RENAULT UK

32

Welcome 5

Born to Race 6

The Show, The Teams & The Drivers 8

A Place On The Grid 11

Technically Advanced 12

Responsible Racing 14

Coming To A Circuit Near You 15

2018 Circuits & Dates 16

A Day At The Races 18

Fully Exposed 20

Crowd Survey 23

Championship Contacts 26

Teams Contacts 26

Contents

54

To start with, here’s what some people have been saying about us…

“It’s the one that offers the best training before the move to touring cars.”

“It’s the perfect sidekick to the BTCC.”

“You can become good in other categories but you become exceptionally good in the UK Clio Cup.”

“There is a very real relevance to the BTCC, making it a perfect fit for our race day coverage.”

These quotes are from new BTCC Champion Ashley Sutton, BTCC Series Director Alan Gow, our current Champion Mike Bushell and ITV Sport’s Steve Rider and are a very real reflection of just how exceptionally good the modern day Renault UK Clio Cup is.

Elsewhere others rave about it being the best single-make motor racing category in Europe. Or about how exceptionally good the car is. Or about the unrivalled technical support. Or the fair play we deliver across the grid. Oh, and how sponsors are getting a terrific bang for their buck.

Outside of the BTCC I do not believe there is another organising team – certainly in British motor sport – that is as good as the one behind the UK Clio Cup.

On the track, 2017’s UK Clio Cup again served up the type of close action, drama and unpredictability we only tend to see elsewhere in the BTCC – just what the vast trackside crowds and those watching at home or, increasingly, on handheld devices crave.

It is worth re-emphasising that in 2017 ITV Sport committed more live air time to the BTCC’s events at which we feature than ever before. That’s more live race day coverage on a free-to-air (and very prominent) television channel than even Formula 1 receives in the UK. Think about that for a moment…

Mike Bushell was deservedly crowned Champion for a second time while his team, Team Pyro, found it harder than ever to retain its Entrants Trophy crown as the quality of the grid rose yet again. The signs are that the opposition will be even stiffer in 2018…

The statistics also show an incredible 14 qualifying and race lap records were smashed, this a combination of increased competition and an excellent tyre from Michelin which for 2018 remains a highly valued partner alongside the British Automobile Club and ITV Sport.

We also begin 2018 with one of our most recent title winners – Ashley Sutton – the new BTCC Champion. He is further proof of the UK Clio Cup’s unrivalled ability to prepare drivers for future greatness.

Finally I refer you back to the quotes highlighted above now invite you to read the rest of our brochure. I hope you’ll be impressed and can join us for 2018.

Will FewkesUK Motorsport Championship ManagerRenault Sport

Welcome to our promotional brochure for 2018’s Renault UK Clio Cup.

76

Renault Sport’s motor racing activity in the UK has a glowing reputation for producing future greats whether it be reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, fellow F1 title winners Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen or the top names in touring car, sportscar and GT competition such as Ashley Sutton, Jason Plato, Andy Priaulx, Andrew Jordan, Colin Turkington, Robert Huff, Tom Onslow-Cole and Jonathan Adam…

Hamilton and Raikkonen were champions in Renault UK’s Formula Renault 2.0 single-seater category in the early 2000s; before that, in the late Nineties, Plato and Priaulx had lifted its Spider sportcar title and Button had raced for its British Formula 3 squad. Priaulx later went on to three World Touring Car titles (he is now a factory driver in the World Endurance Championship). Ex-Clio Cup racer Huff has also since taken a WTCC title and in 2017 achieved a record ninth victory at the prestigious Macau GP street circuit race.

Just two years after winning the UK Clio Cup in 2015, Sutton is now the British Touring Car Champion – winning 2017’s title ahead of Turkington – while Plato, already with two BTCC crowns, remains the championship’s most successful driver in terms of race victories. They started, incidentally, with Renault’s own BTCC team in the late Nineties…

In fact half the current BTCC grid – including most of the ‘big hitters’ – comprises drivers with UK Clio Cup backgrounds. In addition to Sutton, Plato, Turkington (Champion in 2009 and 2014) and Jordan (2013), Mat Jackson, Josh Cook, Jack Goff, Senna Proctor, Josh Price and Ant Whorton-Eales can rightly be counted among the BTCC’s hottest properties.

