UK: Josh Cook joins Westbourne Motorsport

LIFT IN TESTING BAN YIELDS NEW DRIVER FOR CLIO CUP SERIES

Renault Sport UK's temporary lift on the in-season testing ban has yielded a new driver for the ELF Renault Clio Cup with Michelin series as Bath teenager Josh Cook joins Westbourne Motorsport.

Josh, 19, who's currently leading the Stock Hatch 750MC series, will join Clio Cup regulars when the second-half of the season gets underway at Norfolk's Snetterton circuit on 7th/8th August. Competing with Richard Colburn's Westbourne Motorsport, the teenager will race using Alex Dew's old car but with the updated more powerful engine (5hp increase) and bodykit on which Renault Sport is offering at 2009 prices to aid prospective newcomers.

As well as competing in the Stock Hatch 750MC series for the past two years, Josh completed two seasons in the SaxMax Championship during which he met James Colburn who currently races with the Westbourne Motorsport outfit together with team-mate Patrick Collins (Spaldwick).

Josh said: "I've know James [Colburn] from my SaxMax days and Westbourne Motorsport were able to put together a good package for me and have been really helpful in making this possible. I've only driven the car a handful of times so my experience is very limited and given how competitive the field is this year I know it's going to be tough. I'm realistic about my chances but a top 10 finish on my first outing would be great."

Championship Promoter Simon North said: "We're delighted to have Josh join us at Snetterton and to see potential new drivers out testing. We're also hoping to have several new drivers join us for the World Series by Renault meeting at the new Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in September including former Formula Renault BARC racer David Sutton, Ray MacDowall -- father of 2009 Clio Vice-Champion Alex -- and double Clio Cup champion Raul Rivett."

Rounds 11 and 12 of the ELF Renault Clio Cup with Michelin take place at Norfolk's Snetterton circuit on 7th/8th August.

-source: rumcc uk