Renault UK has announced it will provide a fully-funded prize test in the latest fourth generation racing Renault Clio Cup car for the inaugural champions of the Michelin Clio Cup Race Series and Michelin Clio Cup Road Series.
Taking place at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit on Friday, 10th October, during the officially timed test sessions ahead of that weekend’s Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup season finale, the respective title winners of the club-level feeder categories will get to experience the Dunlop-shod turbo-charged Renault Clio for the first time.
“We’re obviously delighted to provide this prize for our Race Series and Road Series champions, it’s incredibly important as it helps to showcase the ladder of progression which now exists with Renault in national saloon car racing”, said Renault UK Communications Director, Jeremy Townsend, “It will be a perfect opportunity for them to display their skills in the latest, state-of-the-art racing Clio.”
Westbourne Motorsport’s Anton Spires (Milton Keynes), of course, wrapped-up the 2014 Michelin Clio Cup Road Series title in style at Snetterton last Sunday on the day of his 22nd birthday, and is absolutely elated to have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the fourth generation car.
“I’m so pleased with how the year has gone with Westbourne, we improved and progressed every step of the way and to now have the opportunity to test a fourth gen Clio is amazing”, he said, “I’ll take the experience as a major learning curve first of all, but hopefully use the day to prove myself – huge thanks to Renault UK for such a great prize.
“It will be my first time on slick tyres in a Clio, so hopefully I can take as much experience as possible from it and I really do intend to grab the opportunity with both hands. The [Michelin Clio Cup] Race Series is the short term goal, then hopefully Renault UK Clio Cup after that with touring cars and GT racing as a goal for the future. I want to try and make a career out of motorsport, that’s the target.”
In the sister Michelin Clio Cup Race Series, Total Control Racing’s Mike Robinson (Surbiton) is the clear leader with just two races remaining, which will take place at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire a fortnight from now, and he is relishing the prospect of potentially winning the prize test - if all goes to plan of course on 20th/21st September in North Yorkshire.
Robinson is no stranger to the blue riband Renault UK Clio Cup, having raced in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support category in 2008, 2009 and 2010 with TCR. Returning to Renault Clio action in the Michelin Clio Cup Race Series this year, the 31-year-old has thoroughly enjoyed the season so far and has kept a keen eye on the 1.6-litre fourth generation car.
“I’ve always wanted to drive the fourth generation Clio since it was launched and we did actually look at doing the TOCA series this season, but the budget for the Clio Series was better for us in the end this year”, he commented.
“There’s a lot of fondness for the [third generation] Clio we race in the ‘Series but I’ve kept an eye on the TOCA guys to see how the new car compares. I’ve always been a fan of paddle-shift gearboxes in race cars so having the chance to drive the new Clio would be fantastic.”
Along with headline sponsors Michelin and Protyre, the Clio Cup Series is additionally supported by Ferodo and Safety Devices.
Official website: www.renaultsport.co.uk/championships/cliocupseries built by RACECAR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cliocupseries
Twitter: @ClioCupSeries
Full results and timings available at www.tsl-timing.com