Adding to Renault Sport UK’s success in producing the best touring car talent, 2013 UK Clio Cup Champion Josh Files won a second straight ADAC TCR Germany title in 2017 and added to that with the Middle East TCR crown.

Born To Race

Jonathan Adam: Renault UK Clio Cup Champion 2005; British GT Champion 2015 & 2016; Le Mans 24 Hours GTE winner 2017

I’ve settled in to any car I’ve driven this past decade or any new paddock or team very quickly and undoubtedly much of that stems from having experience of the UK Clio Cup’s very professional set-up – it puts you in the right frame of mind for the future. The championship really set me on my way and I look back on my time in it with great fondness. It remains the place to be for a young driver with serious career ambitions

Jason Plato: Renault Spider Champion 1996; BTCC Champion 2001 & 2010

I have terrifically fond memories of competing in Renault UK’s championships and also for their BTCC race team. In many ways they shaped me as a professional racing driver and gave me the skills I needed to succeed in my motor sport career, both on and off the track. It’s great to see the UK Clio Cup still going strong, particularly in terms of the excellent driver talent it keeps on producing – even if that does make it even harder for someone like me to keep winning in the BTCC!

Meanwhile Adam and Onslow-Cole, winners of the UK Clio Cup in 2005 and 2006, have gone on to great success in GT racing. Onslow-Cole is one of the stars of the international 24H Series and, after British GT titles in 2015 and 2016, Adam in 2017 was able to add a famous class victory in the great Le Mans 24 Hours endurance event.

Renault is a manufacturer steeped in motor sport history and glory, from F1 to World Rallying to land speed records to numerous junior saloon and single-seater categories across the globe – these geared towards nurturing and promoting young driver talent. Its presence in F1 adds an enviable halo effect to its motor sporting activity.

The UK Clio Cup keeps in line with the massively entertaining racing that its single-model racing championships are famed for – these dating back to the mid-Seventies when Renault first introduced grids of leaning, squealing 5TLs and TSs to British motor sport.

In the Eighties along came the 5GT Turbo before the inaugural Clio Cup (based on the 1.8 16v Clio) ran from 1991 to 1995. At the time it even attracted celebrities such as pop star Andrew Ridgley of WHAM! fame and comedy actor Rowan Atkinson.

Four years of the Spider sportscar followed before the UK Clio Cup returned in 2000. It has run every year since alongside the BTCC using a variety of Clio Renault Sport models including the 172, 182, 197, 200, 200T and 220 Trophy.

And each year the championship has continued to generate an unrivalled energy and expertise that rubs off on its drivers, as proven by the names listed.

Looking to 2018, the search is again on to find the UK Clio Cup’s newest stars and to see who will join the illustrious Renault Sport hall of fame…

98

Affordable budgets, a product high in quality, supreme technical expertise and pulsating on-track action in front of the biggest crowds and a captive live TV audience are always a recipe for success in motor sport and the Renault UK Clio Cup has got the lot.

All 18 of the Clio Cup’s races take place at the British Touring Car Championship’s high-profile events – meaning average trackside crowds of more than 38,000 people, plus live free-to-air television coverage across the UK via the ITV4 channel.

No other motor sport ‘package’ in Britain comes even remotely close to achieving such vast levels of exposure so little wonder that the UK Clio Cup is such a magnet for aspiring young drivers.

Similarly the championship makes for a desirable business proposition for teams looking for a professional arena in which to invest and build for the future.

In 2017 the Renault UK Clio Cup sustained the growth of 2015 and 2016 with grid sizes averaging 20 cars. A much bigger talking point, however, was the level of quality as a grid exceptionally rich in talent was attracted to the championship with the majority of drivers having previously won titles or races in other car racing or karting categories of significance…

Six different drivers won races; 11 in total achieved outright podium results. Twelve drivers – seven of them new to the championship – earned bonus points for setting the fastest lap across the 18 races. Pole positions were shared among six different names. Of 33 drivers to contest the season, 24 enjoyed top ten results in races.

The Show, The Teams & The Drivers

Ashley Sutton, Renault UK Clio Cup Champion 2015; BTCC Champion 2017

Just one season in the UK Clio Cup played such big part in teaching me so much of what I now use in the BTCC. You learn a combination of everything in and out of the car from front-wheel-drive techniques and close ‘tin top’ racing to dealing with situations in the paddock and even away from race events. It’s information you can’t buy and in all those respects is the one that offers the best training before the move to touring cars.

