to follow in Dunlop Race Academy winner's wheeltracks
Simon Shaw, winner of the 2005 Dunlop Race Academy competition, has provided a timely reminder to those interested in entering this year's competition by storming to the top of the rankings in a major national racing series.
Shaw tops the BARC/Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup leaderboard following his third class win in four races - just 18 months after gaining his wildcard into the sport by winning the Dunlop Race Academy, dubbed the 'X-Factor of Motorsport'.
Sine then Shaw has enjoyed a sensational start to his career, following up a successful debut season in the AVO Ginetta Championship with a move into the Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup, which is designed as an official stepping stone to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship - Britain's premier racing championship.
Over 3,500 would-be race drivers have already signed up for the 2007 Dunlop Race Academy in a bid to emulate Simon's success, but it isn't too late to apply to get on the grid and follow in his wheeltracks.
Commenting on Simon's success, Dunlop's James Bailey said: "It's hard to believe that it's just 18 months since Shaw won the Dunlop Race Academy and drove out onto a competitive race track for the first time. He's a real example of what can be achieved through this initiative and hopefully his success will inspire another generation of wannabe racing drivers to sign up for the competition."
Racing at Oulton Park on Bank Holiday Monday, Shaw scored class wins in both races to add to his first ever win at Snetterton last month. Racing a Renaultsport Clio 172, he passed Mick Weidner's MG ZR160 in the closing stages of the race to take his third win and leadership in the prize rankings - despite difficult conditions caused by heavy rain.
Simon said: "It's great to be where I am in the rankings but there's still a long way to go. I'm just thrilled to have had the chance to fulfil my dream and I much of that is down to the Dunlop Race Academy. It is a great opportunity for budding racing drivers like me who have the talent to do well in motorsport but don't have the financial backing.
"Not only that, there is ongoing tuition throughout Race Academy so even if you don't think you're the next Lewis Hamilton, with the right attitude, Dunlop can help turn you into a very competitive race driver."
The winner of the 2007 Dunlop Race Academy will race in the final round of the BARC/Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup in a 200bhp SEAT Leon FR - competing against Simon Shaw.
Entries for the 2007 Dunlop Race Academy close on 22 June, so budding racers who want the chance to have a racing career like Simon should enter the competition at www.driversknow.co.uk/raceacademy2007.
