British Superkart Association Interview

Another couple of videos from Autosport International 2014, this time Rosemary meets the British Superkart Association to find out more about this incredibly fast form of motor racing...



Then we meet Ben Davis and Peter Bennett who have moved on from racing SuperKarts to take on the Clio Cup

Clio Cup 2013 : Oulton Park Round up

LIGHTS-TO-FLAG WIN FOR RIVETT EXTENDS POINTS LEAD AT OULTON

The Clio Cup pack blasts off the startline at Oulton Park

 Paul Rivett (Banstead) soaked up immense race-long pressure from Stefan Hodgetts (Redditch) during the seventh round of the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup at Oulton Park this afternoon, Saturday, 8th June, to seal his third victory of the year with a faultless lights-to-flag drive.

Making his pole position grid slot count, the Names.co.uk/Stancombe Vehicle Engineering racer produced a fantastic start to lead but – with the exception of a brief Safety Car period – never had a moment to rest.

Hodgetts’ KX Racing with Scuderia Vittoria car was an ever present threat, never more than half a second behind the three-time champion, and to confirm his pace Hodgetts took the two bonus points for fastest lap, thanks to a time of 1m36.705 seconds (82.86mph) on lap 12.

Josh Cook (Bristol), who didn’t enjoy the best of starts from the front row, slipped to third on lap one but was thereafter able to run very similar lap times to both Rivett and Hodgetts. For the bulk of the 15-lap encounter, the JHR Developments driver was in the wheeltracks of the two leaders but just wasn’t quite able to mount a challenge. Even so, third gave him his first Graduate Cup win of 2013.

With Team Pyro’s Josh Files (Norwich) finishing in seventh position, having started the first race of the weekend in eighth place, Rivett was able to increase his lead in the championship to 19 points, having been only three points clear prior to round seven.

“Of all the people to have behind you in the Clio field, Stef [Hodgetts] is probably the hardest and he didn’t make that easy by any means at all”, commented Rivett, “I had to defend from him into the last corner of the last lap, otherwise I knew he’d really be trying to stick it up the inside.

“It’s a great win, lights-to-flag, and I got a cracking start. Hopefully we can do more of the same tomorrow and control it from the front. It’s going to be tough to do it again but if I can get another start like that, it’s half the battle.”

While Rivett led clearly through Old Hall at the start, Cook’s sluggish getaway dropped him into the clutches of both Hodgetts – up from fifth on the grid after a superb start – and his team-mate Ant Whorton-Eales (Lichfield) who ran side-by-side through the first right-hander.

Hodgetts emerged in second place while Cook clung on around the outside at Cascades to edge ahead of Whorton-Eales for third. From that point forward, nothing changed among the podium places with the top three incredibly evenly matched.

“It was relatively boring after the first lap to be honest”, said Hodgetts, “Paul [Rivett] is a quality driver, he’s not going to make a mistake and you can’t pass that easily around here. Second is OK but I’m going to have a right go tomorrow for the win.”

The Clios negotate one of Oulton's fast bends

Reflecting on his second podium of the year, and first Graduate Cup success, Cook said: “I made a very poor start, probably the worst one I’ve ever done. I managed to hold it around the outside of Ant [Whorton-Eales] at Cascades, which was a bit sketchy, but I managed to get the place. I didn’t quite have the pace to stick with the top two, so we’ll make a couple of changes for tomorrow.”

Whorton-Eales’ involvement came to an abrupt end on lap two at the chicane when he tagged the tyre stack, leading to a three lap Safety Car period. When the racing resumed, the lead trio were able to edge back away from the rest of the pack which was headed by Pyro’s Alex Morgan (Reading).

Although Morgan slipped two seconds shy of the podium places by the end, he was able to pull over three seconds clear of JHR’s Masters Cup class winner Lee Pattison (Liversedge) who was heavily pressured by Westbourne Motorsport’s James Colburn (Worthing) during the closing stages.

Files, who was passed for seventh brilliantly by Jake Giddings (Wisbech) on lap eight at Old Hall, managed to return the favour to the Finesse Motorsport driver on the final tour with Mike Bushell (Tunbridge Wells), on his first weekend driving with KX Racing colours, taking ninth.

The battle over the final place in the top 10 was hugely entertaining throughout, half a dozen drivers all within a chance of taking the position. In the end, Clio Cup rookie Ash Hand (Nuneaton) sealed the spot for Pyro by just 0.2 seconds ahead of Jordan Stilp (Potterspury), Devon Modell (Maidstone), James Nutbrown and Simon Belcher (Swindon).

Rob Smith (Telford) was also in the thick of the titanic battle at the tail end of the top 10 but sustained a right-front puncture after hitting debris left behind from Whorton-Eales’ incident at the chicane, dropping him to 15th place.

HODGETTS VICTORIOUS IN ROUND EIGHT AT BAKING-HOT OULTON

The drivers celebrate their success after Round Eight

Renault UK Clio Cup front-runner Stefan Hodgetts (Redditch) claimed a richly deserved second victory of the 2013 season at Oulton Park Island Circuit this afternoon, Sunday, 9th June, during round eight of the championship – the halfway point of the campaign.

In front of the live ITV4 cameras, and tens of thousands of spectators enjoying glorious sunshine, the KX Racing with Scuderia Vittoria driver took the lead at the exit of the first corner after a blistering start from fourth on the grid and delivered an inch-perfect performance despite huge pressure.

“It’s fantastic”, said Hodgetts, who earned the ‘BuyOils.co.uk Driver of the Event’ accolade, “We started P4 and, if you say about it Motocross-style, we got the hole-shot at the start. When you’re in the lead in these cars you can kind of control the race but, in order to do that, you need a fantastic car. We’ve been really fast all weekend, it’s just desserts we got the win.

“Turning up at these race meetings with all the crowds, there’s no better feeling than to race in front of that many people – it’s a massive privilege. To be on this package and in this championship is pretty cool to be honest!”

