2009 VXR Track DayI was beginning to think Vauxhall’s marketing department had succumbed to the credit crunch, but there’s good news – the VXR Track Days are back for 2009. If you’ve been on one before then you’ll already know how much of a bargain these days are, and if you haven’t – well, read through my report from the 2008 VXR Track Day at Rockingham and see what you think.

The basic format remains the same:

  • 105 minutes of track time (including safety briefing) in any of the VXR range, as well as a hot lap with either Matt Neil or Andy Jordan
  • 105 minutes of activities
  • Lunch

This year the activities are slightly different. There’ll be the usual timed run around a coned course, but there’s also a chance to test the new Insignia 4×4 on a low-grip handling circuit. In the garages there will be a Pitstop Challenge where you can test your skills on a real VX Racing British Touring Car Championship car.

The events are being held through June and July at Brands Hatch, Thruxton, Croft and Rockingham and (with the exception of Rockingham) cost £120 per person. The Rockingham round features an exciting extra – a powersliding session in the 431bhp rear-wheel drive VXR8! This pushes up the ticket price to £160, but I still reckon that’s a bargain. So much so I’ve booked my ticket already!

For full details, and to book a place, visit Vauxhall’s VXR Track Day website or check out my VXR report and videos from last year.