Racing driver Max Coates, sponsored by Primex Plastics at Aycliffe, travelled down to Brands Hatch in Kent for rounds 1 & 2 of the 2017 Renault UK Clio Cup last weekend. After various new sponsorship signings and strong pre-season testing pace he was hoping to make a solid start to the season. He started with good pace in the Friday test sessions which culminated in the 2nd fastest time of the day, heading into qualifying on Saturday. As the 24 drivers headed on track rain began to fall and a red flag appeared half way through the session.
With ten minutes remaining and a quick change of tyres Coates headed back on track but was held up and unable to better his times. Coates qualified the Harron Homes sponsored Ciceley Motorsport car in 5th and 4th for the weekend’s races respectively, less than two tenths off pole and with only 1 second separating the top 19 drivers. Just before the start of race one the heavens opened and everyone quickly changed to the new wet Michelin tyres. The Clements Limited backed car was immediately embroiled in a battle with the cars around him, he was forced wide and conceded two places falling back to 7th. Following a safety car period he immediately attacked back and reclaimed 6th place which, despite his best efforts to move further forward, he held to the finish.
Race two, televised live on ITV4 during Sunday’s British Touring Car broadcast, was held in near perfect conditions at the Kent circuit. A good start moved the Primex Plastics and PLASgran Recycling sponsored driver up to 3rd after the first lap. A high speed slide at the final corner cost Coates four positions, much to the excitement of the commentators, however he fought back to 6th place quickly. He then began a race long battle with Clio Cup regular James Colburn, but was unable to find his way through. On-route to a pair of 6th place finishes Coates, also supported by JT Atkinson Builders Merchants, posted the 2nd and 3rd fastest race lap times respectively, showing that front running pace was within.
Max commented, ”I’m disappointed not to have stood on the podium this weekend as I feel we had the speed to do so. A tough qualifying cost me dearly but two 6th place finishes gives me a good haul of points in the championship and we know we have the pace to be winning races, I’m sure it will come soon.” Donnington Park will host rounds 3 and 4 of the Renault UK Clio Cup in just two weeks’ time, 15th – 16th April where Coates will be hoping to repeat his pole position from last year and get his first 2017 podium finish.
