07/03/2003

ADCOCK SWITCHES TO CLIO CHAMPIONSHIP

Former Volkswagen Racing Cup star Nick Adcock has forsaken his Beetle for a full assault on the Elf Clio Renaultsport UK Cup in 2003.

The Worcestershire businessman believes his move to the TOCA Touring Car-supporting Renault series will be a good one for his career: "With its high profile, TV coverage and very strict rules I believe it to be a healthy way of lifting my game and it will provide a good benchmark as to how good a driver I am."

Nick, 37, took up racing only in 2000 in the Tomcat Vento Challenge, soon trading his Rover coupe for a Vento and the VW Cup. He claimed his first race victory that season, at Brands Hatch, and went on to two-year Volkswagen Racing Cup campaign, latterly with a Beetle RSi. He was fourth overall in the championship in 2002 and took three class victories.

Adcock, who is backed by advertising agency Raw Media, has joined forces with crack saloon racing preparation squad Total Control Racing for his Clio challenge. TCR has a long history of tin-top success - including in the BTCC with team boss Lee Brookes - and will, says Adcock, provide vital experience: "It was important to me to be with a team who knew their way around a Clio and who could point me in the right direction. I'm know that I am in good hands with TCR and Lee has already given me a great car and some positive advice on my driving technique. In fact, I'm feeling extremely gung-ho about the forthcoming season."

The Elf Clio Renaultsport UK Cup gets underway at Snetterton over the Easter weekend (19/20 April). The championship visits Brands Hatch, Thruxton, Silverstone, Rockingham, Croft, Donington Park and Oulton Park on its round-Britain trail.

Nick is shortly to launch his own racing website at www.NickAdcock.net.