In all, ten teams entered cars. Three of them, STR Norwich, MRM Racing and Bob Ross Racing were new to the championship and tested the water with selected appearances but, even as single-car set-ups, each showed that strong results were a realistic goal thanks to the Clio Cup’s equal treatment of its teams.

Furthermore the quality of 2017’s grid was reflected in progress on the track as 14 new qualifying and race lap records were set, thanks in part to a faster, more durable tyre from championship partner Michelin.

1110

• Nine race events: each includes one 30-minute qualifying session and two rounds (races)

• Official pre-event UK Clio Cup testing (two sessions on Thursday or Friday)

• Pre-season UK Clio Cup ‘Media Day’ event (Silverstone National circuit, Thurs 15 March 2018)

• On-event parts service provided by R.Sport

• Renault Sport technical support

• Renault Sport media service (inc. web, social media, press releases, commentary)

• Open admission to Renault Race Centre (plus 3 catering passes per driver)

• 12 season VIP passes per driver (6 paddock plus 6 pit lane)

• 3 season competitor vehicle passes per driver

• Michelin race tyre-fitting service

• Control fuel delivery

• Official timekeeping / results on-line

Registering for the 2018 Renault UK Clio Cup is via Renault Sport UK’s Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes Championship (see contact details on page 26). Registration includes:

A Place On The Grid

Mike Bushell, Renault UK Clio Cup Champion, 2014 & 2017

You can be good in other categories but you become exceptionally good in the UK Clio Cup and the facts support that. I can’t think of another championship where there’s such a level playing field and the emphasis is as much on the skill of the team and the driver. To win it twice gives you a massive sense of achievement and I would love to return and go for a third title.

Alan Gow, BTCC Series Director

The Renault UK Clio Cup never fails to deliver some of the most exciting racing for both our ITV4 audience and the trackside crowds at our events. Just as importantly it continues to serve up some of the most exciting new names to come into the BTCC – for evidence look no further than Ashley Sutton. Clio Cup Champion to BTCC Champion in two years is a quite staggering achievement and testament to the Clio Cup’s ability to prepare drivers for future greatness. It’s the perfect sidekick to the BTCC...

Mike Bushell ultimately won the title – adding to his crown from 2014. But he insists: “This was much harder; the quality all season was exceptionally high and I had a lot of drivers really make me work for my wins. It makes the achievement all the more rewarding and gives you greater credibility.

“As a driver you get a great kick out of these cars, particularly with the handling and the paddle shift gear system, but there’s also very good data logging and lots of data for a driver to work with. Components are professionally sealed and scrutinised as well which places an emphasis on getting the most out of the car as opposed to winning through chequebook racing.”

Bushell’s success contributed in Team Pyro winning a fifth Entrants Trophy. But says Pyro Team principal Mark Hunt: “The championship now is more competitive than I have ever known it before – the teams have all raised their game and are very professional. We have found it very hard to win this title in 2017.”

Pyro’s 2017 line-up was added to by several exciting young talents new to the championship with Jack McCarthy, aged 17, and 16-year-olds Bradley Burns and Zak Fulk quickly excelling. Ditto James Dorlin who memorably took two race victories for the experienced Westbourne Motorsport squad.

Hunt adds: “More and more, young drivers – many who have done well in karting – who are serious about a touring car career are seeing the UK Clio Cup as the place to be… the real deal! That is something that every team on the grid can benefit from.”

And comments Westbourne Team Principal Richard Colburn: “2017 marked our first season back in the UK Clio Cup after a couple of seasons away and we’ve been delighted by what we’ve experienced. We all thrive on competition and there is plenty of that to keep us busy. But it’s also a place where teams can discover and nurture exciting talent for the future and doing that with James Dorlin in 2017 was a real feather in our cap.”

12 13

The modern-day Renault UK Clio Cup represents the most technically-advanced race championship in history for one of the French manufacturer’s mass produced models.

Every car is identical in performance and based on the Clio Renault Sport 220 Trophy – each is built in France using Renault Sport’s legendary motor sport know-how and fully developed for racing with a 1.6 turbocharged engine producing over 220hp.

Technical partners include Sadev and PFC Brakes Europe – both names renowned for engineering excellence. Sadev’s six-speed ‘paddleshift’ gearbox adds to the technical sophistication. All cars also run on single-specification racing tyres developed by Michelin, another company steeped in motorsport success.

