Being regarded as one of the best when it comes to speed, power and performance is a desire that anyone would want to fulfil. And for the third year running Hot Wheels are getting behind an up and coming British racing driver-this time Andre D'Cruze in the SEAT Cupra Championship as he attempts to fulfil his dream of becoming number one.

	Sara wants to know: "Were you always into cars as a young boy?"
Andre said:	Yes, I wanted to be a racing driving since about the age of 3.
	Tilly wants to know: "How did you get involved with race driving in the first place?"
Andre said:	I started racing carts as a kid aged 8 just for fun!
	Luke wants to know: "Why is speed and power so appealing?"
Andre said:	Driving cars is good fun, exhiliaraing and gives a good adrenaline rush.
	Boy racer wants to know: "Who are your motor racing heroes?"
Andre said:	Ayrton Senna and Gilles Villneuve
	Taylor wants to know: "So far what has been the highlight of your career?"
Andre said:	winning the Rookie of the Year competition in America and landing the Hotwheel Sponsorship for this year''s racing, as I rely solely on sponsorship for my racing.
	Oliver wants to know: "How much training goes into being a top driver?"
Andre said:	I train about 5 times a week on average. There is a programme starting next week on ITV1 called Racing Rivals, and they''ve been filming me for the last 4 months, and it shows what drivers do behind the scenes in preparation for racing.
	Ashleigh wants to know: "Do you ever get freebies from HotWheels and if so what do you do with them?"
Andre said:	I get the odd car from Hotwheels - unfortunately not enough to give away to you!
	Mel wants to know: "Where do you want to progress to after you finish this year's season in the Seat cup?"
Andre said:	I''d like to move into the British touring car championship and take in some of the big endurance races such as le Mans.
	Nigel Charlesworth wants to know: " Do you think David Coulthard has lost his edge and have you any ambitions to be an F1 driver?"
Andre said:	I don''t think Coulthard has lost his edge but I think his team mate is quicker than him, and I don''t have any ambitions to be an F1 driver.
	James wants to know: "What is the SEAT Cupra Championship?"
Andre said:	It''s a one make championship with 18 drivers with identical cars, trying to win the championship to move into touring cars.
	Mel wants to know: "Do you think that James Thompson's rallying activities have detracted from his ability on the track in this year's BTCC season?"
Andre said:	No I don''t think so. If anything, it has improved his driving skills.
	George wants to know: "How does formula 3 differ from formula 1?"
Andre said:	It''s just the cars are smaller, lighter, less powerful.
	Mel wants to know: "What goes through your mind before a race?"
Andre said:	Well there''s some gorgeous women in front of me onthe grid, but I only ever get to see the behind of them. And my pit crew won''t let me talk to them as it''ll distract me!
	Jon wants to know: "What does your training involve? Do you have to do any time at the gym too?"
Andre said:	Training involves a fairly balances gymn workout, so lots of upper body srength without any bulk, because you have to be as light as possible, a bit like being a jockey.
	Evie wants to know: "Hiya Andre, when you were younger did you used to play with hot wheels toys, and did that make you want to be a driver?"
Andre said:	I did used to play with Hotwheels toys, a bit like every kid did, but I wanted to become a driver before that.
	Alex is asking: "If you were to win the championship (and fingers crossed for you) what is the final prize and where do you go from there?"
Andre said:	The final prize is a fully paid for drive with SEAT in the European touring car championship with a salary.
	Kane has a question: "Hi Andre, how long can you see yourself wanting to be a rally driver for? Is there an age when people generally retire?"
Andre said:	I don''t want to be a rally driver, I''m a race driver. Touring car drivers can compete until their mid-40s at least.
	Andre, what's the differnce between a race car driver and a rally driver?
Andre said:	A race driver races purely on race tracks and a rally driver competes against the clock on stages through diferent terrains.
	Al says: "It must be quite stressful at times, do you have any ways that you cope with the stress?"
Andre said:	I don''t have any particular ways to deal with stress, but if you have any ideas, let me know!
	Tim wants to know: "Do you play racing computer games to help you learn the racecourses?"
Andre said:	Yes, I do play the games to learn the tracks. And there is a machine called the Game Pod which simulates the driving position also.
