Two-time Michelin Clio Cup Series race-winner Sam Randon has announced he will graduate into the Renault UK Clio Cup this season with Westbourne Motorsport.
Randon makes the step up to the Clio Cup following four seasons in the Clio Cup Series, a spell that ended with the Ashbourne racer finishing third in the points last year.
A combination of a lack of funds, and then a lack of available race cars, means that Randon’s Clio Cup debut has been delayed until next month’s visit to Croft (10/11 June).
The 22 year old joins 2016 Clio Cup Series champion James Dorlin on the grid, whilst vice-champion Brett Lidsey raced at Thruxton and is expected back for the Brands GP finale.
Randon is looking to contest two or three rounds of the championship this season, before hoping to secure the backing for a full campaign in 2018.
He tested at Snetterton today (25th May) ahead of his debut, using the fourth-generation Clio Cup car raced in the opening three meetings this season by Myles Collins.
“We knew the budget at this level would be a challenge, but we hadn’t reckoned on so many big crashes in the first few races that created a shortage of available race cars as well,” said Randon.
“But this is the right step for my racing career so we decided to hold out until we had the funds to compete and a car to race.
“Westbourne are family so returning to them was a no-brainer. I want to thank team boss Richard Colburn for helping to make this happen.
“I raced alongside teammate James Dorlin last year so I’m hoping I can make a similar impact to them in time. I’ve only had very limited time in the car so it will be a steep learning curve.”
Randon makes the step up to the BTCC support series with backing from the likes of Twincentric Integration, Greenbank Group and Moore Weston Chartered Accoutants.
