FOR VAUXHALL’S DREAM DRIVE
Four finalists have been confirmed following the North East and Midlands Semi-Finals for Vauxhall’s VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition this weekend.
The competition, which will award the eventual winner with a fully-funded race seat worth £80,000 for the 2008 Dunlop Maxx Sport Production Car Cup, saw exciting race action and wheel-to-wheel battles in the tough fight for the four finalists spots.
“The events have really reflected VXR’s values: Enthusiasm, spirit and character,” said Vauxhall’s Group Marketing Manager, Richard Hughes.
“It was really interesting to see the comradeships between the competitors and how they interacted with each other. There was any rivalry going on as you would expect, but quite a unique spirit amongst them. “
“They all had the common passion for motorsport and it was great to see complete strangers talking about each other’s experience.”
Nearly 700 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:
Muorali Selvarajah, 21, Derby, Student
“I was pretty surprised to be so far ahead because I had looked at the lap times after the practice runs and I was only about half a second ahead. I knew I had a bit in hand, but there being a big battle for second behind me probably helped me to get away.
“Once I had a lead I was just focusing on not letting the back come out too much and keeping it tidy. I'm very pleased with the race, but now I'm just fully focused on the final.
“If I win this prize it would change my life. I love racing so much - it is all I have really cared about since I was five years old. If I win this it will just be incredible.
Ryan Struthers, 26, Edinburgh, Trade Analyst
“I really enjoyed it. I started fourth on the inside line for the first corner and managed to get up into third at the start. Then after a few laps I was second.
“It was a really hard fight with Robert (Fern) - I was trying to find a way past but he just wasn't giving me any opening. About three-quarters of the way through the race I was worried that I wasn't going to bet past but then I just managed to squeeze an opening.
“Then he was behind me but made a mistake and spun while trying to get back past, which was nice because it meant that I was able to relax. It has been a fantastic experience, I just can't wait for the next stage because this is a fantastic prize and to win it would be just incredible.”
Adrian Trenholme, 34, Milton Keynes, Builder
“I’m absolutely over the moon to have won a place in the final, especially with what happened today with Colin McRae, who is one of my heroes.
“I got married a fortnight ago and should have been on honeymoon today. When I got the letter through with the details of my heat we were just about to book our honeymoon. We’ve delayed it until October. I have to thank my very supportive wife, Vanessa, for being so understanding!
“It has always been an ambition of mine to be a racing driver and my wife knows this is an opportunity of a lifetime. In fact, Vanessa encouraged me to apply earlier in the year.
“I didn’t expect to win at all, because I was in second place for most of the race but the feeling to have won a place in the Grand Final is just overwhelming.”
Nitin Luthra, 26, Bedford, Financial Accountant
“I am very happy. I started from third and risked it all on the first corner, going for a gap. I am so glad I did as I led from that point onwards it was great.”
“It was good to have a comfort zone in the race, Jonathan (Bower) was a couple of seconds behind and I knew there was a close fight for second place, so I was glad to be clear of that.”
“Looking ahead to the final, I have no idea if I can win it overall. I am going to do some training at my local kart circuit to ensure I have the best chance as it is an amazing prize.”
