Max Coates sealed the Renault UK Clio Cup ‘Graduate Cup’ class title in style this past weekend with a pole position and outright podium finish at Silverstone.
The Ciceley Motorsport ace topped qualifying for the second time this season on Saturday, setting the quickest time in changeable conditions to add to his top spot back at Donington Park.
While Coates was only able to turn that starting position into a fifth place finish in the opening race, another Graduate Cup victory was enough to secure him the class title with three races to spare.
The newly-announced BRDC Rising Star did pick up a sixth overall podium finish of the season in the second race however, withstanding race-long pressure from Paul Rivett to secure third.
Whilst Coates is now mathematically out of contention for the outright title, he hopes to end the season on a high by maintaining his current third position in the championship at the Brands Hatch season finale next month.
“I’ve enjoyed another fantastic weekend at Silverstone, a pole position that was unfortunate not to be converted into a podium, a third place podium finish and the Graduate Cup title,” said Coates.
“It’s nice to be a called a champion again. As a new driver and team we have challenged, and a number of times beaten, the established front running drivers and teams.
“To be in with a chance of third place overall is fantastic and I’m now aiming for more race wins to add to the fantastic results we have already achieved this year.”