Oliver Holdener wins Young Driver Challenge

The "AutoScout24 Young Driver Challenge powered by Seat" was launched by professional racing driver and event manager Fredy Barth together with AutoScout24 and Seat Switzerland. Three finalists qualified from around 1250 candidates over several stages: Oliver Holdener, Orhan Vouilloz and Gustavo Xavier, all aged around 20 to 21.

Each was allowed to contest a race weekend in the ADAC TCR Germany. All three performed well at the wheel of a Seat Leon TCR entered by Topcar Sport from Uetendorf BE - but only one was ultimately able to claim overall victory. The jury's choice fell on Oliver Holdener from Bennau.

The man from Schwyz not only impressed with his results at the Sachsenring, where he immediately made it into the top 15 of this tough touring car championship. But also with the concept of how he sees the continuation of his career.

Fredy Barth: "We had long discussions. Each had his strengths and weaknesses, all three have talent. In the end, it was the consideration of which criterion was the most important that tipped the scales. In Oliver's case, we see the potential for him to finish in the Top 10 or even Top 5 in the TCR Germany in 2018."

The winner works for the TRC racing team Wolf Power Racing
Holdener receives a dowry of 50,000 francs, which is earmarked. He may only drive a Seat, and no team or personal sponsor may compete with AutoScout24. A season in the ADAC TCR Germany is estimated at around 160000 Swiss francs, not including any accident damage or the cost share.

The lucky winner now knows what he has to do in the next few weeks. "Now it's time to look for sponsors. So far, everything has been a prelude. This prize money is a good basis. I've already sparked interest in a few people and now I hope they'll join in."

Holdener is still in training to become an automotive specialist. His employer is Wolf-Power in Wangen SZ. The Wolf Power Racing racing team finished second overall in the ADAC TCR Germany with German Mike Halder as the best Seat team.

The first winner of the "AutoScout24 Young Driver Challenge powered by Seat" could therefore take on the preparation of his car himself in his spare time and thus contribute a great deal to the budget. It is therefore obvious, but not self-evident, that he will drive for Wolf Power Racing. Topcar Sport is still interested in him.

As Christoph Aebi, Director of AutoScout24, and Sandra Grau, Brand Head Seat Switzerland, announced at the end of the championship ceremony, the "AutoScout24 Young Driver Challenge powered by Seat" will also take place in 2018. "We are proud that we have been able to implement this project so successfully and draw more attention to ourselves in this way."

www.autoscout24.ch/ydchallenge