Ryan’s on the fast track

Ryan Cafferty

A LOCAL man has been awarded a place in the Dunlop Race Academy 2008 — taking him one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional racing driver.

Ryan Cafferty (22), from Chadderton, was due to compete against six other drivers from the North during a semi-final at the iconic Donington Park circuit today.

The engineering student was expected to receive race craft tuition from GT Champion and Le Mans driver Calum Lockie alongside 2005 Dunlop Race Academy winner Simon Shaw.

Ryan will be judged on his on-track technique and skill, as well as going through media tests during the day.

He said: “I’m a quick but safe driver and I’ll be very competitive at the semi-final.

“I’ve been involved with suspension design at university and I hope that might give me an edge over the other finalists on the day.

“I’m really looking forward to getting some tuition from the professionals and learning as much as possible from them.”

The two best performing drivers from Donington — the new venue for the British Grand Prix from 2010 — will be chosen to go through to the grand final at Bedford Autodrome in August, where they will go up against the two winners from the South semi-final to find the winner.

James Bailey, communications manager for Dunlop, said: “The winner of the Dunlop Race Academy will compete in the Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup at the Rockingham track in Northamptonshire in September, where they will share the track with the professionals.

“The championship is a genuine stepping stone to the Dunlop Motor Sports Association British Touring Car Championship, with a wide range of cars from Fiestas, Minis, Citroen Saxos to Seat Leon FRs, Vauxhall Astra VXRs and the Nissan 350Z.

“It provides a great platform for our winner to make their first professional appearance.”