Pole-sitter, and championship leader, Paul Rivett (Banstead) had problems with a slipping clutch at the beginning which compromised his getaway. Although managing to see off the quick-starting Alex Morgan (Reading) initially at the exit of Old Hall, the Team Pyro driver hit back on lap two into the hairpin and held on to an excellent second place from that point forward.

While Morgan’s runner-up spot, his fourth podium of the year, moved him into second place in the championship ahead of team-mate Josh Files (Norwich), Rivett’s third position was enough to see him marginally increase his advantage at the top of the standings to 22 points.

“I’d say the season is probably going better than I imagined initially”, said Morgan, “I knew we were quick in testing during the pre-season but you never know until you line-up with the other guys where you’ll be. To be at the halfway stage of the season and have had four podiums, one each weekend, and be second in the championship is fantastic – I couldn’t have asked for much more.”

Hodgetts’ launch away from the second row was outstanding and although Morgan appeared to have the lead into Old Hall, the KX Racing driver was able to bravely move ahead around the outside while Rivett – recovering well from his difficult getaway – followed Hodgetts through on the outside line, taking second on the run down The Avenue and into Cascades.

Into lap two, Hodgetts, Rivett and Morgan were nose-to-tail and into the hairpin Rivett thought about looking to the outside of the race leader. In doing so though, the Names.co.uk/Stancombe Vehicle Engineering driver left the door open for Morgan to edge up the inside.

There was absolutely nothing to separate the top three throughout, Hodgetts smartly backing the others up lap after lap. On lap eight the Safety Car was deployed, following an excursion into the barriers at the top of Clay Hill for Ronnie Klos (Market Harborough), but after the re-start nothing changed at the front with Hodgetts, Morgan and Rivett covered by just 0.7 seconds at the finish.

The end of the race actually came one lap early when Finlay Crocker (Bathgate) made contact with the barriers at the top of Deer Leap, bringing out the red flags, just moments after Pyro team-mates James Nutbrown and Ash Hand (Nuneaton) had tangled at Druids.

Reflecting on his third place, Rivett said: “It was probably quite lucky I didn’t slip any further back at the start to be honest, once we got going in the race it was OK but at the start the clutch just didn’t bite and that really cost us.

“When Alex [Morgan] got by at the hairpin it was my mistake, I shouldn’t have gone to the outside of Stef [Hodgetts] – I was desperate to get the lead back after the clutch slip though! Championship wise we’ve got another podium, more points and we’ve extended the lead even more. It goes without saying, a huge thank you to all my fantastic sponsors as usual.”

Behind the lead trio, Finesse Motorsport’s Jake Giddings (Wisbech) produced a star performance with fourth – giving him his first Graduate Cup win of the season. After taking fourth place from JHR Developments’ Lee Pattison (Liversedge) on lap one, Giddings was a consistent threat to the podium placings but just wasn’t able to carve open an opportunity.

Pattison finished fifth, taking his second Masters Cup victory of the weekend, ahead of team-mate Josh Cook and Westbourne Motorsport’s James Colburn (Worthing). KX Racing’s Ant Whorton-Eales (Lichfield) made amends for his non-finish on Saturday with eighth while Total Control Racing’s Rob Smith (Telford) was ninth, just seeing off Files – the latter taking the extra points for fastest lap.

There are only two weeks to wait until the next outing for the Renault UK Clio Cup competitors with rounds nine and 10 of the 2013 campaign taking place at Croft in North Yorkshire on 22nd/23rd June.


Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup Driver Standings (after Rd8):1st Paul Rivett, 207pts; 2nd Alex Morgan, 185pts; 3rd Josh Files, 176pts

Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup WP Racing Clio Cup Team Trophy Standings (after Rd8):1st Team Pyro, 359pts; 2nd Westbourne Motorsport, 272pts; 3rd Scuderia Vittoria, 267pts

Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup ‘Graduate Cup’ Standings (after Rd8):1st Josh Files, 213pts; 2nd James Colburn, 203pts; 3rd Jake Giddings, 179pts

Provisional 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup ‘Masters Cup’ Standings (after Rd8):1st Simon Belcher, 204pts; 2nd Graham Field, 191pts; 3rd Finlay Crocker, 139pts

Renault and BARC agree new Contract

The new Clio Cup car on Display at Oulton Park

Renault UK and the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) are delighted to announce a new three-year contract with TOCA, seeing the Renault UK Clio Cup remain a cornerstone of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship motor racing package until at least the end of 2016.  This agreement comes at the same time as Renault Sport Technologies has signed the BARC to be its UK promoter for the next three years.

The confirmation of these freshly agreed deals today, Friday, 7th June, comes as the order books open for the brand new fourth generation Clio Cup race car which was officially presented to existing teams, drivers and invited media this afternoon at Oulton Park in Cheshire – where the seventh and eighth rounds of the current Renault UK Clio Cup campaign are being contested this weekend.

“We’re absolutely delighted to confirm the Renault UK Clio Cup will remain part of the country’s biggest and best motorsport package for at least another three years”, said Jeremy Townsend, Renault UK Communications Director, “On behalf of Renault UK, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Gow [BTCC Series Director] and his team at TOCA for their continued support.

“Renault UK has been an integral part of the BTCC package for 21 seasons, since its inception, and we’re now looking forward to the arrival of the new Clio Cup race car from 2014 which will also be our 40th anniversary year in British motorsport. We’re at the start of an exciting new era for the championship, securing its continued place on the BTCC package is key to future success.”

Firmly established as the country’s foremost one-make saloon car championship and a prime feeder category for the BTCC, numerous Renault UK Clio Cup competitors have graduated into the national touring car series over the years including the likes of former Clio Cup Champions Tom Onslow-Cole and Dave Newsham, who are both racing in the BTCC this year.

Reigning FIA World Touring Car Champion Rob Huff and fellow WTCC racer Alex MacDowall both climbed the ladder from the Renault UK Clio Cup into the BTCC, before going on to compete at the highest level in the world championship.