For 2018 the price of the UK Clio Cup race car is 46,300 € + VAT. Cars can be ordered via R. Sport (see Contacts on page 26).

The Clio Cup car is among the safest racing machine of any manufacturer-backed single model championship and meets latest FIA specifications. It is also very possibly the most reliable – with a routine service each engine, for instance, is designed to last two seasons of competition.

Indeed in 2017 WDE Motorsport’s Paul Rivett and Lee Pattison finished second and third in the championship – both in 2015 cars using their original engines.

Typically the cost for a team to put together a potential title-winning campaign for a driver ranges between £75,000 and £95,000 per season. This includes championship registration and entry fees for the season’s nine race events.

Team Pyro has won an unrivalled number of UK Clio Cup titles and seen many of its drivers go on to touring car stardom. Team Principal Mark Hunt comments: “We have been involved in other categories but on the technical side the UK Clio Cup really stands out. The quality of the cars is exceptional and I don’t believe any other manufacturer takes scrutineering as seriously.”

Technically Advanced

Wayne Eason, Team Principal, WDE Motorsport

The cars are just fantastic. The reliability of them is off the scale which really counts when preparing budgets for customers, there’s no drop-off in performance and they hold their value. They are also beautifully engineered and easy to work on in terms of maintenance. It’s obvious they have been designed by a manufacturer with real know-how which is not necessarily the case in other categories…

That is echoed by Mike Ritchie whose small MRM Racing squad was new to the championship in 2017. “The lifespan of the engines is remarkable for a race car – in fact I can’t think of another category where you can run the same engine for so long and still be in a position to win races. The championship also has very rigorous scrutineering procedures in play and this immediately puts people’s minds at ease. Everyone knows that everyone else is playing by the book.”

Jamie Going, Team Principal of the 2016 title-winning team squad, adds. “The cars are very well manufactured from Renault Sport and clearly made to be taken apart and put back together in a short time frame.

“R.Sport is also very well-oiled when it comes to its parts service and bends over backward to help teams.”

One of the stand-out performers in 2017 was the small single-car DRM outfit. Team Principal and driver Daniel Rowbottom achieved five podium results and finished fifth in the final standings.

“I’m massively impressed,” he enthuses. “Because everyone has equal treatment it means a well-prepared team – even when it is a smaller set-up like ours – is able to fight for some very big results. We’ve proved that in 2017 with a set of great results on a significantly smaller budget compared to others.”

14 15

As the premier category to be seen in for aspiring touring car and sportscar drivers, the Renault UK Clio Cup stars only at Britain’s best circuits with all its races taking place alongside the world-famous British Touring Car Championship.

On top of live coverage on ITV4 that also means massive trackside crowds – close to 40,000 people per event. Each circuit is also in close proximity to a major public highway and surrounded by a densely-populated catchment area, most including major cities.

This geographical spread of events means the UK Clio Cup along with the BTCC is able to reach the maximum number of fans possible. It also means sponsors can take advantage of the spectacle to engage in national and/or localised marketing campaigns both on-event or during the build-up to a race weekend.

Every circuit knows the importance of hosting such high-profile events. They work hard on promotion to ensure the public receives a top quality visitor experience – this includes the best views of the action including giant screen TV feeds (showing ITV4’s live pictures) as well as open access to the teams’ paddock.

Admission to each event is also FREE for children, making them hugely popular among family audiences as well as fans new and old.

The season comprises nine fixtures. Each hosts two races (or rounds) to form an 18-round calendar. Some of the circuits they take place on are legendary in sporting circles.

Just like a blockbuster movie at the local cinema, watch out in 2018 for each venue’s promotional campaign to swing into action – the Renault UK Clio Cup alongside the BTCC is coming to a circuit near you!

Coming To A Circuit Near YouRenault Sport is well aware of the need to balance performance and track time for drivers while also helping to keep budgets under control.

During the season official tests are held ahead of each of the nine high-profile race events. Teams and drivers are also permitted to test away from race events, albeit no later than 28 days prior to a circuit hosting its rounds of the championship.

Tyres are restricted. Each driver is allocated two new pairs per race event for use on the front of the car with both the championship’s technicians and tyre supplier Michelin monitoring usage and working closely with each team throughout.

