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Four finalists from across the UK have raced their way into the final of Dunlop’s prestigious Race Academy – a competition dubbed the X Factor of motorsport. 

Twenty two year old engineering student Ryan Cefferty from Oldham and forty eight year old security installer Mark Sheerin from Harrogate were chosen to go through from seven drivers at the North semi-final at Donington.

Meanwhile, twenty six year old oil refinery technician Roscoe Howell from Pembroke and twenty fine year old motorsport engineering student Ben Cottle went through from the South semi-final at Silverstone.

The four drivers underwent a day of intensive driver training and evaluation during the semi-final stages and impressed the judging panel, which included top GT driver and 24 hour Le Mans star Calum Lockie and former Dunlop Race Academy winner Simon Shaw.

On track, the four were judged on their technique, pace and natural skill in a race prepared SEAT Leon FR and a Porsche 968 Clubsport as well as taking part in a panel interview to test their media skills.

James Bailey of Dunlop said: “The standard of competition this year is very high and it’s great to see so many people taking notice of Dunlop Race Academy and appreciating the genuine opportunities that the competition carries.”

The four finalists will compete in the grand final of Dunlop Race Academy at Bedford Autodrome on August 22nd where they will go head to head on the track to find the winner of Dunlop Race Academy 2008.

The overall winner of the Dunlop Race Academy will compete in the Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup at the Great & British Festival at Rockingham where they will share the track with the professionals. Following this they will head to Monaco for a two-night stay in David Coulthard’s Columbus Hotel where they will live the luxury life of a racing star. Follow the action online at driversknow.co.uk.