“Renault has been an intrinsic part of the TOCA/BTCC events for over 20 years, and for very good reason”, said Alan Gow, Administrator and Series director of the BTCC, “The Clio Cup is a fantastically dynamic platform that budding BTCC drivers can launch their career from. It provides great racing for both the drivers and teams and of course, most importantly, our spectators and TV audiences.

“I’m extremely proud of our very close and long-standing relationship with Renault, which is set to continue until at least the end of 2016, and really look forward to the great racing that undoubtedly the brilliant new turbo Clio Cup car will produce.”

Ian Watson of the British Automobile Racing Club, which promotes the Renault UK Clio Cup, added: “Being part of the TOCA package is of paramount importance for a championship the stature of the Renault UK Clio Cup, we need to be racing in front of the biggest crowds and that’s what supporting the BTCC provides.

“To have agreed a new three-year TOCA contract is fantastic for all involved, it gives us the perfect platform on which to build for next season when the new fourth generation Clio Cup race car makes its UK debut.”

Teams currently competing in the Renault UK Clio Cup will be given priority to place orders for the new 1.6-litre, turbo-powered car for the next two weeks. Following the fifth race meeting of the 2013 season at Croft in North Yorkshire on 22nd/23rd June, the order process will be opened up to all.
Priced 39,900 Euros plus VAT (£33,969)
, the new Clio will come fitted as standard, for the first time, with a steering wheel mounted paddle-shift gear change system.

The fourth generation car has already been incredibly well received on the continent where it is making its competitive debut this year in the Eurocup Clio series. British squad Team Pyro currently fields Josh Files and David Dickenson in the pan-European category, Files dovetailing his programme there with a title bid in the Renault UK Clio Cup in the existing third generation car.

Twingo Trophy returns to British Rally Championship in 2013

Fast action from last year's Twingo Trophy - expect more of the same as part of the 2013 British Rally Championship

The Twingo Renaultsport Trophy UK will follow all seven rounds of the MSA British Rally Championship in 2013, joining the UK’s premier rally series for the second year running.

The Twingo R1 Trophy provides the winner with a fantastic Renault Sport Technologies-funded prize drive in a Twingo R2 Evo on the final round of the French Rally Championship. The R1 crews also benefit from an on event prize fund with parts vouchers of £500, £300 & £200 going to 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd respectively on each of the seven rounds.

There are some updates to the Twingo R1 for 2013 too, with the facelifted shape, new competition dampers and an ECU upgrade to increase torque being homologated for the start of the new season, it makes an ideal car in which to fight for the British Junior Rally Championship title. Also new for 2013, right hand drive versions will be permissible with donor cars being sourced in the UK, it should make it even cheaper to build a car with second hand low cost examples being readily available.

Competitors using the Twingo R2 will be recognised with their own Renaultsport awards relating to their overall position in the new RallyTwo Championship. Running alongside the R1 cars with parts and technical support on all BRC events, the eventual R2 winner will be presented with his or her trophy at the prestigious British Rally Championship Awards Ceremony.

In addition to being eligible for the new BRC RallyTwo Championship, both versions of the rapid little Twingo will be vying for a yellow jersey nomination and a place in the Pirelli Star Driver competition to win a prize drive in the 2014 BRC.

All users of Renault rally cars will benefit from the presence of Monster Sport Europe who will attend all of the rounds with a parts supply vehicle, hospitality area and support.

Competitors running Twingo and Clio should contact MSE direct to make them aware of any parts requirements they have ahead of the new season.

For more information visit www.renaultsport.co.uk or www.twingotrophy.co.uk

Scudereia Vittoria return with Wakefield and Modell

Scuderia Vittoria return to Clios in 2013 with a new line up of Josh Wakefield and Devon Modell

Former British GT Championship racer Josh Wakefield (Colchester) and motor racing returnee Devon Modell (London) will make their respective debuts in the Renault UK Clio Cup this year after finalising deals with front-running squad Scuderia Vittoria.

Wakefield, a multiple podium finisher in the GT4 Class of the 2011 British GT Championship, makes the move back to front-wheel drive racing having originally cut his teeth in the SaxMax series in 2009 where he was the Rookie Champion.

Switching to the Trofeo Abarth 500 category in 2010, ending the season fifth overall with several podiums to his credit, the Essex driver then embarked on a strong campaign in British GT where he was fourth overall in GT4, teaming with Jake Rattenbury, taking one win and four other podiums.

“Josh has had a couple of testing years in different formulas, but has been able to show that he possesses great pace”, said Scuderia Vittoria team principal Danny Buxton, the 2001 Renault UK Clio Cup Champion, “I’m really pleased to be able to bring him back to front-wheel drive cars and I’m confident that he will be able to perform extremely well in 2013.”

Modell, who is a former Stars of Tomorrow [now Formula Kart Stars] Mini Max Champion, makes a welcome return to active competition after several years away from motorsport. The new Renault UK Clio Cup season will be his first in cars, although he did previously test a Renault Clio in 2011 with Scuderia Vittoria.

Originally starting out in Super 1 National Cadet Championship karting in 2002, the Kent-born racer progressed into Mini Max where he enjoyed a superbly successful campaign in 2005 – winning the Stars of Tomorrow title, finishing third in the Kartmasters Grand Prix and runner-up in the Super 1 Mini Max category. Following graduation to Rotax Max, Modell’s last appearance was four years ago.

Speaking on the Londoner’s arrival into the all-action Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship feeder series, Scuderia Vittoria’s Buxton added: “Devon is a really exciting talent that held a huge reputation in karting by beating the likes of Max Chilton [2013 Marussia Formula 1 Team driver] and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs [2012 AUTO GP Champion] along the way.

“I have been chasing Devon for the last two years, as he tested with us at Snetterton previously and was immediately on the pace. He is a very intelligent, calm and confident driver who possesses great pace, and I am sure that he will surprise a lot of people in the TOCA paddock in 2013.”

