The Renault UK Clio Cup’s grid size for its opening two rounds of 2016 at Brands Hatch this weekend has been further boosted by late entries for Peter Felix and Rory Green with the 20Ten Racing and WDE Motorsport teams respectively.

Felix’s and Green’s participation takes the entry list to 23 cars at least – the biggest for the start of a new UK Clio Cup season in three years.

Felix, with a rapid reputation, will also qualify for the championship’s Masters Cup for older drivers – he had three wins in the division in the four races he contested last year.

The 45-year-old, a past champion in other saloon car categories, commented: “At the moment the deal is just for Brands Hatch but maybe a good couple of results could attract a sponsor. I’m massively looking forward to it… the UK Clio Cup has had a major resurgence in the last 12 months and the grid is phenomenal in terms of talent. Just breaking into the top ten will be hard work.”

Green, aged 21, had been scheduled to join the field later in the season due to final-year university studies. But after showing strongly for the Ashford-based WDE squad in last week’s official pre-season Media Day test he has been tempted to appear at his home circuit.

He commented: “Until last week’s test I’d decided to concentrate on nailing my degree before resuming my racing but it went better than anticipated and we’re in a natural holiday break so I feel I’m able to give it my all at Brands Hatch.

“Racing at Brands Hatch is of course special for sentimental reasons but it’s the circuit I know the best so there is some tactical thinking behind my decision as well – I’m aiming for top ten finishes after being ninth fastest in testing last week. Anything above that I’ll be very happy…”

This weekend’s Renault UK Clio Cup rounds will take place during the high-profile Dunlop British Touring Car Championship’s first race event of 2016. A huge trackside crowd is anticipated with the action on Sunday being shown live on ITV4.

Will Fewkes, Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager, added:

“We’re delighted to see Peter on our grid after appearing on a number of occasions in the past few years – he’s an extremely capable racer who’ll be out to show that age is definitely no barrier! It’s also very good to see Rory in there with WDE – he looked at his best yet in last week’s test and he will surely be hoping to capitalise on the experience he gained in 2015’s UK Clio Cup.

“The fact we are starting 2016 with the biggest entry for an opening round since 2013 speaks volumes for the work that has gone on behind the scenes and the terrific buzz now being generated by the UK Clio Cup.”
 

 

RACE DATES: 2016 RENAULT UK CLIO CUP

Sat 2/Sun 3 AprilRounds 1 & 2Brands Hatch Indy, Kent

Sat 16/Sun 17 AprilRounds 3 & 4Donington Park, Leics

Sat 7/Sun 8 MayRounds 5 & 6Thruxton, Hants

Sat 4/Sun 5 JuneRounds 7 & 8Oulton Park Island, Cheshire

Sat 18/Sun 19 JuneRounds 9 & 10Croft, North Yorkshire

Sat 30/Sun 31 JulyRounds 11 & 12Snetterton, Norfolk

Sat 27/Sun 28 AugustRounds 13 & 14Rockingham, Northants

Sat 17/Sun 18 SeptemberRounds 15 & 16Silverstone National, Northants

Sat 1/Sun 2 OctoberRounds 17 & 18Brands Hatch Grand Prix, Kent