Entering Vauxhall’s 2008 VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition may not only result in a dream job as a professional racing driver, it may also lead to a new career.

Stuart Connolly, one of 12 hopeful finalists from the 2007 competition, may not have succeeded in winning the grand prize of a fully-funded race seat, but he did score points with VX Racing’s team principal Ian Harrison, resulting in a job at the British Touring Car races with the multiple touring car champions.

“I was obviously very disappointed that I didn’t win the VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition but I was over the moon when Ian offered me the job,” remembers Stuart. “It’s really exciting and it feels great to be part of the team.

“Since I entered the competition, only positives have come my way. I didn’t become a racing driver, but I still got a new job! Vauxhall’s competition is such a great opportunity and I think everyone should give it a go, after all it doesn’t cost anything and what have you got to lose? You never know what may come out of it.”

Following the success of last year’s competition, Vauxhall are looking to build on their expertise. “We had strong entrants last year and I guess we had two winners really with John winning the fully-funded race seat and Stuart getting a new job,” says Richard Hughes, Vauxhall’s Group Marketing Manager. “Vauxhall are fully behind this competition and we will support all entrants throughout the various stages. The VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition will lead to a life-changing experience.”

To enter the 2008 competition, simply visit vxrdriver.co.uk to fill in the online questionnaire. From this,1,620 successful applicants will be put through their paces in the karting semi-finals, before 15 finalists are selected for the intensive three-day final.

Stuart's new work place - VX Racing trucks