Motorsport preparation specialist Bubble and Kick Racing has today, Monday, 24th November, confirmed a move into the ultra-competitive Renault UK Clio Cup next year under the banner Team BKR, having purchased Mike Bushell’s 2014 title winning car.
Already heavily involved in motor racing at a variety of levels, Bubble and Kick – which is headed up by engineer Nico Ferrari – feels the time is right to join Renault UK’s flagship championship and is now inviting drivers to get in touch to discuss the possibilities for next season.
Notably, recently confirmed Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship graduate Bushell will work with Team BKR as both a driver coach and technical advisor, something which will undoubtedly bolster the competitiveness of the Basildon squad from the outset of its Renault adventure.
“We’ve been keen to get onto the TOCA [BTCC] package for the past few years but we felt racing at that level has to be earned through hard work and experience”, said Ferrari, “To compete on that stage in the Renault UK Clio Cup is a real privilege.
“The team has strong belief our many years and successes in club motorsport put us in an excellent position to now launch ourselves with a fresh new image into the Clio Cup and TOCA package. Don’t get me wrong, we know it’s going to be a huge challenge, but we can say with complete confidence when we find the right driver we’ll be able to give the current teams a good, fair fight!”
Nico Ferrari will assume the team principal role at Team BKR in the Renault UK Clio Cup, while his younger brother Sebastian will have responsibility for the endurance competition side of the Bubble and Kick Racing business. Initially, Team BKR wishes to embark on its Renault UK Clio Cup graduation with a single car entry before then expanding in season two and beyond.
“We have an excellent team of experienced, dedicated engineers taught over nearly a decade of club motorsport how to run a race car properly”, added Nico Ferrari, “We want to ensure all our time, effort and focus is on one driver at first and when we feel we have the necessary qualifications to offer a second car, we will. The age old saying ‘quality, not quantity’ speaks volumes!
“It was a huge boost to acquire the 2014 championship winning car and strike a deal with the Bushell family who have been nothing but supportive throughout. I am also thrilled we have Mike himself on board with Team BKR as a driver coach and technical advisor. Mike is a fantastic driver and, arguably, even better engineer and we’re hugely excited to work alongside such a talented guy.”
Aside from its competitive aims in the Renault UK Clio Cup next year, Team BKR is also seeking to provide fun initiatives for its dedicated supporters. As well as opportunities to get up close and meet the team at the various circuits, the squad also has a ‘Fan Zone’ area on its website which intends to include enthusiasts as much as possible in the 2015 programme.
“All enquiries are welcome and no one will be dismissed or turned away”, said Ferrari, “Our aim is to secure consistent podiums next year and anyone who shares that same goal should get in touch and arrange some testing. We’re certainly not entering the Clio Cup to make up the numbers!”
Renault UK Clio Cup championship manager Will Fewkes added: “Team BKR is going to be a fantastic addition to the Clio Cup next year, we’re delighted to welcome Nico and the rest of the team, and what great news Mike [Bushell] will be back in the Renault paddock next year as a driver coach.
“The team has earned its stripes elsewhere and is now determined to enjoy success in the Renault UK Clio Cup. It sounds as though Nico is approaching everything very sensibly and methodically and I’m sure that will pay dividends in the team’s first season with us.”
The Renault UK Clio Cup is supported by ELF, Performance Friction, WP Racing and official tyre supplier Dunlop.
