Silverstone and Thruxton added to Clio Cup Series venues

Organisers of the Michelin Clio Cup Race Series and Michelin Clio Cup Road Series have revealed that Silverstone International Circuit and Thruxton will appear on the championship calendar for the first time in 2015, as part of an impressive 12 round season.

With several improvements implemented for next year, other ‘firsts’ include the introduction of a triple-header race meeting for the championship curtain-raiser at Rockingham International Super Sportscar Circuit and a 45-minute Enduro race at Oulton Park Island Circuit in August.

Beginning on 11th/12th April at Rockingham and then moving on to Thruxton in Hampshire over the weekend 13th/14th June, the first half of the championship will conclude on 11th/12th July at North Yorkshire’s Croft Circuit.

Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent will be the venue for the fourth race meeting of the season on 25th/26th July with the Oulton Park event set to be contested over a single day at the picturesque Cheshire track on Saturday, 15th August.

For the season finale, the Race Series and Road Series will visit Silverstone for the first time on 19th/20th September with a maiden appearance on the International Circuit which, these days, incorporates the southern loop of the full Grand Prix layout – taking in the famous Hangar Straight.

Importantly, the venues set to form part of the Michelin Clio Cup Race Series and Road Series calendar in 2015 are key destinations for the British Touring Car Championship and Renault UK Clio Cup as well – something the Clio Cup Series teams and organisers wanted to achieve.

“We’re very happy indeed with our proposed calendar for 2015”, said Michelin Clio Cup Race Series and Road Series promoter Simon North, “The championships will be visiting some fantastic circuits once again and we’re delighted to be able to confirm the introduction of Silverstone and Thruxton.

“Last season we had some superb racing in the Clio Cup Series and the great mix of tracks we have on the 2015 schedule is certain to build on that further. We really do have another tremendous year in prospect for the third year of the Race Series and Road Series.”

As well as the eagerly awaited visits to Thruxton and Silverstone, the other key highlight will be the Oulton Park endurance race. Only one 45-minute race has previously been contested in the Clio Cup Series, during the 2013 Autumn Cup.

Commenting on the calendar, Lee Brookes, team principal of 2014 Michelin Clio Cup Race Series title winning squad Total Control Racing, said: “It looks like a good line-up of tracks, having Silverstone on there is great as it’s somewhere the drivers all want to race and the facilities are good. Three races at Rockingham increases the overall value for the drivers as well so, all in all, it should be popular.”

Richard Colburn, team boss of Road Series champions and Race Series front-runners Westbourne Motorsport, added: “I think it’s a fantastic calendar. Thruxton adds a new dimension, particularly with the limited testing available, making it a real challenge which will reward the best drivers.

“Silverstone International is, again, new for many and offers the best facilities in the UK but with a more demanding layout over the conventional National one. As for the 45-minute race at Oulton, this brings the whole team into play and reliability will be everything. The weather could play a part too, so changing tyres would be feasible if conditions changed – all adding an extra dimension.”

Along with headline sponsors Michelin and Protyre, the Clio Cup Series is additionally supported by Ferodo and Safety Devices.