	Ben is asking: "What would your ultimate goal be?"
Andre said:	To win the British touring car championship and to win at le Mans.
	Matt wants to know: "Would you say this sport is expensive to compete in? And if so how do you manage if you didn’t have sponsorship?"
Andre said:	The sport is very expensive to compete in, and if you don''t have the sponsorship, you''d have to sit on the sidelines - I''m lucky to be sponsored by Hotwheels this year, but I did get that on merit.
	Mike wants to know: "Why don’t woman make the grade at top-level racing?"
Andre said:	There''s not enough women competing to make it to the top - there''s only a handful of them. If there was a quick lady racin driver, I''m sure she''d be picked by sponsors.
	Tara wants to know: "Do you prefer manual or automatic cars?"
Andre said:	Manual. I can''t stand automatic.
	Jeff wants to know: "What kind of g-force pressure do you have to endure and what effects does this have on the body"
Andre said:	In a touring car you don''t suffer huge G-forces but the temperature in the car can reach 100 degrees, and we haven''t got any air-conditioning or luxuries like you get in a normal road car, like reclining seats!
	justine wants to know: "Is it true you still act as a race instructor and if so where?"
Andre said:	Yes, I still do, mainly at Brand''s Hatch, which is my home circuit.
	luke wants to know: "Do your parents have to take a lot of time off from their careers to support yours?"
Andre said:	They don''t really take much time off. They''re both self-employed so they can''t unfortunately.
	baz wants to know: "How do you expect to increase your championship challenge this year?"
Andre said:	To start winning a few races!
	Nigel wants to know: "What do you do when you're not racing?"
Andre said:	I do the normal things...going out with friends, my girlfriend...
	Albert Ferrer wants to know: "Ferrari or Porsche?"
Andre said:	Ferrari any day!
	Albert Ferrer wants to know: "Were you into high speed thrills from an early age?"
Andre said:	Yeah, from the age of 8.
	susan wants to know: "Do you worry about about safety? - have you had any bad crashes before ?"
Andre said:	No, racing cars are safer than road cars. I''ve only had 1 bad crash and I can''t really remember it. Nowadays you see the most spectacular crashes and the driver would usually walk away with a few bruises.
	chas wants to know: "How many races have you won...and do the racing drivers get to keep all the large trophies we see on TV?"
Andre said:	No, the trophies are normally given to the team, or the family. I''ve won about 20 or 25 races, and finish on the podium in about 35.
	nick wants to know: "What does a sponsor gain from supporting you and whats the minimum they have to fund?"
Andre said:	The sponsor gains exposure in all forms of media. This season, for example, we are featured in ITV1. The minimum would be around £2000. Would you like to sponsor me?
	RICHARD D'CRUZE wants to know: "What are your plans for the future? Richard"
Andre said:	Hi Dad! I''m going to get a train home and come home for dinner. What are you cooking? I haven''t planned further than that!
	carly wants to know: "whats does it say on your t-shirt?"
Andre said:	First worn in 1976, but that''s not true, it''s just the slogan!!
	Albert Ferrer wants to know: "What car do you drive away from the track?"
Andre said:	A SEAT Ibiza, which all of us are given as part of the championship.
	Frankie wants to know: "What is your normal driving style on roads?"
Andre said:	Fast, but sensible, in case my Dad''s still reading this.
	tomL wants to know: "Do you tell people you're a racing driver or does that embarass you? Other blokes must get jealous!"
Andre said:	I don''t really tell people unless it''s during a business occasion or event, and yes, blokes get really jealous!
	Swiss Tony wants to know: "Is it true driving a fast cars is like making love to a beautiful woman?"
Andre said:	I think driving fast cars is much easier with less maintenance.
	susan wants to know: "Racing drivers have a reputation with the ladies. is this sterotype a fair one ?"
Andre said:	I think some do, as in any sport. Eddie Irvine was probably the best example.
	Ctnthia wants to know: "What is the difference between going to watch a race live and watching it on the television?"
Andre said:	Watching it live you can soak up the atmosphere, but watching it on television, you can get a broader picture of the race.
