GT Academy Race Camp Day 4: Drivers fight for immunity in the treacherous "Sand Buggy Challenge"

SILVERSTONE, UK – After a grueling weekend where the field of International Race Camp finalists was slashed from 30 to 15, the newly streamlined group of competitors were wondering what was in store for them next as they prepared to set off for their latest challenge at a mystery location.

The venue in question was a working sand quarry in nearby Leighton Buzzard, which comes with Hollywood history after being used as a filming location for blockbusters The Mummy Returns and the Da Vinci Code. However today it would be "lights, camera, action" for the International Race Camp finalists as they took part in the Sand Buggy Challenge. They would be taking the wheel of unfamiliar dune buggies, with the three remaining competitors from each country racing against each other on this challenging off-road terrain. As if it wasn't treacherous enough, there were some high-adrenaline jumps included for good measure on the specially designed course, as well as the unpredictable British weather playing its part.

With a further elimination on the horizon tomorrow, the stakes were high with the winning competitor from each country earning immunity from this elimination, thus making sure they would at least stay until the final day of International Race Camp on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the second- and third-placed finishers from each country's buggy race would have to go one-on-one in a Monster Truck race tomorrow with their place at Race Camp on the line.

"This is all about adaptability on a very low grip surface," said Rob Barff, GT Academy International Head Judge. "It's important for them to quickly find the line and work out where to get the most grip. Adding to yesterday's gymkhana challenge, it's great to get them racing head-to-head again, as it's now the survival of the fittest out there. Previously the Sand Buggy Challenge has been a team event, but now it's gamer versus gamer, and they know there's only one race seat available to each nation on Wednesday."

The competitors from each country went in intervals throughout the day, with timed practice laps determining who could choose the advantageous pole position spot into the first corner. Hitting the front early was important with just six short laps of the tight and twisty course for the competitors to navigate. However, there were a variety of passing opportunities (inside line, outside line or over a jump) available in parts of the course, encouraging them to test their judgment and adapt to the conditions around them

The races produced some great close-fought action, and it displayed the small margins of error with U.S. competitor Armen Aghakhan rolling his buggy in contention for the lead after straying just slightly wide on the exit of a corner. The finalists gave it their all, but there would only be five who would enjoy the sweet taste of victory, and a much more relaxed night's sleep knowing their place at Race Camp is secured until the final day.

Matthew Simmons, race-winning Australia competitor
"It feels unbelievable to have won. I had a really stressful day yesterday ending up in the bottom two in gymkhana, and I knew I had to deliver today. To go out and get pole was massive, and getting a quick start like I did was so vital to the race ahead. Once I got in front I had no interest in looking back, and it's amazing that I'll still be here on the final day. I feel for the other two, but I know they'll both give it their all tomorrow, and regardless of the result there'll be no hard feelings as we've become such great mates here."

THE COMPETITORS

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