Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy rev up for the Summer Driving Challenge

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – August 13, 2009: The school holidays are upon us, and so is the Summer Driving Challenge at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge. Fun driving activities will take place throughout August, with the Top 100 challengers competing for a place in the Grand Finale on 2 September to beat the score set by current Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton.

At the wheel of a dual controlled Mercedes-Benz A-Class those over 12 years old and taller than 1.5 metres can take to the handling circuits. Under the supervision of resident Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy coaches, young drivers and parents will undertake a number of fun driving challenges during a thirty minute session. Some challenges are timed and others are awarded points for accuracy, both of which convert into an overall score.

The all important scores will be posted on the online leader board at www.mbdrivingacademy.com so participants can keep track of their performance and position. Challengers can take part as many times as they like to secure their place in the Top 100 and ensure they get the chance to compete in the Grand Finale on 2 September.

A free family ticket to the Grand Finale with Lewis Hamilton is included with every £40 Summer Driving Challenge experience. Lewis will be spending time during the afternoon with the participants, who will also be able to watch the Top 100 challengers compete for an opportunity to beat the score set by Lewis himself. There will be twelve new challenges to complete, which will really test the young drivers’ abilities.

Once in a team, members will really have to work together as the challenges include a 20 metre car push, a blindfolded test drive, a box packing exercise and a wheel change challenge against the clock. Members of the winning team will each receive tickets to Brands Hatch for the UK round of the DTM German Touring Car Championship.

Rob East, Driving Academy Operations Manger at Mercedes-Benz World said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Lewis back to Mercedes-Benz World and feel the Summer Driving Challenge is a great opportunity for youngsters, and parents, to get behind the wheel and have fun whilst experiencing every day driving situations in a safe and controlled environment. Striving for a place to rival the time set by Lewis gives a great incentive for accuracy as well. Clipped kerbs and fallen cones will cost precious points.”

The Summer Driving Challenge is offered by Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy launched in June 2009 and aims to encourage safer driving on Britain’s roads by coaching students to become good drivers and not just pass their test.