Challenge Chilton on Dunlop stage

Lovers of console-based racing games will have their chance to go head-to-head with one of the stars of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Autosport International in Birmingham this weekend (11-14 January).

Dunlop is challenging virtual racing drivers to show their mettle in a race-off with Vauxhall driver and six-times BTCC race-winner Tom Chilton. Tom will be inviting all-comers to try and beat his fastest lap time on the Dunlop BTCC simulator game on the Dunlop stage in Hall 9.

Tom will set the standard at 10am each day, with guests invited to try and better his time and take their place on the exclusive ‘Dunlop Race Off’ leader board. At 5pm the winner will be announced and be presented with a brand new Playstation 2 games console, along with the satisfaction of knowing they’ve outperformed one of the biggest names on the BTCC grid.

Dunlop UK’s Corporate Communications Manager James Bailey said: “The Dunlop British Touring Car Championship was a great success in 2006 and with drivers such as Tom coming through the ranks it looks to like 2007 will be even better.

“We know that racing games are hugely popular so we wanted to see just how virtual racers shape up against a real star of the track. It will be interesting to see how the challengers shape up, especially since Tom’s confident of transferring his skills from behind the wheel to the control pad!”

Meanwhile, visitors to the show will have the opportunity to rub shoulders with Chilton and reigning BTCC Champion Matt Neal when both drivers appear at the Dunlop stage’s merchandise counter for a fans’ autograph and photograph session at 2pm each day.