With Vauxhall’s VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition’s second stage fast approaching, some remarkable facts and figures about its entrants have been brought to light.

As part of an online test, available at vxrdriver.co.uk, candidates were asked to describe their driving styles in three simple words and their answers have led to some interesting revelations.

From the 900 competitors, who have so far been confirmed for the trials, more than 170 have described their driving style as controlled, while 230 consider themselves to be smooth and consistent in handling a road car.

“I’m very surprised by the answers given by some of the competitors,” commented VX Racing’s Tom Chilton on the test results. “Driving your car smoothly and staying in control are certainly some of the main elements it takes to be a successful racing driver, but it will be interesting to see how they perform on the karting track."

The contenders for the VXR Racing Driver of the Year title, which offers one totally inexperienced individual the chance to race alongside professionals in the 2008 season of the BARC Dunlop Sport Maxx Production Car Cup, will now go head-to-head in nationwide kart finals.

“Driving well on the roads day-in and day-out is one thing, but it will be a huge test to see if they have got what it takes to battle it out on the race track,” Chilton added.