New Talent

2007 VXR Racing Driver of the Year champion John Allison claimed another podium finish in the Dunlop Sports Maxx Cup this weekend at Brands Hatch, Kent. After starting fourth on the grid, the 35-year old mortgage consultant drove a strong race to cross the line in second place.

John, who beat 10,000 initial entrants to win the drive, set the fourth fastest lap time of 57.364 during the morning qualifying session. “The qualifying result was fantastic,” said John. “It’s the first time that I’ve out-qualified my fellow Vauxhall driver Martin Wallbank. Having never driven the Vauxhall Astra VXR at Brands Hatch, I was really pleased with my position.

“At the start, I got a good jump off the line and managed to get up into third place. It was quite hair-raising, as another driver spun in front of me on the first lap, but we had a great result and am really excited to have achieved my fourth podium finish in my rookie year.”

John has made a fantastic start to his career as a professional racing driver. Having finished third at Croft and claimed two second place finishes at Castle Combe, Sunday’s result has helped cement the rookie’s confidence.

John’s next outing in the Vauxhall Astra VXR will be on Sunday 07 September at Thruxton, Hampshire. “I like fast tracks, so am really looking forward to Thruxton,” continued John. “We didn’t have any ballast at Brands Hatch, but the next round will see us in the second heaviest car. After four podium finishes, I am definitely looking for the win; it would be the icing on the cake.”