by Russell Atkins

The inaugural VXR Racing Driver of the Year contest is rapidly reaching its final straight, with the twelve finalists being invited to Triple Eight's Oxfordshire headquarters to get a taste of life in the fast lane.

Whittled down from a staggering 8,000 initial applicants, the dozen hopefuls were allowed a privileged peak behind-the-scenes of the multiple championship-winning outfit, trying out the Vauxhall Vectra race car simulator and donning team gear to visit the drawing office where the cars are designed, hi-tech engine assembly area, gearbox workshop and – as an added incentive – getting a sneak preview of the actual bodyshell of the Vauxhall Astra VXR. The eventual winner of the competition will receive a fully-funded season of racing in the car in next year's Dunlop Sport Maxx Production Car Championship, a prize worth some £80,000 and covering all areas from fitness tuition to media training.

“It has been absolutely amazing,” enthused Ryan Struthers, one of the finalists. “I was very surprised how much is done within the factory and how much hard work it takes to put together a race-winning car.”

Indeed, Triple Eight – which has been based at Greatworth since its formation back in 1996 – employs 40 people to carry out as much of the necessary work and development as possible in-house, from electronics and composites to hydraulics and engineering. The end result is a product of painstaking precision, underlining the fact British Touring Car Championship success is not just about getting in the car and putting your foot to the floor – a fully-rounded racing driver needs to know everything about how the car works.

One man who understands that very well, of course, is current BTCC Champion for VX Racing – and an eight-time tin-top title-winner over the course of his illustrious career – Fabrizio Giovanardi, who was on-hand to greet the finalists.

“It was the first time we saw the final twelve all in one room,” the Italian explained, “and it was very interesting. There are some very competitive individuals in the mix and I am looking forward to see who will win this great prize in January.”

The competition was open to all drivers over the age of 21, with the only stipulation being they should have no prior motorsport experience and not hold a valid MSA racing driver licence. Two thousand successful entrants took part in karting trials around the country before the finalists were selected, with the next and decisive stage of their journey a special VXR 'boot camp' at Bedford Autodrome from 13-16 January, 2008.

“Today reminded me of a scene from Top Gun,” added Vauxhall's group marketing manager Richard Hughes. “To see the best of the best from the 8,000 initial entrants all together in one room was amazing, and a superb result for the guys itself to get this far. It was a great experience for all the finalists as they got a good inside view of how their potential racing car for next year is built.”

Since first entering the BTCC back in 1989, Vauxhall's works team has claimed 16 crowns, and between 2001 and 2004 VX Racing and Triple Eight won all three BTCC titles – drivers', manufacturers' and teams' – for an incredible four years in succession. With 111 race victories, the Luton-based marque is the most successful manufacturer in the series' modern era.

“There are plenty of run-of-the-mill competitions that other manufacturers do to win a day out or whatever,” underlined VX Racing team director Ian Harrison, “but this is something special and different. It's a very serious thing – not only are they promoting the VXR brand, but who knows, we may end up with the next BTCC star. Let's face it – McLaren do a pretty good job of nurturing young talent, so if they can do it let's have a go on the touring car side of things too.

“It's not just a one-off weekend, and we want someone who will front the job and take it seriously. This is an opportunity for somebody to really put their mark on touring car racing. Yes, it's at a lower level than the BTCC, but it could be a step-up to the real thing. Who knows?”