Renault UK Clio Cup championship leader Ant Whorton-Eales showed top twenty potential during his first run in Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship machinery during last week’s Dunlop tyre test at Snetterton.
Whorton-Eales was on track during the second day of testing in Norfolk in a Team HARD–prepared Toyota Avensis, with the opportunity coming as part of the close relationship the Kent-based squad shares with Whorton-Eales’ Clio outfit JamSport Racing.
Taking to the track alongside regular Team HARD contender Michael Epps, Whorton-Eales immediately settled in his new surroundings and finished the day 21st fastest overall, half a second shy of his on-the-day team-mate.
“I didn’t really have any problem with the extra power – the BTCC car doesn’t struggle to put it down. The biggest things were the brakes and also the cornering grip – the car was on rails,” said Whorton-Eales.
“But I’d definitely say that is where the driving technique in the UK Clio Cup car helped. I was able to cross that driving style over and I was getting on the power nice and early and it showed in my corner exit speeds.
“It was a great experience. Knowing from the data and possibly a few other things that aren’t necessarily obvious to the outside world that the top ten was do-able feels very satisfying and I’d like to thank JamSport and Team HARD who were great to work with very much for the opportunity.”
The test comes as Whorton-Eales prepares for the next rounds of the 2016 Clio Cup at the same venue, Snetterton, on 30/31 July.
