A new addition will be joining the Renault UK Clio Cup grid in 2016. Lincoln-based race team PP Motorsport will be entering the championship with Anton Spires.
The team hopes to make a technical link with Westbourne Motorsports.
“Westbourne know how to wring the most from these cars,” said PP Team Principal John Creasy. “Our tie-up with Westbourne bolsters out existing engineering team, which is headed up by MWT Automotive.”
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being professional in our presentation and how we engage with the public and being on the UK Clio Cup grid, in front of the British touring Car Championship’s crowds and with live coverage on ITV4, we have a golden opportunity to take our business model to a whole new level. We very much view the UK Clio Cup as being an integral part of our journey towards the BTCC.”
The hope is that the experienced team will help PP Motorsport get into the swing of the championship as early as possible, as well as giving Westbourne a way back into the Clio Cup after their year away.
The more experienced team hopes to have three or four cars on the grid in 2017.
It’s also hoped that Spires’ experience with the team in the club level Clio Cup series last year will help. Spires has also won a road car class title in a Westbourne-prepared car. The twenty three year old is also a marketing co-ordinator for BTCC race team title sponsor WIX Filters.
“Anton has good experience of front-wheel driver and we want him near the sharp end,” said Westbourne team principal, Richard Colburn.
“It’s great knowing I’ll be on the UK Clio Cup grid in 2015,” Spires said. “I hope with Westbourne’s input we can work towards top ten results and maybe even the top six by season’s end. Seeing Paul Streather, who I raced against in the Clio Cup Series, do so well on his UK Clio Cup debut last year has certainly given us confidence.”
Renaultsport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes added: “PP Motorsport and Anton are the fourth all-new team-driver combination to announce they will be joining the UK Clio Cup grid in 2016 which underlines just how attractive the championship is proving. I am sure with Westbourne’s engineering input they will enjoy some strong results. It is also terrific to hear so far in advance of Westbourne’s plans for our 2017 season.”
Image Credit: Renault UK Clio Cup Press Office
