Nottingham-based Martin Brackenbury has been announced as the 2003 Michelin Renault Scholarship winner – his prize, a fully-funded season in the ELF Clio Renaultsport UK Cup with front-running team Tim Sugden Motorsport.

The 26-year old former karter emerged victorious from last Friday’s (March 14th) competition final at the Croft circuit near Darlington, opposition including experienced Fiesta racer Gordon Sheddon, Formula Ford Junior Champion Ben Clucas and Formula Renault race winner Mark McLoughlin.

During the final, on-track assessments were conducted by Tim Sugden himself and fellow Clio Cup team owner John Bintcliffe while the judging panel included ELF Clio Renaultsport UK Cup Championship Manager Simon North, Michelin’s John Cheadle and racing drivers James Walker and Nick Keynes.

Commenting on his win a delighted Brackenbury said: “It’s only just starting to sink in really – it’s absolutely fantastic and I’d like to say a massive thankyou to Renault, Michelin and, of course, the Tim Sugden team.

“I used to race in national karting but I had to pack that up due to a lack of money about three years ago. Since then I’ve been itching to go racing again and so I’m ecstatic to have won the scholarship. It was very hard work and unbelievably nerve-racking but during the final I did start to relax more and I really began to enjoy myself.

“You can’t do anything but enjoy an experience like that – driving round a top circuit with such respected people as Tim Sugden and John Bintcliffe with you. I’m seriously looking forward to my first test at Donington on Thursday. I suppose it will be like being thrown in at the deep end but I know it’s going to fantastic – I can’t wait to get back in the car.”

Tim Sugden added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Martin has been declared the winner of the scholarship. He showed a huge amount of potential throughout the competition where he was up against some very experienced drivers – I’m sure he’ll get to grips with the Clio and the championship very well.

“Having only ever raced in karts before he fits the whole ethos of the scholarship which is centred around getting drivers with little or no race experience into a car. Martin is undoubtedly a deserving winner and the whole team is looking forward to working with him throughout the season.”

Brackenbury will join up with the rest of the 2003 championship contenders at Donington Park on Thursday, March 20th, for the second official test of the year.