“We work very closely with our teams to ensure a level playing field – we have a duty to safeguard and reward those who put their faith and investment in the UK Clio Cup as they look to build for the future,” explains

Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes.

“Allowing some in-season testing is important for a team’s and/or driver’s development, but it’s equally important to deter ‘open chequebook’ racing which history shows to be very counter-productive.”

The racing among the UK Clio Cup’s equally matched cars is carefully monitored through the use of on-board cameras and data technology to ensure the highest standards of driving. Fewkes adds: “During each qualifying session and race, drivers also receive communication and/or instruction when required by our permanent Clerk of the Course, Trevor Williams, via RACEceiver technology. Trevor continues with us in 2018 meaning consistency for our drivers and teams.”

Responsible Racing

2018 Circuits & Dates

Croft

Oulton Park

Donington Park

SilverstoneRockingham

Brands Hatch

Thruxton

Snetterton

BRANDS HATCH (INDY), KENT

The hurly-burly nature of the world-famous venue’s shorter Indy lay-out, set in a natural ‘amphitheatre’ type bowl, often spells drama. There are great views, too.Access via M25 (J4), M20 & M26 (nr Dartford Crossing)

Rounds 1 & 2 Date Sat 7/Sun 8 April

DONINGTON PARK (NATIONAL), LEICESTERSHIRE

The fast pre-war Grand Prix circuit, set in pretty rolling parkland, produces some scintillating slipstream battles. Viewing is excellent.Access via M1 (J24), M42 & A50 (nr East Midlands Airport)

Rounds 3 & 4 Date Sat 28/Sun 29 April

THRUXTON, HAMPSHIRE

Britain’s fastest race circuit makes for some hair-raising moments, particularly when the drivers try to slipstream and then out-brake one another from high speed.Access via A303 (nr Andover)

Rounds 5 & 6 Date Sat 19/Sun 20 May

OULTON PARK (ISLAND), CHESHIRE

The picturesque famous parkland circuit has fantastic views of the action and is a huge hit with fans – who camp over in their thousands – and drivers alike.Access via M6, M62, M54 and M56 motorways (nr Chester)

Rounds 7 & 8 Date Sat 9/Sun 10 June

CROFT, NORTH YORKSHIRE

A highly demanding track, Croft brings the Clio Cup (and BTCC) to the North-East of England for one of the region’s biggest sporting occasions of the year.Access via A1 (J57) or A66 (nr Darlington)

Rounds 9 & 10 Date Sat 23/Sun 24 June

SNETTERTON (300), NORFOLK

The fast but twisting Snetterton circuit enables fans in the East to enjoy the Clio Cup/BTCC thrills ‘n’ spills. It's also the longest lap on the calendar.Access via A11 (nr Norwich)

Rounds 11 & 12 Date Sat 28/Sun 29 July

ROCKINGHAM (ISSC), NORTHANTS

Based on a US-style oval – with grandstands that overlook the whole lap – this is the only anti-clockwise track on the calendar. A twisty infield section adds to the challenge.Access via A14 (nr Corby)

Rounds 13 & 14 Date Sat 11/Sun 12 August

SILVERSTONE (NATIONAL), NORTHANTS

The British F1 GP venue’s shorter National circuit is used. Its long wide straights can result in classic slip streaming battles, while the crowds get more laps.Access via M1 (J15a) or M40 (J10) (nr Northampton)

Rounds 15 & 16 Date Sat 15/Sun 16 September

BRANDS HATCH (GRAND PRIX), KENT

The legendary venue’s full-length GP circuit positivley oozes soul, charisma and history and is the ultimate track on which to hold the title-deciding season finale.Access via M25 (J4), M20 & M26 (nr Dartford Crossing)

Rounds 17 & 18 Date Sat 29/Sun 30 September

16 17

1918

Present at every Renault UK Clio Cup fixture is the championship’s professionally-run Race Centre which, with catering overseen by chefs boasting Formula 1 and Hollywood movie experience, provides a real home from home for teams, drivers and guests alike.

Renault Sport’s hospitality has long been considered among the finest at any race event and with up to 200 places available the UK Clio Cup’s Race Centre is a regular hive of activity for those looking to entertain corporate guests, for invited media to interview drivers and for driver-team-sponsor networking.

There is also the opportunity for VIPs to engage with the UK Clio Cup’s drivers during fun Q&A sessions and be taken on guided paddock tours which provide guests with exclusive insight into the championship.

