Croydon's Bradley Ellis is revved up to race at his home circuit BrandsHatch for the first time, in rounds five and six of the Formula Renault UKChampionship on Sunday 5 June. A newcomer to this highly competitive series,Ellis has already proved his potential in the first four races of the seasonand hopes are high for a good result on home ground.
Despite facing the task of learning all the UK race circuits and racingagainst a field of 27 experienced drivers, Ellis has already shown he's upfor the challenge. He impressed team Mark Burdett Motorsport in the firstround where he charged through to 18th from 26th on the grid despitesuffering from gearbox problems. He was also the highest qualifying newcomerin round three at Thruxton in May and just missed out on a top ten finish.
Although determined to break into the top ten, Ellis remains realistic: "Wehave had an encouraging start to the season and I'm confident we cancontinue to improve," he said. "Although this is my home circuit, I've onlyhad a few laps round Brands Hatch during a test session so I will beconcentrating on improving my lap times. It's an exciting track, PaddockHill bend is a particularly tricky corner to get right but it's exhilaratingwhen you do!"
The south London teenager, who celebrates his 18th birthday later in June,has further cause for celebration on the eve of his home race withadditional sponsorship confirmed from ATS - Automotive Trade Supplies.Specialising in paint and materials for the accident and repair marketwithin the South East, ATS have supported Ellis behind the scenes ever sincehe raced Cadet karts and became the MSA British Cadet Champion.
Frank Delaney, Business Development Manager at ATS, comments: "As soon as weheard Bradley was coming back to race in the UK we wanted to help as much aspossible. We've seen him develop and progress through the ranks of kartingover the years and it is clear he's got what it takes. He's a smashing younglad and we hope to continue to support him throughout his career."More...
-Page 2 of 2-Progress Vehicle Management Limited (PVM) joins ATS in sponsoring Ellis thisyear. Bespoke replacement vehicle specialists, PVM provide professionalservices and support within the accident management industry. Based inCroydon, PVM offer different solutions to accident management as well as asympathetic approach to claims handling, meaning it is well placed to helpclients in the unfortunate event of a non-fault accident.
Lee Myles, Director of PVM, said: "As a local company, it is important to usto support a talented young lad such as Bradley. With our backing, we canhopefully help him progress and meet his full potential whilst PVM can beproudly associated with a future motorsport champion."
Both PVM and ATS will be making the short trip to Brands Hatch to watchEllis in action in single seaters for the first time this weekend.
Qualifying for rounds five and six of the Formula Renault UK Championshipwill be on Saturday 4 June at 10.50am and 3.40pm. Racing on Sunday starts at10am with Formula Renault UK Championship races at 10.40am and 5.25pm. Otherracing not to be missed includes rounds seven, eight and nine of the BritishTouring Car Championship (BTCC) at 11.30am, 1.25pm and 4.45pm.
