Jordan Stilp says he is thrilled with his prize for winning the Graduate Cup class title in this year’s Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup, after last week taking delivery of a gleaming new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC roadcar.
Supplied courtesy of Renault UK, the turbo-charged 1.6-litre road-going version of the fourth generation Clio Cup race car the 20-year-old has piloted this season will be his to use for the next 12 months in recognition of his superb achievements this year.
“It’s fantastic, I absolutely love it”, said the Potterspury-based driver, “I didn’t think it’d be as quick as it is and the handling is fantastic too. I’ve had quite a few hot-hatches before and this is definitely the best of them. It’s such a great prize, massive thank you to Renault UK.”
As well as securing the Graduate Cup class title on a dramatic final weekend of the season at Brands Hatch in mid-October, Stilp also ended his second year in the Renault UK Clio Cup in the coveted outright championship top three.
Claiming three outright race victories, three other podiums and six Graduate Cup class wins for 20Ten Racing, Stilp became one of the foremost contenders in his sophomore year. Should he return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship feeder series in 2015, he will almost certainly be one of the true favourites for overall title success.
“I was very surprised to win the Graduate Cup, we really didn’t aim to win the championship this year”, he reflected, “It was about just trying to be up there near the front and getting used to the new Clio, for me it was a big shock to be up there winning races and in with a chance of the main championship too. It was such a big bonus to win the Graduates.
“We went into the year not knowing the team but we gelled really well, they’re a great bunch of people – 20Ten is a really understated team. I don’t think a lot of people realised what they’re capable of but they produce a great car. Hopefully, we’ll be back doing the Clio Cup next year but we’ve got to work on getting more sponsorship now over the winter.”
On behalf of Renault UK, Communications Director Jeremy Townsend said: “We’re delighted to have been able to offer Jordan the use of a Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC for the next 12 months, he’s a thoroughly deserving Graduate Cup champion and I’m sure he’s going to enjoy many miles of happy motoring in the Clio.
“Jordan produced a fantastic season, to end the year in the top three with three outright race wins was very impressive – even more so considering the stiff competition. He will clearly be one of the major favourites for the Renault UK Clio Cup title if he returns in 2015.”
The Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup is additionally supported by ELF, Performance Friction, WP Racing and official tyre supplier Dunlop.
Official website: www.renaultsport.co.uk/championships/cliocup built by Racecar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKClioCup
Twitter: @UKClioCup
