.... close to glory

After months of searching and over 8000 applicants, Dunlop can now announce the seven regional finalists chosen to compete in the 2005 Dunlop Race Academy.

Twenty-four year old Luke Debono Wilson from Essex and 53 year old accountant, John Andrews from Hampshire represent the South-East and South-West while 36 year old Lynden Bredenkamp from Kettering is the Midlands finalist.

Alec Berry, a 21 year old student from County Durham and 23 year old car salesman, Simon Shaw from Warrington are the North East and North West winners. Thirty six year old HGV Driver, David Bevan from Newport competes for Wales and 21 year old student, David Newlands from Aberdeenshire will represent Scotland.

During the semi-final stage, the contestants will be scored by the Dunlop Race Academy judges as they complete a full day of intensive driver coaching and evaluation on the Donington Grand Prix circuit. The chosen seven will also take part in a fitness assessment and an interview with the Race Academy panel to assess their media skills before three finalists are chosen to enter the next stage.

The best three will go on to the final at Silverstone on 24th August for a head to head shoot out, where the finalists will pitch their talents against each other on the track.

The winner goes through to compete in the Dunlop Driver’s Cup; the final round in the highly competitive Ginetta Championship where they will share the track with experienced racers.

Following this they will pick up a club class flight to Monaco, home of the mega rich and famous, for a two-night stay in David Coulthard’s Columbus Hotel. It will be luxury all the way with helicopter transfers and the accessories to look the part, including an Ozwald Boateng bespoke suit and lifestyle accessories from Mulberry, Dunhill, Paul Smith and many more.