Young Driver Challenge: The ten finalists have been determined
PROMOTION OF YOUNG DRIVERS After the national eliminations at the Wohlen kart track, the top 10 of the "AutoScout24 Young Driver Challenge powered by SEAT" have been determined. The best three drivers will be allowed to contest a TCR touring car race in late summer. In the spring, AutoScout24 and Seat Switzerland launched a young driver project aimed at young Swiss men and women without any experience in motor racing. The [...]
In the spring, AutoScout24 and Seat Switzerland launched a young driver project aimed at young Swiss men and women without any experience in motor racing. The response for the "AutoScout24 Young Driver Challenge powered by SEAT" was tremendous.
A total of more than 1250 entries were received. As part of a regional competition, 35 drivers had qualified on seven kart tracks for the national eliminations. These took place on Monday and Tuesday at the karting track in Wohlen under best outdoor conditions.
They not only had to prove their talent at the wheel of the racing karts provided by Spirit Racing, but also demonstrate dexterity, fitness and communication skills. They were coached and advised by racing professionals and AutoScout24 brand ambassadors Nico Müller and Fredy Barth as well as Seat brand ambassador Marina Ortega. The jury also included Christoph Aebi, Director AutoScout24, Andreas Huwyler, Head of Marketing SEAT Switzerland and Peter Wyss, freelance motorsport journalist and AutoSprintCH sports editor.
The following nine male and one female driver have secured a place for the next stage of the Young Driver Challenge: Xavier Gustavo (Oetwil am See), Oliver Holdener (Bennau), Damian Czajowski (Birr), Simona Lekaj (Murgenthal), Daniel Behe (Böckten), Maurin Schmid (Hünenberg See), Yannick Cortijo (Ilanz), Orhan Vouilloz (Chardonnes), Steve Grünenwald (Grandval) and Nicolas Zuber (Nyon).
From kart to Seat racing touring car
The next stage is the Leon Cupra Race Day on June 19 at the Anneau du Rhin in Alsace. On this private circuit, the ten finalists will complete another elimination in the morning in the 300-hp Leon Cupra.
After that, the top five finishers in the Seat Leon Cup Racer will be allowed to fight for one of the three coveted grid spots. The best three will earn the FIA International Racing License at the Circuit de Dijon-Prenois in Burgundy in July.
As the first real highlight, everyone gets to take part in one of the last three races for the 2017 ADAC TCR Germany (Nürburgring, Sachsenring and Hockenheimring). The approximately 330-hp Seat Leon TCR is prepared and fielded by Topcar Motorsport from Uetendorf. At the start this year are more than 40 such TCR touring cars from various brands, all with 2-liter turbo engines and front-wheel drive.
If one of these three finalists brings not only talent but also the necessary passion and unconditional willingness for car racing, the main prize will be financial and advisory support for the 2018 racing season.
www.autoscout24.ch/ydchallenge
