Athletics Fan Wins National Alfa Romeo Award

By David Batten-Hill on 10.12.2010

Gary Watson from Sherburn Village, Durham, enjoyed a VIP break for two at the Goodwood Hotel last weekend, including the chance to experience fast laps in an Alfa 8C Competizione supercar, after recording the quickest time this year on the UK Athletics Alfa Race Simulator competition.

The simulator, which was installed at key athletics events across the UK this season, allowed visitors to sit behind the wheel of a specially adapted Alfa Spider, fitted with an exciting race simulator around Silverstone race track. Gary Watson beat over 400 entries, posting a winning time of 3.33 minutes, 4 seconds faster than his nearest challenger.

The prize, courtesy of Alfa Romeo, included full use of the Goodwood hotel facilities, a chance to drive a new Alfa Giulietta for the weekend and a once-in-a lifetime driving experience around the Goodwood motor circuit in an Alfa 8C Competizione supercar.

Speaking after the weekend Gary Watson said, “I had a fantastic time. The highlight for me was the driving experience in an Alfa 8C Competizione, travelling at such high speed round a motor circuit was an incredible adrenalin rush.”

Alfa Romeo (Official Car Supplier to UK Athletics) featured the UKA Alfa Race Simulator at five indoor and outdoor athletics events in total throughout the season, including the Aviva European Trials & UK Championships in Birmingham in June, the British Grand Prix in Gateshead and the Aviva London Grand Prix in Crystal Palace.

A leader board, listing the fastest laps, was posted on the UKA and Alfa Romeo websites, allowing participants to compare how they fared against their athletics heroes. The quickest time posted by an athlete was 3.52 minutes, achieved by long jumper and European Championship Bronze medallist, Chris Tomlinson.

Brand Communications Manager at Alfa Romeo UK, Damien Dally commented, “Alfa Romeo celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year. We wanted to create something for the event village that linked our association with UK Athletics and reflected the fun, stylish and sporty attributes of the Alfa Romeo brand. Congratulations to Gary for setting the fastest time.”