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.
VX Racing’s Tom Chilton in
control of his Vauxhall Vectra
As
part of an online test, available at
www.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.
Fabrizio Giovanardi on his way to
victory
Since first entering the BTCC in 1989,
Vauxhall’s works team has won 16 titles:
- Six Drivers Championships (2004 James Thompson, 2003 Yvan Muller,
2002 James Thompson, 2001 Jason Plato, 1995 John Cleland, 1989 John Cleland)
- Six Manufacturers Championships (2005 VXR Astra Sport Hatch, 2004
Astra Coupé, 2003 Astra Coupé, 2002 Astra Coupé, 2001 Astra Coupé, 1992 Cavalier GSi)
- Four Team Titles (2004, 2003, 2002, 2001)
It is the most successful manufacturer in the modern era of BTCC,
having accumulated 109 race wins.
Please find below the dates for the karting
semi-finals:
08
September Raceway, Edinburgh
(first two semi-finalists
found)
09
September Daytona Racing, Manchester (second two semi-finalists found – 4
total)
15
September Teeside Karting & Autodrome (third two semi-finalists found – 6 total)
16
September Daytona Racing, Milton Keynes (fourth two semi-finalists found – 8
total)
22
September Thruxton Karting Centre (fifth two semi-finalists found – 10 total)
23
September The Raceway, Kings Cross (sixth two semi-finalists found – 12 total)
For more information please visit
www.vxr.co.uk or www.vxrdriver.co.uk.
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