Scuderia Vittoria, which fielded as many as five Renault Clios last season, is expected to run an even larger squad this year with additional driver announcements expected in due course. Following the official Media Day at Silverstone in Northamptonshire on Thursday, 21st March, the 16-round season will get underway on 30th/31st March at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent.

Fortec announces Driver line up for Protyre Formula Renault

Fortec are a front runner in Formula Renault and have great links to other series too.

Fortec Motorsports is the first of the leading teams from the Protyre Formula Renault Championship to reveal its full driver line-up for the 2013 campaign after confirming a capacity four-car entry.

The Daventry outfit, which steered Seb Morris to last November’s Winter Series title, will field a squad with a truly international flavour. Spearheaded by British karting graduate Sam MacLeod (Cambridge) and returning Chinese racer Hong Wei Cao (Stoke-on-Trent), the team will also feature Malaysian newcomer Weiron Tan (London) and Hong Kong-born racer Wei Fung Thong (Liverpool).

“We’re really pleased to have all four deals done so early, I think it’s going to be a very open season this year with so many of the experienced guys having moved on”, said Fortec team manager Steve Lynch, “It’ll be a learning year for Sam but he’s been very quick in testing and we’re confident he and Martin [Cao] will be fighting at the front for regular podiums.

“Sam’s already proving himself to be a very good driver and we’re looking for Martin to continue where he left off in the Winter Series, he’s committed to making a big push this year. We know it’ll be a whole new challenge for Tan and Thong but we’re sure they’ll both make strong progress, setting a strong base for next year and, hopefully, a future move up the ladder with Fortec.”

MacLeod competed in British and European KF2 Championship karting last year, having debuted in continental-level action in 2011 where he was fourth in the CIK-FIA European Championship. Prior to that, in 2010, MacLeod was fifth overall in the KF3 class of the UK-based Formula Kart Stars series.

Cao, also known as ‘Martin’, is the most experienced of Fortec’s quartet. After making his British racing debut in Protyre Formula Renault last year, the 19-year-old Keele University student went on to achieve his maiden podium in the 2012 Winter Series – concluding the four round championship fifth overall. He was also the 2008 Asian Formula Renault Champion.

Malaysian driver Tan, who is part of the AirAsia Caterham Driver Development Programme, moves into Protyre Formula Renault from the JK Racing Asia Series where he was seventh overall last year, taking two podiums along the way. The 18-year-old, from Kuala Lumpur, also contested selected JK Racing Asia Series rounds in 2011 alongside a campaign in the Malaysian Super Series.

Hong Kong youngster Thong, who is also referred to as ‘Shaun’, competed in Asian Formula Renault in 2012 where he was third overall and took one race victory. The 17-year-old, who currently studies at Liverpool University, also tried his hand at GT racing with outings in the Malaysian Super Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and the Trofeo Maserati World Series.

Commenting on Fortec’s announcement, Protyre Formula Renault promoter Simon North said: “Having a team the stature of Fortec as an integral part of Protyre Formula Renault really is very important for the championship as a whole, we’re obviously delighted with the confirmation of four drivers and the international flavour underlines the increasing reach of Protyre Formula Renault.

“Fortec is one of the biggest and most successful teams, both nationally and internationally, and I’m sure everyone there will be determined to add the main Protyre Formula Renault title to the Winter Series crown won last year.”

Protyre Formula Renault features an expanded 16 race calendar for 2013, beginning with two races at Donington Park in the East Midlands on 13th/14th April before embarking on a run of four ‘triple headers’ at Snetterton in Norfolk, Thruxton in Hampshire, Croft in North Yorkshire and Rockingham in Northamptonshire.

The season finale, like the championship opener, will be a double-header and will take place at Silverstone National Circuit over the weekend 28th/29th September alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium and NGK Spark Plugs.

MGR Returns to Protyre Formula Renault

MGR's team has steered many teams to success over the years, 2013 should be no exception

Protyre Formula Renault (Formerly Formula Renault BARC) Championship front-runner Chris Middlehurst (St. Helens), second year competitor Tom Oliphant (Tarporley, Cheshire) and series newcomer Matteo Ferrer (Ipswich) are the first three drivers confirmed for MGR Motorsport’s 2013 assault on the 16-round season.

With plans to field a four car squad currently in advanced stages, as the Bardon team continues discussions regarding its final vacant seat with a number of drivers, MGR is delighted to confirm its first three signings.

Middlehurst enjoyed a strong debut season in Protyre Formula Renault last year, ending the main campaign ninth overall with two podiums to his credit before going on to mount a strong challenge in the Winter Series where he took two further rostrums from the four races contested.

The 18-year-old, son of former racer Andy Middlehurst, will certainly be a championship challenger this season and will be aiming to secure his maiden race victory in the category. His best result so far of second place came during the opening weekend of the 2012 Winter Series.

Oliphant, like Middlehurst, will be embarking on his second season in Protyre Formula Renault this year and the 22-year-old will be hoping to continue where he left off with Leicestershire-based MGR during the final event of last November’s Winter Series.

After a difficult main championship campaign, Oliphant moved to the Mark Godwin-led team for the Rockingham rounds of the Winter Series and showed a marked improvement by achieving a career best finish of seventh place.

Protyre Formula Renault newcomer Ferrer, who is of Venezuelan, German and Italian heritage, had no previous karting experience prior to his motorsport debut last year in the now defunct InterSteps Championship but developed significantly as the season wore on.

Ending the year eighth overall in the driver standings, Ferrer is now preparing for a major step-up in competitiveness  and has already made a strong impression on MGR team principal Godwin during initial winter test outings.

"I watched Matteo develop during the 2012 Intersteps Championship, and was really quite impressed considering his complete lack of experience”, said Godwin, “From what I saw during our winter testing in Valencia, I believe we can look forward to a very competitive year. Tom has looked strong in winter testing and we’re confident he’s going to have a good season, he did a great job with us in the Winter Series considering how much he had to adapt to the new car and team.

