Official Renault UK Clio Cup News…
Stefan Hodgetts (Redditch) will remain with Scuderia Vittoria for a crack at the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup title after today, Monday, 11th February, being officially confirmed at the team along with fellow returnees Finlay Crocker (Linlithgow, West Lothian) and Ronnie Klos (Market Harborough).
Already named part of the prestigious KX Akademy driver development programme – which is headed by 1996 Renault Spider Cup Champion and double British Touring Car Championship title winner Jason Plato – for a second year, Hodgetts will undoubtedly start the season as a favourite.
Regarded throughout national motorsport as one of the country’s most naturally gifted racers, the 30-year-old multiple Renault UK Clio Cup race winner will be fighting hard to go one better than in 2007 when he was Vice-Champion to Martin Byford.
Scottish pairing Crocker and Klos both continue with the Sunbury-on-Thames team for a second season in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship feeder category, with each determined to challenge for the Masters Cup class title in 2013.
Crocker, who was runner-up in the Masters contest last year, also ended his maiden campaign in the Clio Cup inside the outright top 20 in the championship with best results during the year of 11th place at Thruxton and Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit.
Compatriot Klos concluded 2012 fourth in the Masters Cup, 25th in the main championship, and ended his season on a high at Brands Hatch GP Circuit during the final round where he secured a best finish of 13th position. Despite having been away from motorsport for several years, Klos made big strides during the later rounds.
Commenting on the three deals, team principal Danny Buxton said: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm Stefan for a full campaign with Scuderia Vittoria in 2013. To have continued support from One Call Insurance and the KX Akademy is brilliant.
“Ronnie had a very strong second half of the season after spending eight years away from racing. I really expect him to be fighting for top 10 positions now he has gained knowledge of the circuits, he will really be gunning for the Masters Cup title this year.”
Buxton added: “Finlay was very impressive in 2012, he has been training very hard over the off-season and, mixed with the speed that he possesses, I think he can be right up there in contention – especially at his best circuits such as Thruxton, Brands GP and Donington.”
The confirmation of Hodgetts, Crocker and Klos at Scuderia Vittoria brings the team’s Clio Cup attack up to five cars, with the trio joining recently announced duo Josh Wakefield (Colchester) and Devon Modell (London).
Silverstone National Circuit in Northamptonshire will host the official Renault UK Clio Cup ‘Media Day’ on Thursday, 21st March. The opening two rounds of the 2013 season will then follow little more than a week later, at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent, over the weekend 30th/31st March.
