A Southend man is on the edge of his seat after making it down to the final set of contestants in a nationwide Formula One driving challenge.
Stratton McKay, 31, of Elm Road, Leigh, even met ex-Formula One world champion Nelson Piquet as part of his training for the Exchange & Mart challenge.
As well as giving him national TV coverage, the challenge may even net him a lucrative racing deal should he emerge victorious.
More than 1,000 contestants entered the competition, and despite having no previous experience of racing, Stratton could yet go all the way.
Stratton, a builder, said: "I'm a white van driver, I have never even driven a go kart before and it was as much as a surprise to myself that I got this far as it was to the organisers."
His inexperience as a racing driver is set to be rewarded on the show as he receives an award in the next couple of weeks.
The winner will receive a long-term contract as well as the opportunity to taste the F1 circuit for real. You can follow Stratton's progress on the show on Mondays at 8.30pm on Channel 5.
Published Thursday, May 1, 2003
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