Max Coates (Scorton) will make a third bid for the Renault UK Clio Cup title in 2018 after announcing that he has signed to race for the multiple title-winning squad Team Pyro.
North Yorkshireman Coates finished third in 2016’s UK Clio Cup after an emotional maiden race victory at his home circuit of Croft and was then fourth in 2017 following two more wins.
The 24-year-old will be sponsored in 2018 by Harron Homes, Primex Plastics and PLASGran Recycling. He has also been re-confirmed as a member of the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club’s Rising Stars programme that supports a select group of up-and-coming UK racing talents each year…
Coates commented: “It feels great to get a deal done with Pyro – they’ve won six of the last eight Clio Cup titles and are the most successful team in the championship’s history. Their champion from 2015 Ashley Sutton is now the reigning British Touring Car Champion – this is a great opportunity for me.”
He continued: “I did look at a few other options for 2018 but, pound for pound, nothing beats the Clio Cup when it comes to value for money and keeping a driver sharp. The cars remain the closest you’ll get to a touring car and the racing is very similar too with plenty of wheel to wheel action.
“I also see it as the best option to maintain a high profile – the Clio Cup races at the BTCC’s events so the crowds are huge and the action is broadcast live on ITV4 and online. You can’t beat that.”
Coates becomes the fourth driver so far to announce a deal with Leicester-based Pyro for 2018 – already confirmed are Daniel Rowbottom, Bradley Burns and Zak Fulk who are also expected to be among the favourites for success.
Pyro boss Mark Hunt said: “Max is a real coup for our team – he has been among the stand-out acts these past two seasons and adds real strength to our line-up as we aim to defend our Entrants Trophy crown. I am also confident he will be right in the fight for the drivers’ title, too.”
Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes added: “Max becomes the latest high-profile name to join the UK Clio Cup grid for 2018 which is shaping up to be even more competitive than 2017’s. I have no doubt Max will put together a very strong title bid with Pyro and it will be interesting to see just how far he and Pyro’s other drivers can push one other…”
