a sad reflection on some poor decisions being made by young people.

"It's a tragedy and it rips the heart out of families and communities.

"The roads are there to be respected and to be used safely.

"If my presence on Norfolk Island or in Victorian schools can help save lives,

then I'll be very happy."

Schools wanting to have D'Alberto visit and talk about road safety can contact Centaur Racing on 98017899.