Clio Cup Return Confirmed For Herron

Andrew Herron is delighted to officially confirm his return to the ELF Renault Clio Cup for the 2009 season having this morning finalised a deal with front-running squad JHR Developments, the team with whom he has competed for the past two years.

The Brian Herron Contracts backed ace, who last participated in Clios during his maiden season of car racing in 2007, will undoubtedly begin the new campaign as one of the genuine championship favourites and he’ll certainly be going all out to claim his first saloon car title.

“We’re really pleased to finalise the deal with JHR to race in Clios this year, I’m looking forward to being back in the championship and I’m confident we should be in a good position to challenge for the title – that’s the aim”, said Andrew, “It’s great to be working with Steve (Hunter - JHR team boss) and the team for a third year and hopefully we can all have a very successful season.”

After debuting in the Clio Cup with JHR at the start of 2007, Andrew quickly became a consistent front-runner and went on to secure his first car racing victory during the four-round ELF Renault Clio Winter Cup, which he concluded as Vice-Champion.

Graduating to the SEAT Cupra Championship last season, where he became a multiple podium finisher, the Northern Irishman had planned to mount a SEAT title bid this year. Following the announcement by SEAT Sport UK last October, however, that the manufacturer was to end its involvement in British motorsport, the 20-year-old had to look at other opportunities.

Setting his sights on remaining part of the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship race package, Andrew initially looked at making the step-up to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship but a budget shortfall meant he had to consider a more cost-effective series for 2009 – hence the return to the ever popular and action-packed Clio Cup.

Racing alongside the BTCC and its other high-profile support championships, the ELF Renault Clio Cup will be contested over 20 races across 10 race weekends during the year. Visiting the UK’s very best race tracks, such as Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Oulton Park, Rockingham and Donington Park, the Clio Cup will also benefit from outstanding live television coverage and highlights on the ITV network.

Rounds one and two of the 2009 ELF Renault Clio Cup will take place at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent less than a fortnight from now, 4th/5th April. Officially timed pre-event testing will be held on Friday, 3rd April, at the 1.2-mile track. Before then, Andrew will be in testing action at Silverstone in Northamptonshire tomorrow, Tuesday, 24th March, and again on Wednesday, 25th March.


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