Ash Hand has set his sights on four wins in the next four Renault UK Clio Cup races after he continued his championship challenge with another victory at Oulton Park last weekend.
After utterly dominating the trip to Thruxton four weeks prior with both victories, the Team Pyro ace climbed from a low of fifth to third place in the opening Oulton race, before converting pole position into victory in race two.
“I feel like I’ve driven well at a circuit that certainly isn’t one of my favourites, and I can’t complain from coming away from Oulton with a win and a third place,” Hand said to TCF.
“It’s a great weekend for me, with great points on the board and that’s exactly what I need to be doing to go on and win the championship.”
The race two victory came after a dramatic incident between Hand and championship leader Ant Whorton-Eales at Cascades on lap five, with contact from Whorton-Eales pitching then race leader Hand into a half spin.
Hand was able to recover from the slide and eventually fought back to second at the flag behind Whorton-Eales, before a post-race penalty switched the positions. Despite being frustrated at the move, Hand puts it down as a mistake anyone can make.
“I don’t like to criticise other drivers, but it was a bad move, it wasn’t on. I braked late, turned in and he caught by rear end, and it could have ended with me in the gravel so we were fortunate,” Hand reflected.
“All the guys are the front of the field are quick drivers, but we all make mistakes at points so we’ll put it down to that.”
With four wins in the last six races under his belt, Hand now heads into the next couple of meetings hoping to continue his momentum with more victories, starting next time out at Croft at the end of the month.
“Croft and Knockhill are my two favourite circuits, and the way I feel now, I’d be surprised if I didn’t come away from those rounds with double wins,” Hand concluded.
“We’re confident, we’re really good around there and if the team continue to do a good job as they are at the moment, I’ll win.”
