Simon Horrobin will make his Renault UK Clio Cup debut this weekend after signing a late deal to join teams champions-elect SV Racing for the trip to Rockingham.
Horrobin’s entry means SV will be running a full-strength five-car squad for the weekend, just as they did last time out at Knockhill, with the newcomer competing in the car Jamie Clarke raced in north of the border.
A karter in his early years, Horrobin was forced to sit out the sport for a long time after sustaining serious injuries in a tanker explosion. The 48 year old went on to make a return to racing in the Smart 4Two Cup in 2011, taking victory in a 24 hour endurance race at Spa during his two seasons in Smart racing.
Last season, Horrobin switched to the Ford Fiesta Championship, taking a best finish of third outright en-route to the Masters Championship crown and sixth overall in the standings, a feat he’s on course to replicate this year.
The Kent resident is making an appearance in the Clio Cup as a precursor to a planned full-time entry next season.
“Since returning to racing, I have been looking for a championship that boasts a level playing field and tests a drivers’ ability,” said Horrobin.
“We have been working on a budget and putting together deals to run our own car next season and, while organising a test with Danny Buxton and SV Racing, an opportunity to race in the Clio Cup arose. “I’m really looking forward to working and racing with the team this weekend. Given that I have never sat in a Clio Cup car before, I expect it to be a challenge, but I’m sure we can be competitive and finish well.”
