VXR Track Day

You don’t have to be a Vauxhall fan to have a great time at one of the VXR Track Days, which the firm has revamped for 2009.

Brand enthusiasts will enjoy driving models from the hot VXR range, while newcomers might be surprised by just how well they perform. Either way, you’ll get lots of time to make up your mind as there’s 105 minutes of track action. At our Brands Hatch session, we drove every VXR from the Corsa to the mighty VXR8, and also got in a hot passenger lap with VX Racing touring car star, Andrew Jordan. 

Our only gripe was that with so many cars on the short Indy circuit, there was a lot of traffic. This should be less of an issue at Rockingham (24-27 June), Thruxton (2-3 July) and Croft (15-16 July). The remaining part of our morning was taken up by the VXR Experience, which comprises timed laps of mini tracks, pitlane-style wheel-changing competitions and a car safety demonstration. 

There are refreshments and shelter at every activity, plus you can match your lap to a pro’s using on-board telemetry. Even more impressive is the price – a figure of £120 makes race schools and track days in your own car look very costly.

In Detail

*VXR Track Day

*Price: £120

*Rating: 4/5

*Contact: 08450 902 044, www.vauxhall.co.uk

*Problems? Too many cars on tiny Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

*So why buy? Loads of track time with professional instructors, element of competition, well organised, excellent value.