Total Control Racing Brands Hatch preview

RACING ROOKIE JORDAN TO MAKE CLIO CUP DEBUT THIS WEEKEND

Bridgnorth motor racing rookie Andy Jordan will leap into the ultra-competitive world of ELF Renault Clio Cup action at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit this weekend, 9th/10th October, having signed a deal to contest the final two rounds of the 2010 season with Wednesbury's Total Control Racing.

The Shropshire 19-year-old, who is no relation to his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship namesake, is well aware of the huge challenge which awaits him at the 1.2-mile Kent track but his sole aim is to thoroughly enjoy the experience and benefit from TCR's wealth of knowledge.

Jordan, who is a mechanic by trade and is backed by Much Wenlock-based Bulldog Security Products Ltd, made his full competitive motorsport debut in the BRSCC Arrowpak Euro Saloons Championship at Anglesey just over a week ago. Prior to this, he has only ever taken part in track day outings at the wheel of a previous generation Clio Cup race car.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Jordan said: "It'll be a huge challenge but I'm just going to go out there and enjoy it. We never planned to be racing in the Clio Cup this weekend -- it's definitely a goal a year or two from now but my Dad spoke with Lee (Brookes -- TCR team principal) regarding our track day car and he mentioned the team had a car available for the last two rounds.

"It'd have been silly not to take such a great opportunity. I know I've got so much to learn and I'm going to be at the back, plus I've never used slick tyres competitively before, but it's a fantastic chance to experience the championship and to benefit from working with a great team like TCR."

Jordan's signing brings TCR's Clio Cup entry back up to three with regular driver Sam Tordoff having stepped-up to make his BTCC debut at Brands Hatch this weekend, having already sewn-up a top three championship finish. Jordan will race alongside Mike Robinson, who is striving to conclude the season in the top four, and local Kent driver James Dixon who has his sights on the coveted top six.

Team boss Lee Brookes added: "We're really looking forward to working with Andy at the weekend, it's always great to help develop new drivers and I'm sure he's going to have a great time. It'll be really tough, there's no doubt about that, as the Clios are as competitive as ever but Andy just needs to enjoy himself and learn as much as possible."

Pre-event testing takes place this Friday, 8th October, with qualifying for rounds 19 and 20 taking place at 11.15 on Saturday, 9th October, ahead of the opening race at 16.20. The final round of the 2010 ELF Renault Clio Cup season will follow on Sunday, 10th October, at 13.15 and will be screened live on Freeview, cable and digital satellite channel ITV4.

As always, TCR will also be in action in the Michelin Ginetta G50 Cup at Brands Hatch with drivers Carl Breeze and Joachim Ritter. Qualifying will take place at 10.45 on Saturday with the first encounter of the weekend getting underway at 15.05. Sunday's two races, which are scheduled to start at 10.40 and 16.05, will also be featured live on ITV4.

-source: totalcontrolracing.com