Overseeing the Race Centre is Williams Hospitality. Its Managing Director Gareth Williams and his team have more than 25 years’ combined experience of running race centres in F1 and the World Rally and World Rallycross

championships and even serving as chefs on location during the making of blockbuster movies such as Robin Hood, Mission Impossible and James Bond.

“Presentation, attention to detail and ensuring we serve both hot and cold dishes that are wholesome, healthy and suit diets of all tastes are major priorities for us,” says Williams. “We like to think we are one of the best in the business, particularly given the emphasis that Renault Sport has always placed on the importance of making its guests feel welcome and on retaining customer satisfaction.

“Our company has worked at motor sport’s very highest levels and for some very big names in the movie world, but the Renault UK Clio Cup is always a real favourite of ours because of the very friendly and relaxed ambience.”

Ciceley Motorsport runs one of the top teams in the headlining British Touring Car Championship as well as the Clio Cup so knows what it takes to impress guests. Its Commercial Director Norman Burgess comments:

A Day At The Races

“Renault hits just the right note in its Race Centre – a welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, the professional service, smart surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere… all are top class. It’s everything a team and driver would want for their race day guests who are really made to feel like a special part of a big sporting occasion.”

STR Norwich made its first appearances in the UK Clio Cup in 2017 and Team Principal (and driver) Shawn Taylor was suitably impressed. “We pride ourselves on presentation and customer satisfaction and that is very much a two-way street with Renault Sport – we could not have been made to feel more welcome in the Race Centre and that has played a major part in our decision to expand to hopefully a two or three-car team in 2018.”

2017 marked PP Motorsport’s second season in the championship as an entrant and it celebrated a first win with James Colburn at Oulton Park with one of the most colourful cars on the grid.

Principal John Creasey comments: “We want the results of course but we are also about making a statement and giving our partners and their guests the best experience possible.

“Renault Sport’s Race Centre contributes significantly to that and helps us to set the standard we require to keep them on board as we also set our sights on expanding into the BTCC in the future.”

2120

Steve Rider, ITV Sport Presenter

The Renault UK Clio Cup remains a very important ingredient of ITV Sport’s BTCC coverage and long may that continue. It is highly competitive and boasts a grid of incredibly talented drivers. Furthermore the audience isn’t blinded by the technology you get in other forms of motor sport, meaning it also pulls in the casual viewer. As well as that there is a very real relevance to the BTCC, making it a perfect fit for our race day coverage Jeremy Townsend, Communications Director, Groupe Renault UK & Ireland

Heading into 2018, the UK Clio Cup is now appearing in front of the biggest crowds it has known for more than 15 years while ITV Sport is dedicating more live air time to its coverage of events than ever before. Significantly that’s more live race day coverage on a ‘free-to-air’ channel – and from a major broadcaster – than even Formula 1 receives in the UK. There is absolutely no other arena in which Renault UK would want the Clio Cup to appear in order to showcase its brand, technologies and driver talent and to entertain guests…

In 2017 ITV’s live coverage of BTCC events totalled a record

ITV’s live BTCC coverage in 2017 was watched by

144.5 hours

extra hours of highlights on ITV1 & ITV415

ITV.com unique annual visitors31,531,729

million people19.4Wherever the Renault UK Clio Cup races its cars, drivers,

teams and sponsors are part of a major sporting spectacle that not only pulls in the crowds but is beamed ‘free-to-air’ to almost every household in the UK as part of the British Touring Car Championship’s broadcast arrangement with ITV – by far the biggest and best in British motor sport.

ITV Sport is present at every event with an army of technicians and camera operatives who take over each venue to provide up to eight hours’ live coverage on the main race day (Sunday) on its ITV4 channel.

The UK Clio Cup action is very much a part of the mix and on average it receives a 45-minute portion of that live coverage each time. This was added to in 2017 when, thanks to the scintillating action being delivered on track, ITV4 chose several times to show both UK Clio Cup races from the weekend during its live coverage which is also ‘simulcast’ on ITV4 HD.

With Steve Rider, one of British TV’s best-know sports ‘anchors’, among the hosts and the same production team behind ITV Sport’s coverage of the UEFA Champions League and England football internationals, rugby’s Six Nations, tennis’s French Open tennis and horse racing’s Grand National at the controls, Britain’s largest commercial television network assuredly gives each event top-class treatment.

