Thanks for the replies...
@beNom - I've tried auto and manual transmission and I'm using the stock car and stock setup - both same result and the moment I come to the first slope at about 10-15mph it comes to a stop and rolls backwards no matter what I do with the clutch/gear selection/acceleration.
I don't really know what setting the pedal axes is or what it does but I will look for a solution.
@ped7g - I get full revs right to the limit when I press gas pedal right down and the engine makes loud roar when I do it and the tank if I remember rightly shows about half full - from the start of the race I don't get further than a few hundred metres as I hit a slope can't get up it! But yes, I'm going to look at the pedal axes! I think I have some learning to do...
It's a very nice looking game on my Vive - tried Project cars but Live for Speed seems much better visually in VR than what Project Cars is in VR. Thanks both - I'll try axes tomorrow and will write back with the result - I assume the axes are a Live for Speed setting and not a Logitech setting.