COOKSPORT SIGNS TEENAGER COLLINGBOURNE FOR 2015 CLIO CUP

2014 Vice Champion Josh Cook (Bristol) has signed teenage newcomer Rory Collingbourne (Newport) to race for his new team in the Renault UK Clio Cup which will once more star at Dunlop British Touring Car Championship events in 2015.

Cook himself will this year graduate to the BTCC – Britain’s premier motor racing spectacle which is broadcast live nationwide in the UK on ITV4. Close to half the BTCC grid comprises former race-winners or champions from the Clio Cup…

But Cook has also confirmed he will run his own Clio Cup squad based in workshops in Bristol and 17-year-old Collingbourne – a top name from the club-level Ford Fiesta race series – is his chosen protégé.

The 2015 Clio Cup begins at the world-famous Brands Hatch circuit in Kent on the weekend of Sat 4th/Sun 5th April with the opening two rounds of its new season.

Cook commented: “We tested Rory at the end of last year at Donington Park and he was very quick but more importantly he learns quickly. That test was key – it made our minds up. He listens very well and understands the car – something that sits very well with our engineers. He’s definitely one to watch.

“Last season we also effectively ran our own team under the SVR banner. By branching out on our own it gives us a chance to make a name for ourselves.”

Collingbourne said: “I’m obviously very excited about graduating to the Clio Cup. It is a massive step up for me but the Fiestas have given me plenty of experience in how to look after myself in a competitive saloon car category – I’m expecting plenty more door-to-door action in Clios!

“To come into Clios with a team like Cooksport and with Josh’s input on the racing and car set-up is a huge bonus. They can give me a car capable of winning races and being the top rookie is definitely on my radar. I have only raced on about half the circuits that are on the Clio Cup calendar so I need to do some testing before the season starts.”