ITV’s live coverage of the BTCC’s ten events in 2017 (the UK Clio Cup races at nine of them) – simulcast on both ITV4 and ITV4 HD – totalled a record 144.5 hours. Almost 19.5 million people watched all of the broadcaster’s TV coverage.

Fully Exposed

In addition the UK Clio Cup receives highlights after each event on both the ITV1 and ITV4 channels (again simulcast on their HD counterparts) in a specially-arranged show, Motorsport UK. The shows in 2017 totalled a further 15 hours of coverage.

Races are also streamed live on the ITV.com website which attracts more than 31.5 million unique visitors annually. The benefits of this are obvious as it means the championship can be viewed remotely on hand-held devices as well. Crowd figures also increased in 2017 to a total of 385,100 at the BTCC’s ten events. That’s an open goal for teams, drivers and sponsors to engage with huge numbers of public.

Nicolas Hamilton, brother of four-time Formula 1 World Champion, returned to racing in the UK Clio Cup in 2017 and views the championship as an ideal opportunity for drivers and sponsors to build long lasting brands.

He enthuses: “Any sportsman or woman wants to come across in the most professional way and that is possible with the UK Clio Cup – its position alongside the BTCC means it has got the big crowds and is live on ITV4 so you can make a very big statement. It’s a great opportunity to promote yourself as a brand and also your sponsors’ brands and values.

2322

Followers13,300+

Male Female Under 35 35 & over

Social Class

AB 40% 25% 24% 50%C1 50% 60% 55% 44%C1 7% 5% 15% 3%DE 3% 10% 6% 3%

Personal Income

Under £15,000 1% 0% 1% 0%£15,000-£19,999 3% 1% 1% 1%£20,000-£24,999 3% 3% 8% 3%£25,000-£29,999 8% 12% 13% 9%£30,000-£34,999 14% 16% 17% 17%£35,000-£44,999 22% 27% 25% 24%£45,000-£54,999 21% 18% 12% 20%£55,000-£64,999 12% 11% 11% 10%£65,000 or over 16% 12% 12% 16%

Average number of events attended

1.86 1.41 1.63 1.85

Percentage to buy merchandise

44% 33% 42% 41%

Top 5 aspects enjoyed most during the day

Racing 41% 32% 43% 35%Atmosphere 24% 17% 20% 20%Good day out 12% 9% 13% 11%Food & Drink 9% 7% 5% 8%Weather 8% 15% 9% 14%

Top 3 other sports watched on TV

Formula 1 75% 52% 69% 76%Football 71% 45% 67% 68%Rugby 29%Tennis 46%Athletics 23%Cricket 51%

Top 3 national newspapers read

Daily Mail 21% 26% 14% 28%Telegraph 9% 20%The Sun 26% 31% 7%The Times 13%Express 12% 9%

Facebook and Twitter accounts continue to grow by

17% 15% More than

people at race events

385,100

Crowd Survey

Research carried out by Repucom

"I deliberately put a lot of effort into making my car’s livery look as cool as possible so it always stands out – particularly given the exposure the championship receives which makes it a very cost effective form of motor sport. To get that sort of coverage elsewhere a sponsor would need to spend significantly more."

Managing the UK Clio Cup’s dedicated PR service is Carl McKellar who brings with him some 25 years’ media experience – he was the British Touring Car Championship’s Media Officer for ten years and, as a journalist, has covered F1 for national newspapers plus the FIA World Rally and World Rallycross championships for Red Bull.

The UK Clio Cup works closely with teams and drivers to keep the wider world fully up to speed with all the latest news and gossip via ITV’s and the circuits’ commentators, social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), press releases to specialist, local, national, consumer and lifestyle titles and through the all-encompassing www.renaultsport.co.uk website.

In particular there was another rise in the UK Clio Cup’s social media figures in 2017 with its @UKClioCup Facebook and Twitter accounts growing by 17% and 15% respectively in the past 12 months to 13,300 and 8200 followers. Notably as more video content was added, Facebook posts were reaching between 70,000 and 90,000 people.

