BTCC test for Clio Cup champion
This year’s Renault UK Clio Cup Champion will again be rewarded with an exclusive test with top British Touring Car Championship team Motorbase, courtesy of tyre supplier Dunlop.
2014 Champion Mike Bushell benefited hugely from a day spent behind the wheel of Motorbase’s Ford Focus and was also able to work with Dunlop’s technicians to learn about its BTCC race tyre, the Sport Maxx. He will now be on the grid when the new BTCC season starts at Brands Hatch in early April.
Dunlop’s European Motorsport Manager Micky Butler commented: “Knowing how to get the most out of a race tyre – whether in a short burst of laps in qualifying or over a full race distance – is treated as a top priority by all the most successful drivers.
“Our tyre in the Clio Cup incorporates some of the technologies that we use in the Dunlop Sport Maxx BTCC tyres, so it helps to prepare drivers for the step to touring car racing. Racing in the Clio Cup also enables the young drivers to build a relationship with our technicians who work very closely with all the touring car teams.
“This test gives the new Clio Cup Champion an early opportunity to gain experience of the Sport Maxx and of course one of the best prepared BTCC cars – given the increasing depth of talent on the Clio Cup grid, the winner will richly deserve their prize.”
Indeed the Clio Cup is acknowledged as the best category for young drivers to hone their skills before graduating to the BTCC, Britain’s premier motor racing championship. The majority of the current leading BTCC drivers have all competed in the Clio Cup or another of Renault’s single-model categories.
Significantly all 18 races on this year’s Clio Cup calendar will take place at BTCC events meaning massive trackside crowds and live TV coverage on ITV4. The first two races take place at Brands Hatch in Kent on the weekend of Sat 4th/Sun 5th April.
Clio Cup Championship Manager Will Fewkes added: “We are delighted to be working with Dunlop again in 2015 as our tyre supplier – their expertise and the level of support they bring for our teams and drivers is second to none.
“The prize BTCC test they have again very kindly agreed to put up not only brings added kudos to the title of Clio Cup Champion but also underlines Dunlop’s genuine support for British motor sport.”