“We’re very confident Chris will be challenging up at the front from the off, what he achieved last year was very impressive – especially towards the end of the main season and in the Winter Series. We’re sure, with our determined and structured approach, that Chris will be a strong contender.”

Rounds one and two of the 2013 Protyre Formula Renault Championship will take place on 13th/14th April at Donington Park National Circuit in Leicestershire – MGR’s home track. Before then, teams and drivers will take part in the official ‘Media Day’ at Silverstone on Thursday, 21st March.

Commenting on MGR’s signings, championship promoter Simon North said: “MGR is obviously one of the most competitive and well run teams in Protyre Formula Renault and we’re delighted Mark [Godwin] has confirmed three drivers already for the new season. Knowing a fourth car is also highly likely with the team is fantastic news for the championship.”

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium and NGK Spark Plugs.

Josh Cook signs for returning JHR Developments for 2013 Clio Cup

Highly successful Renault UK Clio Cup team JHR Developments has announced its welcome return to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support category after today, Friday, 18th January, officially confirming its first driver signing – reigning Rookie Cup Champion Josh Cook (Bath).

JHR return to scenes of success in the Clio Cup

The Dronfield-based squad, headed by former Clio Cup front-runner and multiple race winner Steven Hunter, last competed in the championship with a part campaign in 2011. During the preceding years JHR twice won the Entrants’ Championship – in 2008 and 2009 – and also steered Lee Pattison to the Masters Cup title and the Vice-Champion’s position in the overall standings in 2010.

First appearing in Clio Cup racing in 2004 as ‘Team Gatecrasher’ in deference to title sponsorship from the world-famous nightclub brand, JHR has a long association with Renault championships having been formed in 1995 to compete in Formula Renault UK and Eurocup Formula Renault.

Since withdrawing from the Clio Cup a couple of years ago, JHR has remained a force in national motorsport with great success in other categories. Now, with the return of Simon North to the role of Championship Manager and the arrival of the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) as promoter, Hunter says the time is right for JHR to be back in the BTCC’s chief feeder category.

“We spoke to Josh [Cook] at the end of last year, we’d kept an eye on his performances all season, and we always said if we were going to look at coming back into Clios it had to be with a driver like him so we could be competitive from the off”, commented Hunter.

“With Simon [North] back at the helm managing the championship, along with the BARC, Clio Cup is back in the right hands and a place you want to go racing. We’re aiming to run two cars this year and our overall plan is to re-establish JHR in the Clios ready for the arrival of the new car in 2014.”

Cook was one of the star performers in Clio Cup last year, his first full season in the category, and achieved his maiden outright podium in round seven at Oulton Park. He went on to claim two overall victories during the penultimate event at Silverstone National Circuit. In addition to his domination of the Rookie Cup, he was an impressive fifth overall in the main championship.

The 21-year-old will certainly be a major challenger in the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup, the final season for the existing third generation car, and Hunter is confident the new partnership will be able to hit the ground running and be serious competition from the outset.

“Josh is a super quick driver, very committed and he’s already a proven race winner in one of the most competitive championships out there, we’ve got no doubts he’ll be a regular front-runner”, he added, “We’re looking forward to fighting at the front and being back as part of the Renault family.”

Rounds one and two of the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup will take place across Easter weekend, 30th/31st March, at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent.

2013 Renault UK Clio Cup Calendar

Rds1&2             Brands Hatch Indy, Kent                         30th/31st March

Rds3&4             Donington Park National, Leicestershire   20th/21st April

Rds5&6             Thruxton, Hampshire                              4th/5th May

Rds7&8             Oulton Park Island, Cheshire                   8th/9th June

Rds9&10           Croft, North Yorkshire                             22nd/23rd June

Rds11&12         Snetterton 300 Circuit, Norfolk                 3rd/4th August

Rds13&14         Rockingham ISSC, Northamptonshire      14th/15th September

Rds15&16         Brands Hatch Grand Prix, Kent               12th/13th October

BARC unveil Formula Renault 1.6

The new Formula Renault 1.6 takes pride of place on the BARC Stand

Representatives from the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) today, Thursday, 10th January, gave drivers, teams and members of the media their first chance to see the Formula Renault 1.6 car on UK soil during the opening day of the 2013 Autosport International Show at Birmingham NEC.

 

Presenting the ‘junior’ Formula Renault chassis to the biggest possible audience at the world’s most popular and heavily attended motorsport show of its kind, the BARC is evaluating interest shown by competitors and teams ahead of a planned introduction of the car into British motor racing in 2014.

 

Designed and constructed by Signature in France and powered by a 1.6-litre Renault engine, which produces 140bhp, the all-carbon Formula Renault 1.6 is a perfect entry-level single-seater for young drivers who are making the move into car racing for the first time.

 

With the hugely successful and cost-effective Protyre Formula Renault Championship having grown significantly in recent years under the stewardship of the BARC, the Thruxton-based organisation is confident the time is right to consider bringing a new, sensibly priced, standalone Formula Renault 1.6 Championship to UK shores to run alongside the sister category.

 

“We’ve been delighted with the interest shown in the 1.6 car already on just the opening day of the show”, said Protyre Formula Renault Championship promoter Simon North, “It’s a fantastic car for young drivers planning on moving up from karting or, indeed, those who are new to motorsport and considering a potential career in single-seaters.

 

The new car targets young drivers, and will run alongside the
Renault Clio Cup

“Dependant on the levels of interest shown and then further enquiries during the coming weeks and months, we will then make a decision on whether to introduce Formula Renault 1.6 into the UK in 2014. There’s also the possibility of bringing that forward and running a Winter Series for the car at the end of this year, that would be the ideal scenario.”

 

Formula Renault 1.6 will run in northern Europe this year with two championships established, the first running alongside the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup as an ‘NEC Junior’ series and the other as a Scandinavian Championship mainly based in Sweden.

