selected for dream drive
Just eight places remain in Vauxhall’s VXR Driver of the Year competition after this weekend’s Scottish and North-West finals identified four racing candidates to win the £80,000 2008 drive.
Competition was uncompromising, with fierce on-track battles as drivers fought for the top prize of a Vauxhall-backed drive in the Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup, a feeder series to the UK’s largest motor racing package, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
Nearly 800 drivers attended the two days, with each getting just 15 minutes to register a qualifying time. The 48 fastest drivers were selected to compete in one of four race-offs for a place in the national final, where they will graduate from karts to cars.
The four winners were:
Grant Elliott, 27, Edinburgh, Car Accessories Salesman
“I broke my back in a car accident four months ago, so to win this now is incredible! I just came down to have a bit of fun and hoped for the best so I can’t believe it.”
Barry McGowan, 37, Glasgow, Garage Owner
“I love motorsport but I’ve never been in a position money-wise or time-wise to put the effort in that’s required. The final will be good. I’m hoping to drive different cars and get some tuition.
“I’m going to be doing a lot of training between now and then. I’m not really into exercise, but I’m going to have to get fit. This is such a big chance, a great prize and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Paul Phelan, 23, Altrincham, Graphic Designer
“It’s just amazing! I never expected to get into the semi-finals so to win a place in the final is great. I’ve got to give everything now!
“I like getting in any vehicle and taking it to the limit. I think I’m a bit of a natural! If you really enjoy something as much as I do with motorsport, learning about racing lines and how to take corners is all really interesting!”
John Allison, 34, Beverley, Mortgage Advisor
“It’s been five years since I was in a kart, so I’m a bit stunned. My wife says I like to drive fast, but I just put it down to weighing 10stone! If I win the final, it will be a family event; I’ll bring my wife and two sons to all the rounds.”
Vauxhall’s BTCC works team, VX Racing, was represented on both days by star driver Fabrizio Giovanardi, who was the world karting champion in 1986.
“The biggest problem is if you don’t know the circuit,” said the seven-time touring car champion, who was giving help and advice during the two days. “15 minutes is a very short time to put in a lap time. Just drive clean, fast and flat!”
Notes to editors:
For the full VXR Racing Driver of the Year press pack, please go to www.rsm.uk.com/VXRDriver/
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The VXR Driver of the Year competition was open to all drivers over the age of 21, with the only stipulation being they should have no motorsport experience.
More than 8,000 people entered online, before the closing date last month. Now 2,000 of those are taking part in karting trials around the country. The 12 best karters will be taken to a special VXR ‘boot camp’ where VXR’s Driver of the Year will emerge.
The karting semi-finals
08 September Raceland Karting Centre, Edinburgh
09 September Daytona Racing, Manchester
15 September Teeside Karting & Autodrome, Teeside
16 September Daytona Racing, Milton Keynes
22 September Thruxton Karting Centre
23 September The Raceway, Kings Cross
