Brett Lidsey will make an earlier than anticipated debut in the Renault UK Clio Cup, having confirmed he will contest the upcoming rounds at Thruxton next month (06/07 May).
Lidsey previously announced to TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk that he would contest the Brands Hatch GP season finale in October, but has now added a visit to the fastest circuit in the UK.
His series bow will come with the Mike Ritchie Motorsport (MRM) team, with whom he finished as vice-champion in last year’s Michelin Clio Cup Series.
The 25 year old took three wins as he finished runner-up to James Dorlin, who’s stepped up to the UK Clio Cup with Westbourne Motorsport and starred with a fourth place finish on his debut.
Lidsey started his preparations for his Thruxton debut by participating in the official TOCA test at the circuit on Thursday, lapping fifteenth quickest in the 22 car field.
From there, Lidsey headed straight to Spa-Francorchamps to compete in the Clio Cup Benelux this weekend; one of three European Clio outings planned this season.
“I’d like to come in at Thruxton and do a James Dorlin but we will have to wait and see. I just want to enjoy myself instead of aiming for anything special,” said Lidsey.
“But this is a bit of a dream come true – I’ve watched the UK Clio Cup on ITV4 for many years alongside the British Touring Car Championship and wanted to be a part of those events.
“I’ll only be doing Thruxton and the season finale at Brands Hatch in early October, plus some European rounds. It’ll give me plenty of seat time to prepare for a full-time move into the UK Clio Cup in 2018.”