 

In addition to its involvement with Protyre Formula Renault, its new position as custodian of the Renault UK Clio Cup and a lead role in the organisation of the recently announced Clio Cup Series, the BARC’s commitment to its partnership with Renault is as strong as ever

BARC launches new Renault Clio series with Michelin

BARC is now offering the thrills of the Renault Clio Cup on a smaller budget with the new Michelin backed series

Renault UK, the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) and Michelin are delighted to announce the launch of a brand new entry-level race category for 2013, the Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre, which is aimed at providing a professionally run, cost-effective first step into saloon car racing.

Targeting complete circuit novices, seasoned track day participants and also competitors with prior race experience, the Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre is expected to run across four events next year with the potential to become a fully-fledged championship in 2014.

Based around the third generation racing Clio, as currently run in the sister Renault UK Clio Cup, the freshly launched series will become the new home for the existing 2.0-litre car when it is replaced in the headline British Touring Car Championship-supporting category in 2014.

“Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre perfectly fills the gap in the market for those who enjoy track days, such as our own very successful Renaultsport Trackdays, but who want to make the step into actual competition without moving straight into the Renault UK Clio Cup”, said Jeremy Townsend, Renault UK Communications Director.

“In just a single week since the BARC was confirmed as the new promoter of the Renault UK Clio Cup, we already have this plan in place to extend the life of the third generation Clio when the new 1.6-litre turbocharged car arrives in Renault UK Clio Cup in 2014. The creation of the Michelin Clio Cup Series is a fantastic development for the Renaultsport brand.”

Although the calendar of events is still to be ratified, provisionally the series is expected to begin over the weekend 11th/12th May at Snetterton in Norfolk – running with the Protyre Formula Renault Championship – with a second event at Croft in North Yorkshire in July.

Two more race meetings are also planned, the first at Rockingham in Northamptonshire over the weekend 10th/11th August, with the final event set to take place at Brands Hatch in September. There is also a desire to run further events during the winter of 2013.

Conversion kit and Michelin road tyres to make Clio Cup Series even more accessible
In a move to ease the transition into competitive racing for rookie drivers, the introduction of a conversion kit has been confirmed which will enable owners of road-going Clio Renaultsport 197 and Clio Renaultsport 200 cars to transform them to track specification for as little as £3,000. Included in the kit is a roll cage, seat belts, fire system with extinguisher and suspension from the Clio rally car.

Alongside the main headline class for thoroughbred racing Clios and a ‘Road’ class for the converted cars, there will also be two driver categories – ‘Expert’ for those with previous racing experience and ‘Sport’ for competition novices.

One of the key facets of the newly created series, as per the headline sponsorship from Michelin, will be the use of Michelin Pilot Sport 3 road tyres as the renowned manufacturer brings its flagship sports tyre into competitive UK motorsport for the first time.

Michelin maintains its links with the popular French Hatchbacks

“It’s very important for the Michelin brand to remain closely linked with Renault and by being the official tyre partner for the new Clio Cup Series, we have a perfect opportunity to showcase the high performance of our Pilot Sport 3 road tyre”, said Michelin UK head of marketing Jianni Geras.

“The road tyres are less aggressive than racing slicks, so this will only help the cost-effectiveness of the series. In the current climate, a series like this is the perfect place for racing newcomers to learn and develop their skills. Michelin is delighted to be the headline sponsor of, what we fully expect to be, a very popular new category in UK motorsport.”

Something of great importance to the success of the Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre will be the support of existing Renault UK Clio Cup teams who have strongly welcomed the announcement and creation of the category.

Team Pyro’s Mark Hunt and Scuderia Vittoria’s Danny Buxton, two of the lead pioneers behind the idea to establish a club-level series for the incredibly successful third generation Clio Cup car, are both very confident there is already a strong market for the new category.

“I think it’s absolutely brilliant BARC, Renault and Michelin are introducing this series, there’s a massive market for it and in the current climate it’s exactly the sort of thing that’s needed”, said Hunt, “If we can have race meetings over two days, rather than three, it’ll be great and there’s no threat of it taking customers away from the UK championship.

“It’ll be a great stepping stone and, more importantly, it means we’re not throwing away 25 very good Clio Cup cars – for me it’s brilliant. I see it as being like the BARC Formula Renault, we’ve all seen how successful that’s been for people who can’t afford the bigger budgets, it’s a mega idea.”

Buxton, the 2001 Renault UK Clio Cup Champion, added: “Mark [Hunt], Tom [Ferrier – Scuderia Vittoria co-owner] and I originally came up with the idea and spoke to Ian Watson at BARC about it and, since then, it’s gathered pace massively. Michelin has been a big supporter of Clio racing over the years and it’s great they’re involved with this, running road tyres will help to keep costs down.

“I think there will be a very strong market for this series. Gentleman drivers, for example, who are busy with other commitments on a Saturday can still race on Sunday and that’s a market we need to aim for. The conversion kit then really opens it up to people who always thought racing was out of their price bracket, people will be able to get out on circuit in a proper car for sensible money.”

Precise technical details and sporting guidelines for the Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre will be issued in the New Year and the category will be launched to the motorsport community on the BARC stand at the Autosport International Show, on 10th/11th/12th/13th January, at Birmingham’s NEC.

Provisional 2013 Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre Calendar
Races 1&2 Snetterton, Norfolk - 11th/12th May
Races 3&4 Croft, North Yorkshire - 13th/14th July
Races 5&6 Rockingham, Northamptonshire - 10th/11th August
Races 7&8 Brands Hatch, Kent - 21st/22nd September

BARC takes control of Renault Clio Cup

The Fantastic Clio Cup is now shod by Dunlop and run by BTCC organisers BARC

Renault UK is delighted to announce the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) has been appointed the new promoter of the Renault UK Clio Cup for 2013 with Simon North making a return to the role of Championship Manager.

The Thruxton-based BARC takes the helm of the popular Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support category, as preparations for the 2013 season get well underway.

An eight-weekend, 16-race calendar for next season is confirmed with the Renault UK Clio Cup running alongside the BTCC at each of its events, with the exception of the trip north of the border to Knockhill in late August and the visit to Silverstone at the end of September.