	Jamie wants to know: "How can aspiring racing drivers find out more about getting involved in this sport?"
Andre said:	There''s quite a few books on the market that give you tips on what to do, and visit the local kart track too.
	Raff wants to know: "Whats your favourite track for racing on and for watching?"
Andre said:	Spa in Belgium. In the UK, Brand''s Hatch, because it''s probably the most exciting to drive on. And Oulton Park because it''s the most picturesque track.
	GB wants to know: "Who are your sporting heroes?"
Andre said:	Ayrton Senna was the most exciting driver to watch.
	Caroline wants to know: "I understand that you started of racing Go Karts – how easy was it to make the move into rally driving?"
Andre said:	Making the switch from karts to cars was a relatively smooth transition.
	William wants to know: "What is it about racing that makes you so motivated to succeed and be the best?"
Andre said:	I enjoy the competition and the challenge, and get fun from driving the car on its limits.
	Ryan wants to know: "Ar you allowed to play other competitive sports or do your sponsors and insurers stop you from risking injuries!"
Andre said:	SEAT stop us from doing really extreme sports, but that''s it really.
	Milly wants to know: "What age do racers normally retire and why?"
Andre said:	In F1 it could be 35 but in touring cars it could be 45, so I''ve got a few years left yet!
	Tony wants to know: "Would you go into tax exile like David Coulard when you’re rich and famous?"
Andre said:	Yes, anything to save money!
	Nigel Charlesworth wants to know: "Do you agree that the rule changes this season have spiced up F1 and could tin-top racing benefit from the new rules such as one lap qualifying and fewer driver aids?"
Andre said:	I agree with the rule changes because it was becoming too boring for the spectator. I don''t think tin-top racing would benefit from one-off qualifying and I don''t agree with driver aids at all. I''ve got none in my car at all.
	Ella wants to know: "Hi Andre, how did the sponsorship with HotWheels come about?"
Andre said:	I approached Hotwheels with regards to the championship. They then wanted to see a selection of racing car drivers and fortunately they picked me!
	Raff wants to know: "What happens if you get points on your license?"
Andre said:	The race licence works similar to a road licence. When it gets to 12 points, you have it removed.
	Can you explain that further?
Andre said:	You can have a maximum of 12 points in a season. Points can be given from officials for things such as dangerous driving, fighting with other drivers, blatant cheating etc.
	jk wants to know: "What do you think of drivers who 'take out' other drivers accidently on purpose for their own gain?"
Andre said:	I don''t agree with it, but in the heat of the moment, with so much at stake, it''s easy for it to happen. Some drivers seem to do it more than others.
	Jase wants to know: "What other sports do you like?"
Andre said:	Tennis is the only other sport I play, mainly because of time constraints.
	Jason wants to know: "What was the first championship you ever raced in?"
Andre said:	Formula 1st was my first ever championship and I finished 3rd, when I was 19 or 20.
	Ed wants to know: "You must do lots of travelling, do you find it hard being away from your friends and family?"
Andre said:	Sometimes it gets really boring travelling up and down the same motorways, and staying in hotels all the time.
	Rachel wants to know: "What are the chances of serious injury?"
Andre said:	I''ve probably got more chances of being run down by a bus.
	Dav wants to know: "My son really wants to get into go kart racing. How would I go about getting him involved, are there local racing clubs around the country?"
Andre said:	Take him to an indoor kart centre and find out if he likes it. The people there will tell him how to take it further.
	Albert Ferrer wants to know: "What makes Schumacher such a great driver?"
Andre said:	I don''t know. He won''t tell me!
	wheelie wants to know: "what is your greatest driving experience?"
Andre said:	Driving a prototype sports car at Dijon in France was very exciting.
	Stickshift wants to know: "Do you think there should be more motor racing on television?"
Andre said:	Definitely - it would make my life easier with raising sponsorship. There''s a programme that''s starting next week called Racing Rivals on ITV1, which is following the championship which I''m competing in, giving people an insight into behind the scenes of motor racing.
Andre	Of course I''d love to, as long as you all come and support me at Rockingham on Sunday 3rd August.
Andre	Thanks for everyone that''s taken part in my first live chat. I hope you all enjoyed it.

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