Followers8200

26 27

Renault UK Motorsport Championship ManagerWill Fewkes Renault UK Ltd, The Rivers Office Park, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Herts, WD3 9YS Tel: +44 (0) 7894 317477 Email: will.fewkes-extern@renault.co.uk

New Cars, Parts & Technical SupportR Sport LtdDenise Trigg, Tel: +44 (0) 7733 330421John Millett, Tel: +44 (0) 7990 520010Email: r_sport_uk@hotmail.comWebsite: www.rsportonline.co.uk

Media OfficerCarl McKellarTel: +44 (0) 7786 138905 Email: carl.mckellar-extern@renault.co.uk

HospitalityWill FewkesTel: +44 (0) 7894 317477Email: will.fewkes-extern@renault.co.ukDenise TriggTel: +44 (0) 7733 330421Email: info@rspromotions.net

Championship Contacts

Teams ContactsCiceley Motorsport / Team Principal: Adam Morgan & Team Manager: Simon ShawUnit 7, Walmsley Court, Petre Road, Clayton le Moors, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 5JQTel: +44 (0) 7980 587997ciceleymotorsport@ciceley.com

DRM / Team Principal: Kevin RowbottomUnit 6 Lupin Works, Worcester Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1JRTel: +44 (0) 7545 522567Email: info@drm-msport.co.uk Website: www.drm-msport.co.uk

JamSport Racing / Team Principal: Jamie Going & Team Manager: Andy Jones2 Lower Farm Road, Moulton Park Industrial Estate, Northampton NN3 6XF Tel: 01604 755529 / Andy Jones: +44 (0) 7860 824161Email: racing@jam-sport.co.ukWebsite: www.jam-sport-racing.co.uk

Matrix Motorsport / Team Principal: Jeff AldenUnit 10 Eccleshall Business Park, Hawkins Lane, Burton upon Trent, Derbyshire DE14 1PT Tel: 0203 8904778 Email: jeff@matrixmotorsport.co.ukWebsite: www.matrixmotorsport.co.uk

MRM Racing / Team Principal: Mike RitchieMildura, Weymouth Road, Evercreech, Somerset BA4 6JBTel: +44 (0) 7759 437181Email: mike@mrm-racing.co.ukWebsite: www.mrm-racing.co.uk

PP Motorsport / Team Principal: John CreaseyUnit 11, Clayton Road, Lincoln LN5 8RE Tel: 01522 568247 Email: info@ppmotorsport.com Website: www.ppmotorsport.com

Team Pyro / Team Principal: Mark HuntUnit B2, The Rise, Moat Way Industrial Estate, Barwell, Leicestershire LE9 8EYTel: 01455 847774Email: info@pyromotorsport.co.ukWebsite: www.pyromotorsport.co.uk

STR Norwich / Team Principal: Shawn Taylor10 Garden Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1QUTel: 01603 626668Email: shawn@strgb.co.ukWebsite: www.st-racing.com

WDE Motorsport / Team Principal: Wayne Eason & Team Manager: Paul RivettUnit 7 Murston Business Centre , Norman Road, Ashford , Kent TN23 7ADTel: 01233 647401 / Wayne Eason: +44 (0) 7917 646416 Paul Rivett: +44 (0) 7412 665385Email: info@wdemotorsport.comWebsite: www.wdemotorsport.com

Westbourne Motorsport / Team Principal: Richard ColburnBishopstone Lane, Hickstead, West Sussex BN6 9HGTel: 01444 480170Email: richard@westbournemotors.co.ukWebsite: www.westbournemotorsport.co.uk

Photo credits: © Jakob Ebrey – Printed in EC – January 2018. @UKClioCup facebook.com/UKClioCup @ClioCupUK

Calendar: 2018 Renault UK Clio CupRounds Date Circuit

1&2 Sat 7/Sun 8 April Brands Hatch (Indy), Kent

3&4 Sat 28/Sun 29 April Donington Park, Leicestershire

5&6 Sat 19/Sun 20 May Thruxton, Hampshire

7&8 Sat 9/Sun 10 June Oulton Park, Cheshire

9&10 Sat 23/Sun 24 June Croft, North Yorkshire

11&12 Sat 28/Sun 29 July Snetterton, Norfolk

13&14 Sat 11/Sun 12 August Rockingham, Northamptonshire

15&16 Sat 15/Sun 16 September Silverstone, Northamptonshire

17&18 Sat 29/Sun 30 September Brands Hatch (Grand Prix), Kent

Continue the Clio Cup experience at www.renaultsport.co.uk