The top three drivers in the 2016 Michelin Clio Cup Series, James Dorlin, Brett Lidsey and Sam Randon, have each expressed their ambitions to step up to the Renault UK Clio Cup next season.
All three drivers have raced in the Clio Cup Series for at least the last two seasons, competing in the third-generation race cars previously used in the BTCC-supporting Clio Cup between 2007 and 2013.
Dorlin emerged from a season-long duel with Lidsey as the 2016 champion, the duo having shared the wins at this month’s Silverstone season finale to end the year with eight and three apiece.
Randon meanwhile completed the championship podium courtesy of a third place finish in the final race off the year, making it two Westbourne Motorsport drivers in the top three alongside Dorlin.
All three drivers are now focusing on trying to secure the budget required to step up to the fourth-generation Clios and compete on the BTCC support package for the first time.
“These third-generation cars are a mini touring car really, and everyone has always said they’re a real handful to drive, so to win a title in these cars is fantastic,” said Dorlin.
“Hopefully we can go into the UK Clio Cup next season. It would be another big step, but I hope I can transfer over everything I’ve learnt so far into the fourth-generation cars.”
Lidsey commented: “We’ve had a fantastic season and I feel it’s time to step up now. UK Clio Cup is the hope and we’re going to buy a gen four Clio.
“If we don’t get the budget together for the Clios, then we can use it in other open series to get some experience. It’s been great battling with James and Sam this year though and hopefully we can all step up and race together next year.”
Randon concluded: “100% the Clio Cup is the next step for me following two years in this. I feel ready for it!
“I’d like to show my face and see what I can do at the top level, but we’ve got to work hard over the winter to gather the funds.”
If they were to make the step up, the trio would be the latest drivers to make the transition between the two series, joining Paul Streather, Anton Spires, Ollie Pidgley and Ben Davis.
