12 finalists are one step closer to their chance to change their lives after completing their second day in a three-day boot camp in a search to find Britain’s next star in Vauxhall’s VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition.
The final, in which the winner will be given a fully-funded race seat for the 2008 season in the Dunlop Sport Maxx Production Car Championship, continued at the Territorial Army Centre (TA Centre) at Kempston yesterday morning, following the competitors’ over-night stay at the army base.
Challenging fitness tests instructed by ex-McLaren fitness trainer Gerry Cony, including cardiovascular exercises, awaited the 12 finalists after their 6:30am wake-up call by Lance Corporal (LCpl) Watson, followed by a troop exercise to show their team-playing skills and camaraderie with fellow competitors.
After the fitness challenge, the crew was transferred back to the comforts of the Holiday Inn in Milton Keynes, where the finalists were met by ITV’s Formula One reporter, Ted Kravitz, for stage two, media awareness and communication programme.
Ted, together with VX Racing’s stars Fabrizio Giovanardi (2007 British Touring Car Champion) and Matt Neal not only talked about the importance of media relations, but also provided examples of how to deal with the media within the highly-pressured motorsport environment.
“The time at the army camp just illustrated to the potential racing drivers it is not only speed that counts, there are other key essential elements: media/PR and fitness,” said Fabrizio. “You cannot drive a car competitively if you aren’t fit; the heat alone in the cockpit can be so immense that an unfit driver could potential pass out. These guys now have an increased awareness of the demanding sport.”
The boot camp will reach its pinnacle today when the finalists move on for a whole days driving at Bedford Autodrome, with the champion being crowned tomorrow evening. Fitness training with Gerry Convy (pictured on the left)Jonathan Lisseter, London
“It’s been a tough two days, but overall I’m pleased with myself. The press conference was challenging, because you sit there and so many faces look at you and it did get quite nerve-racking for me. Tomorrow is the last day and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and show the judges my driving skills.”
Ryan Struthers, Edinburgh
“Above all, the last two days have been a lot of work; if I had any idea what it was going to be like with the army camp I would have prepared in a different way. I have done the best I could so far and will continue to do so tomorrow.”
Nitin Luthra, Bedford
“I really enjoyed the last two days and tomorrow we are going to my home circuit at Bedford Autodrome, however, I have only ever raced on the karting track to I don’t know what the actual circuit will be like. I will just go and do the best I can and hopefully it will be enough to win this competition.”
Stuart Connolly, Manchester
“The most challenging part of today was the press conference. Tomorrow will be a little easier with the driving part as I’m confident in myself and I know I can do it, however, it will be very tough as everyone will be giving it their best shot and only one can win.”
John Allison, Beverley
“My nerves aren’t too bad at the moment and I hope I will get a good night sleep to be fully prepared for tomorrow’s driving. You always think the driving part is the easy bit as you know you can do it but there are so many elements that can play a part, but I hope for the best.”
Wesley Godwin, Tunbridge Wells
“I think I’ve shown over the last two days that I would be a good all-round package for Vauxhall, although I would still have to work on the media interviews and techniques as this part was very nerve-racking for me. Tomorrow is the driving and I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the various cars.”
Barry McGowan, Lesmahagow
“I’m the oldest guy in the competition and although I didn’t do as well in the fitness tests as my younger team-mates, I still think my age and maturity will benefit at the driving tomorrow where it’s mostly important to keep a cool head and focus on each stage.”
Simon Triglia, London
“I was very disappointed with myself yesterday, but I did very well this morning and I think I have found my strengths and can put this into the driving tasks tomorrow. I’m sure everyone will put on a good show to try and impress the judges but I know what I can do and I will try to deliver on the day when it counts.”
James Corte, Winchester
“One of my great idols of all times is Nigel Mansell and I hope I will be able to follow into his footsteps if I win this competition tomorrow. I think I’ve done well so far. Tomorrow will be the most enjoyable part for me in this final as I love driving and I look forward to driving the various types of cars.”
Grant Elliott, Edinburgh
“The physical site was the most challenging part for me today. The press conference was a strange environment, but once I got over the initial shock and settled in it was really enjoyable. It’s going to be interesting tomorrow not knowing what the weather will be like, what the circuit will be like, so let’s see. The pressure will be immense with it being the last day.”
Adrian Trenholme, Milton Keynes
“I’ve been enjoying the experience so far although the fitness elements have been quite tough. I struggled during the press conference as I was very nervous, but I’m hoping tomorrow will be a much better day.”
Muorali Selvarajah, Derby
“I’m glad I did so much preparation for the boot camp as it really paid off in the fitness tests today. I caught up with some of the Vauxhall people today to find out more in-depth information on what it would be like to win the competition and I’m getting really excited about tomorrow.”
