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!”
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