Therefore, this means the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup season will commence at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on 30^th/31^st March before travelling to Donington Park, Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft, Snetterton and Rockingham, prior to the return to Brands Hatch – this time on the full Grand Prix Circuit – for the grand finale over the weekend 12^th/13^th October.

Also new for next season will be the arrival of Dunlop as the official tyre partner for Clio Cup, the start of a multi-year agreement which brings the championship even more in-line with the BTCC.

With everything in place to ensure a smooth 2013, prior to the arrival of the brand new Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo race car the following year, Renault UK has high hopes for a classic swansong season for the existing third generation Clio Cup car.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have agreed for BARC to become the promoter of the Renault UK Clio Cup, and for Simon North to return as the Championship Manager”, said Renault UK Communications Director Jeremy Townsend, “We’re also looking forward to working with our new official tyre supplier Dunlop and, of course, continuing to be part of the BTCC package.”

“It was of paramount importance for Clio Cup to be entrusted to a safe pair of hands and with BARC’s stewardship and Simon’s experience we certainly have that. Renault UK is proud to have a long-standing relationship with BARC, so we’re now looking forward to an excellent season to set the scene perfectly for the arrival of the new Clio Cup to the UK in 2014.”

On behalf of the BARC, Ian Watson – who takes a lead role heading up the organisational team behind the Renault UK Clio Cup – commented: “I speak for everyone at BARC when I say how delighted we all are to be the new promoters of the Renault UK Clio Cup, especially with the long and successful partnership we’ve enjoyed with Renault over the years.

“Clio Cup has always been a fantastically well supported championship, a true crown jewel for the BARC, and we’re looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Simon and Renault UK to help the series thrive.”

Simon North, who was previously the Championship Manager of the Renault UK Clio Cup between 1992 and 2011 and who is also the current promoter of the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship, is relishing the opportunity to work once again with the ultra-professional Clio Cup teams and, of course, Renault UK itself.

“It’s a privilege to have been welcomed back into the Renault UK Clio Cup family and to have been entrusted with the role of Championship Manager once again”, he said, “I’m very much looking forward to working with all of the excellent teams in the Clio Cup paddock and, it goes without saying, to working closely and efficiently with Renault UK and the BARC.”

Teams warmly welcome arrival of BARC and Dunlop

Leading teams from the Renault UK Clio Cup have warmly welcomed the announcement regarding the new custodians of the championship, and also the arrival of Dunlop which is set to bring fresh impetus to the one-make saloon car category.

“This is great news, I’m really looking forward to 2013 and having both BARC and Simon [North] looking after the Clio Cup”, said Mark Hunt, principal of 2012 Driver and Entrants’ championship winners Team Pyro, “You don’t realise what you’ve got until you’ve lost something, having Simon back as Championship Manager is really good for everyone.

“BARC is all about racing 100 percent, they understand what’s needed and how to make championships like Clio Cup work and be a success – especially in such tough economic times. They’re used to working from grass roots all the way up to the BTCC itself so they have the experience. With Dunlop coming in as well, it’s giving it a whole new lease of life.”

Renault UK Clio Cup stalwart Colin Stancombe, inimitable figurehead at Stancombe Vehicle Engineering, commented: “I’m delighted to see a professional organisation, and thoroughly professional people, back in control of Clio Cup – it’s precisely what the championship needs after a difficult year in 2012.

“With the knowledge and experience offered by BARC and Simon, and the support which BARC will give, the championship can’t fail to succeed. It’ll make such a difference to all of the teams and drivers to have people who really care about Clio Cup looking after it again.”

Lee Brookes, team principal of multiple title winning squad Total Control Racing, added: “It really is good news for the teams and the championship as a whole to have Simon back in charge with BARC – it’s back to the old days when everything ran smoothly. With BARC there to help, and people like Ian Watson behind the championship 100 percent, it’s great.

“It’s great to have a clear direction for Clio Cup now, that’s what we’ve needed, and with Dunlop coming in I know they’ll provide a good tyre. I used to race on them myself in touring cars, and won a championship on them, so I’ve got no worries there. It’s all good news.”

2013 Renault UK Clio Cup Calendar

Rds1&2 Brands Hatch Indy, Kent 30/31 March

Rds3&4 Donington Park National, Leicestershire 20/21 April

Rds5&6 Thruxton, Hampshire 04/05 May

Rds7&8 Oulton Park Island, Cheshire 08/09 June

Rds9&10 Croft, North Yorkshire 22/23 June

Rds11&12 Snetterton 300 Circuit, Norfolk 03/04 August

Rds13&14 Rockingham ISSC, Northamptonshire 14/15 September

Rds15&16 Brands Hatch Grand Prix, Kent 12/13 October

Jason Craig named MSA Young Journalist of the Year

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is pleased to announce that the Coleraine Chronicle’s Jason Craig has been named the Renault MSA Young Motor Sport Journalist of the Year 2012.

Established in 2002 in association with Renault UK, the award is designed to recognise the most promising journalists aged 25 or under working within British motor sport.

Craig, aged 25 from Co. Antrim, joined the Coleraine Chronicle in 2010 after graduating from Coventry University. The judges were impressed by his accomplished news writing, the breadth, depth and originality of his stories, and the sheer amount of copy bearing his byline. In a supporting letter, Coleraine Chronicle sports editor Damian Mullan credited Jason with a major increase in the paper’s coverage of rallying over the last two years, while former British Historic Rally Champion Dessie Nutt praised him for significantly raising awareness of motor sport in the region.

Craig said: “I’m extremely honoured to have been named the 2012 Renault MSA Young Journalist of the Year. To win this prestigious award is a dream come true and I would like to take this opportunity to thank my immediate family who have continued to support me over the years. I would also like to express my gratitude to the many competitors who have been so receptive to my relentless interest in their sport, and to my current employer, the Coleraine Chronicle. I look forward to collecting my award in London at the Night of Champions; it promises to be a very memorable occasion.”

