In order to boost the appeal of the Winter Cup - which has proven time and again to be a key starting point for the majority of front-running Clio Cup drivers and former category champions - organisers have agreed to boost first prize while also handing out a 50 per cent registration to the vice-champion and 25 per cent off the 2004 registration to the third place finisher.

The main prize effectively means the 2003 ELF Renault Clio Hill House Hammond Cup winner will get back the total cost of competing in the Winter Cup which, therefore, means a welcome financial bonus ahead of a potential full campaign the following season.

SpeedEquipe Motorsport team boss Dave Older said: "This announcement is great news and means drivers taking part will have an opportunity to win back the cost of racing in the Winter Cup while also setting themselves up for the following season.

"The good news for drivers is that the prize will go directly to them so this should be quite an attractive piece of news. If drivers are serious about doing the Clio Cup in 2004 they should definitely compete in the Winter Cup to prepare."

Chris Norden of Xcel Motorsport commented: "I'm absolutely delighted the prize fund has been increased for the Winter Cup - it's a fantastic idea to have the winner of the championship receive a full registration for the 2004 season.

"Hopefully this news will enable us to attract more drivers to the team as it could act as a very good stepping stone through the winter, into the main Clio Cup next season and then on into touring cars hopefully in the future. It's important drivers hoping to race in the main series get a good flavour of what Clio racing is all about and the Winter Cup is an ideal starting point."

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