Mondello Park and Sheane Cars have announced the biggest ever motorsport prize to be offered in Ireland to novice racing drivers. For the first time drivers with no previous motorsport experience will have the chance to 'Become a Racing Driver' with the total prize package on offer valued at over €15,000.
The 'Become a Racing Driver' competition will be run at Mondello Park over the remaining months of 2010 with the winner walking away with the chance to race in the Irish Formula Vee championship - free of charge - during 2011. As part of the prize the winner will have the use of a Sheane Formula Vee for all Mondello Park Formula Vee races during next season. The remainder of the prize package will see the car prepared, transported and maintained by the Sheane factory in Wicklow, while Mondello Park will provide free entry to races and test days, along with expert coaching and all of the racewear and other facilities required to go racing.
The competition is open to any driver who has completed a Mondello Park Motor Racing School course over the ten years in which the school has operated. Drivers will be required to enrol on a specially devised race school course where they will receive tuition in a track-prepared Mazda3 hatchback before progressing on to a Formula Sheane single seater. Each competitor will be assessed throughout their course and from each day that the course is run at least one driver will be selected to go forward to the second round. The cost for round one is €235, while the final will be free of charge for those selected.
Becoming the winner of this prize will be tough. Drivers will be assessed by Mondello Park's expert panel of motor racing instructors, as well as representatives of Sheane Cars. The panel will be looking for more than just speed. Drivers' ability to follow instruction, drive consistently and safely and to understand the theory behind the techniques they have been thought will all be taken into consideration. For the final, public relations will also be a factor as candidates will have to undergo an interview to assess their media abilities, as well as their suitability to represent both Sheane Cars and Mondello Park.
The 'Become a Racing Driver' competition is now open for entries and with more than 25,000 people having enjoyed the Mondello Park Motor Racing School experience there should be no shortage of takers. The competition will get underway during August and will continue through to the end of 2010. Anyone interested in finding out more can get all the details at www.mondellopark.ie/driver_search or by calling 045-860200.