A new racing star of the future was crowned yesterday after beating almost 10,000 members of the public for a chance to become a professional racing driver for 2009. James Corte was announced as the 2008 VXR Racing Driver of the Year Champion after an adrenaline-fuelled battle at the race camp finals. The 31-year-old put in a fantastic performance to claim a prize worth over £80,000.
James, from Winchester, Wessex, won the competition after proving that he had the required talent, passion and determination to become a professional racing driver during the three-day race camp finals, held at the Rockingham circuit, Northamptonshire. After completing a written motorsport exam, fitness tests and driving activities, James emerged as the winner of a fully-paid season in a national motor racing series, behind the wheel of a Vauxh! all Astra VXR.
Having made it through to the finals of the 2007 VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition, James narrowly missed out on clinching the life-changing prize. With new challenges organised for the 2008 competition, James once again impressed the judges and secured the Vauxhall-supported drive for the 2009 season.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic; it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” said James, who works as an accountant. “I did well in the competition last year and was told that I had potential as a racing driver, so that motivated me to enter the competition again this year. I learnt from my mistakes and have been working on my fitness and race technique since last year’s final to ensure that I improved on my performance this time around.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to get into racing, and having seen last year’s winner on the podium so many times, I knew I had to put all my effort into winning the drive,” continued James. “Now I need to concentrate on getting ready for next season, so I will be continuing to work on my fitness and also learn about the technical aspects of the car; hopefully this will give me a fighting chance on the track.”
Vauxhall’s marketing strategy manager, Martin Lay, was impressed by the driving standards of all the competitors. “I’m delighted for James. His win was definitely hard-fought; there were a high number of entries and he faced fierce competition at the semi-finals and race camp. The final 15 contestants were all fantastic and they demonstrated great sportsmanship. James is a deserved winner; although he did well last year, he has definitely improved as a driver and proven himself worthy of the title.”
The 2007 VXR Racing Driver of the Year Champion, John Allison, attended the winner’s presentation to hand over the keys of the Vauxhall Astra VXR to its new driver. “I wish him the best of luck,” said John, who has claimed six podium finishes during his season with Vauxhall. “He is in the best hands possible; Vauxhall has given me so much support and that is reflected in our results. He did really well in the finals and I look forward to watching him on the track next season.”
