The organisers of the 2014 Renault UK Clio Cup have confirmed fifteen of the new fourth-generation Clio racers are ready to race this season, with more anticipated to join prior to the opening event of the season.
It was announced back in August that the first-batch of the new cars had been sold, and since then reigning champions Team Pyro have purchased five cars, while category race-winner Lee Pattison has become the latest driver to purchase one.
The news comes as Renault Sport prepare to showcase the new 1.6l, turbo-charged to the general public at the Autosport Show International next weekend in Birmingham. It will be joined on the BARC stand by its predecessor, the third-gen Clio used in the Michelin Clio Cup Series, the road-going Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, a current-generation Formula Renault 2.0 and a Megane Renaultsport 265.
“We’re delighted we have fifteen new Clios ready to race in this year’s Renault UK Clio Cup, it’s a very strong and pleasing start as we prepare for the 2014 season,” said Renault UK Communications Director, Jeremy Townsend. “We’ll be showcasing the new Clio on the BARC stand at Autosport International next week, where we’re hopeful of more orders.
“The championship organisers are in regular contact with existing competitors, as well as a number of potential owner-drivers looking at racing in the Clio Cup for the first time, and we’re confident we’ll be able to confirm our target of 20 cars in the coming weeks.”
Behind the scenes, the structure of the Clio Cup organising team has been refreshed, with Ian Watson taking a more hands-on role with championship promotion alongside category co-ordinator Pauline Hilon. Simon North meanwhile now takes on a consultant, overseeing key areas and working with Renault UK and the BARC to help push the series forward.