Jeremy Townsend, Communications Director of Renault UK, said: “The standard of entries was as high as ever with a very impressive breadth of work. Of all though, Craig’s work stood out with unanimous agreement from the judges. I wish Craig every success with his future career.”

Craig will collect a trophy and a cheque for £1000 at the MSA’s Night of Champions at the Royal Automobile Club, London, on 19 January 2013.

Previous winners:

2011: Dan McCalla, Motorsport News

2010: Rob Ladbrook, Motorsport News

2009: Ben Anderson, Autosport

2008: Ed Foster, Motor Sport

2007: Steven English, Autosport

2006: Kevin Turner, Autosport

2005: Glenn Freeman, Motorsport News

2004: Gemma Briggs, Racecar/Haymarket

2003: Tim Redmayne, Motorsport News

2002: Will Gray, Collings Sport

Nick Dungan wins MSA Young Photographer of the Year

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is pleased to announce that Nick Dungan has been named the Renault MSA Young Motor Sport Photographer of the Year 2012.

Established in 2002 in association with Renault UK, the award is designed to recognise the most promising photographers aged 25 or under working within UK motor sport.

Nick, aged 23 from Tonbridge, has been photographing British motor sport on a freelance basis for the last four years. He submitted an impressive portfolio of work that demonstrated outstanding technical ability and artistic merit, covering a variety of UK championships for both print and online outlets.

Dungan said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won the Renault MSA Young Motor Sport Photographer of the Year award. Winning this competition has been a goal of mine since I first picked up a camera five years ago, and it’s a great privilege to add my name to an amazing list of previous winners. It’s a great conclusion to a brilliant 2012 motor sport season.”

Jeremy Townsend, Communications Director of Renault UK, said: “The standard of photography is tremendous and it’s a real pleasure to judge the entries. Nick’s portfolio was a delight to see and I hope that this award will be the start of a successful career.”

Nick will collect a trophy and a cheque for £1000 at the MSA’s Night of Champions at the Royal Automobile Club, London, on 19 January 2013.

Previous winners:

2011: Dominic Romney, freelance

2010: William Neill, freelance

2009: Dominic Romney, freelance

2008: Drew Gibson, LAT

2007: Drew Gibson, LAT

2006: Michael Hoyer, freelance

2005: Gavin Ireland, Racecar Engineering

2004: Glenn Dunbar, LAT

2003: Jonathan MacDonald, Pacenotes

2002: Jakob Ebrey, Jakob Ebrey Photographic

Formula Renault BARC Back at Donington

This is just about the only way you can see Formula Renault in the UK this year, and where better than Donington?

Britain’s most popular and hotly contested one-make single-seater category, the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship, returns to action at Donington Park next weekend, 18^th/19^th August, for a bumper three-race outing – an event which could prove pivotal to the destiny of the 2012 title.

With five races remaining, and a possible 170 points up for grabs, the championship is still wide open but two drivers have started to emerge as the main contenders, Cullen Motorsport’s Scott Malvern (Barkingside, Ilford) and MGR Motorsport’s Josh Webster (Stowmarket, Suffolk).

Ahead of rounds 10, 11 and 12, two-time McLaren Autosport BRDC Award finalist Malvern holds a slender seven point advantage over his younger rival. Webster took a pair of faultless victories last time out to reignite his challenge but Donington Park’s National Circuit, unlike Croft and Thruxton the two previous venues on the calendar, is a track Malvern has prior experience of.

While both drivers are a long way clear of the tightly bunched chasing pack, third placed Seb Morris (Marford, Wrexham) has taken three wins so far in his maiden year of single-seater racing and will undoubtedly be a threat at Donington.

Some serious misfortune at both Thruxton and Croft, which resulted in two non-finishes, has dented the 16-year-old’s title aspirations and ahead of next weekend’s penultimate race meeting of the year the Fortec Motorsports driver is 73 points adrift of Malvern.

Next up is MGR’s David Wagner (Glasgow) who edged three points ahead of Scorpio Motorsport’s Macaulay Walsh (Northampton) at Croft last month. Walsh, in his first full season of car racing, endured a desperately unlucky event in which he retired from the first race with damage and only scored four points in the second encounter after a driveshaft failure prior to the start.

Wagner, meanwhile, had one of his strongest weekends of the year with a welcome return to the podium in round nine, his first visit to the rostrum since the opening race of 2012. The series top six is then rounded-out by MGR’s James Fletcher (Windlesham, Surrey) and Hillspeed’s Kieran Vernon (West Chiltington, West Sussex) who are tied on points after both enjoying podium success at Croft.

Two new faces join big grid for Donington races

Among the expected 26 car grid for the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship’s annual visit to Leicestershire will be two new faces, 17-year-old Struan Moore (Trinity, Jersey) and 16-year-old American-Norwegian national Falco Wauer.

Not only will next weekend’s races with Hillspeed mark Moore’s single-seater debut, the event will also see a long overdue return to competitive action for the teenager who last raced in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2011 where he accrued several podium finishes.

Wauer, who will be the youngest driver on the grid, is to compete with Cliff Dempsey Racing and despite his age he already has a reasonable amount of single-seater experience – namely in Formula Ford, Formula 4 and the Norwegian Formula Basic series.

Qualifying for rounds 10, 11 and 12 of the 2012 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship will get underway at 10.30 next Saturday, 18^th August, with the first of the weekend’s races beginning at 15.50. Rounds 11 and 12 will follow on Sunday, 19^th August, at 11.50 and 16.50 respectively.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault BARC is additionally supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium and NGK Spark Plugs.

Provisional 2012 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship Driver Standings (after Rd9):

1^st Scott Malvern, 234pts

 2^nd Josh Webster, 227pts

3^rd Seb Morris, 161pts;

4^th David Wagner, 147pts

 5^th Macaulay Walsh, 144pts

6^th Kieran Vernon & James Fletcher, 143pts