Derbyshire-based Renault UK Clio Cup team 20Ten Racing has confirmed race winner Josh Cook (Bristol) will join the squad for the 2014 season – the first featuring the new turbo-powered racing Clio – alongside category newcomer Craig Milner (Matlock).
Cook, who ended last season on a real high after securing a memorable victory during the final race at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit on a weekend when he was named ‘Driver of the Event’, will head into the new campaign as a true championship challenger.
Wrapping-up the 2013 season fifth overall in the driver standings, the 22-year-old secured four other podiums in addition to his overall victory and was also third in the Graduate Cup title chase where he claimed two class wins.
Cook’s deal for the coming year marks a return to Little Eaton-based 20Ten Racing, having run with the squad in 2012 where he secured two outright wins on his way to fifth in the championship and also the then ‘Rookie Cup’ crown.
"We're hoping we'll be at the front with Josh and fighting at the front throughout the year, he needs to finish the season in the top three really”, said team manager Simon Hunt, “I want to see us get at least one or two wins and be in with a shout of the championship at the end of the year, that’s got to be the aim.
“Josh just needs to be consistent, he's already proven he's got the speed and he obviously has the experience as well. The other thing is, he's a good racing driver – he can actually overtake which isn't always the case even if a driver is fast. We're keeping our fingers crossed for a good year.”
Team-mate Milner is by no means fresh to racing but will be embarking on his first season at Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship package level. Debuting in the Renault UK Clio Cup this year, the 51-year-old arrives in the ultra-competitive category aiming to become a consistent challenger in the ‘Masters Cup’ class.
Having raced motorcycles for a decade, the Derbyshire businessman – who lives less than 20 miles from 20Ten Racing’s workshop – switched to four wheels in 2009 in the Ferrari Open, before progressing to the Volkswagen Racing Cup at the end of 2011. Finishing 12th overall in the series the following year, taking a best result of fifth, he then contested a part-campaign last season.
"It's going to be a tough year for Craig, he's never done anything at this level but we'll get some good testing in and see how he goes”, added Hunt, “He raced bikes for the best part of 10 years and for the last couple of seasons he's been in the VW championship. We convinced him Clios are the way to go, so we're hoping he can make good progress and probably challenge for the Masters class.”
While delighted to confirm its first two drivers for the 2014 season, 20Ten Racing also has a third seat available and the squad is keen to hear from any experienced Clio Cup racers or newcomers to the category. Team manager Simon Hunt is available on 07919 075248 or at mail@20tenracing.co.uk
Renault UK Clio Cup is supported by ELF, Performance Friction, WP Racing and official tyre supplier Dunlop.
Official website: www.renaultsport.co.uk/championships/cliocup built by Racecar
