Two brothers from Merthyr Tydfil have become the first entrants in their region for the 2009 Dunlop Race Academy. Matthew and Andrew Foley signed up to motorsport's 'X Factor' during a recent visit to the Autosport Show. Their performance and potential will be assessed by the Dunlop Race Academy judges during the early part of the racing season. If either of them is selected then they could go forward to represent the West of England in the regional element of the Dunlop Race Academy competition.

The older of the brothers, Matthew, 26, is a maintenance engineer and has been racing competitively for the past two years. He said that although the rivalry between the two of them has always been friendly, they will both be looking to win. "Andrew and I are always trying to beat each other's lap times, but as the younger brother he used to get stuck with my hand me down car equipment. Recently we've been doing his car up so it should be a level playing field when the racing starts. I try not to think about Andrew when I'm racing but knowing that he's there does help spur me on sometimes.
Andrew, 20, an apprentice engineer is looking forward to the opportunity to take part in a competition that could ultimately launch his motor racing career. He said, "I've been racing from a very young age and this really is a great chance for me to get my name up there. As an apprentice I have struggled to fund myself financially so I will be giving it my all to progress in this competition.

As well as proving their racing talent and ambition, competitors will have to make a short online audition video, so the public will be able to see what they're like away from the wheel. Motorsport fans will have a chance to vote for their favourite driver online and the public vote will combine with the judges marks to find a regional winner.

James Bailey, Dunlop's communications manager and one of the Dunlop Race Academy Judges said: "More cars race on Dunlop tyres than any other brand and we are committed to developing the talented drivers who enjoy our product. There are many drivers like Matthew and Andrew in this region and across the UK who work hard at funding their racing and developing their driving skills, with the ambition of moving into professional championships such as the Dunlop-supported HiQ British Touring Car Championship. Those are the type of drivers we want to encourage. We hope that this competition will give all its entrants a boost, making them think seriously about their racing and develop their skills to the very best they can be.

The 2009 Dunlop Race Academy is open to any National A or B racing licence holder between the ages of 16 and 30, competing in club or national racing in 2009. Any potential competitors should register online at DunlopDriversClub.co.uk after February 4th.