- 2011 Renault UK Clio Cup vice-champion and multiple race winner rejoins Westbourne with backing from Terraclean and PP Motorsport.
- Colburn will partner rising star James Dorlin, who races with backing from Vantage Motor Group and GardX Protection.
- Striking new liveries unveiled on both cars ahead of the championship’s Media Day at Silverstone on March 15th.
Westbourne Motorsport have announced James Colburn will complete the outfit’s Renault UK Clio Cup driver pairing alongside BRDC Rising Star James Dorlin, with striking new liveries unveiled on both of the teams fourth-generation Clio Cup machines.
Colburn returned full-time to the UK’s most competitive single-make series alongside family-run team Westbourne with the backing of PP Motorsport in 2017, taking a race victory at Oulton Park and a further two podium finishes.
Rookie sensation James Dorlin has already been marked as a championship contender, with the 18-year old registering his first career victory against now-double champion Mike Bushell at only his third meeting at Thruxton. He would add a further victory in challenging wet conditions at Silverstone, along with pole position for the second race at Snetterton and a further podium finish to his CV in a strong debut campaign.
Both will return to the series in 2018 as part of Westbourne’s formidable two-car assault on the championship – which runs to a regular trackside audience exceeding 30,000 and enjoys over a hundred hours of free-to-air television coverage through ITV4 and in HD.
Colburn’s striking black and red challenger runs with support from Terraclean’s advanced engine cleaning service and shares support with Dorlin from Vantage Motor Group and leading vehicle protection company GardX Protection. Alongside Dorlin’s title sponsors are Harlequin Teamwear, DTFS and Prototype Creative, all proudly supporting the Barnsley-based racer. PP Motorsport continue to work closely with the Westbourne Team for promotional and sponsorship activities.
The pairing hit the circuit for the first time together on Thursday [8th March] at Brands Hatch, which is also set to host the opening two rounds of the new season on April 7-8.
Both will be presented to the national and international media as well as spectators during the series’ official Media Day, scheduled to take place at Silverstone on 15 March.
James Colburn said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be back on the Renault UK Clio Cup grid this year. Being part of arguably Westbourne Motorsport’s strongest driver line-up yet is fantastic, not least because myself and James [Dorlin] have a fantastic relationship on and off the circuit, and we’re both only getting stronger at developing the car.
“The championship is the only real, established stepping stone into the British Touring Car Championship, which has always been my dream. I’ve come very close to winning it before, and if there is any series to aim for the title in, it’s this one.
“Preparations over the winter have been very positive, and as a team we’re definitely moving up to the next level and creating a really positive image. I still have some work to do physically but mentally I’m feeling very strong, I have set plans for every weekend and I know what I have to do.
“Having worked with James since he was 16 it’s been phenomenal to see him develop as a young driver and reach the standard he has so quickly. We’re like a family so we not only want the best for ourselves but also for each other and the team as a whole. There’s absolutely no reason why we can’t be at the front of the pack consistently and bring both titles home to Westbourne in 2018.”
James Dorlin said, “Westbourne Motorsport is absolutely the team to race with in the Renault UK Clio Cup this year, and having James as a team-mate is a bonus.
I’ve received more support than ever before this year from both current and new partners, which is fantastic. It’s great to continue my association with Vantage Motor Group, Harlequin Teamwear and DTFS for 2018, and also to welcome on board GardX Protection and Prototype Creative. Together, we’re going to be a package to watch.
“The Renault UK Clio Cup is one of the most competitive championships in the UK and winning the title is something to be incredibly proud of, and something to aspire towards. Preparation has been thorough, but more important successful and everything is lined up for a very exciting season.
“James and I have raced together in both Clios and Historics for a few years now and we know exactly what the other can do. Understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses will only serve to help us out on track, and off the circuit he’s like a brother which is a fantastic position to be in, because so much rides on your relationship with your team-mate.
“I’m happy the team is built around both of us for this season, there are no distractions and one hundred percent of our focus can go into winning Westbourne Motorsport their first UK Clio Cup title.”
Notes to editor:
- Vantage Motor Group was founded in Harrogate, North Yorkshire in 2003. The Group now has over 650 employees and 22 dealerships across Northern England and the West Midlands representing Toyota, Kia, Citroen, Honda, Hyundai, SKODA and Lexus. More information can be found at www.vantagemotorgroup.co.uk.
- GardX Protection manufacture a range of innovative products which are approved by motor manufacturers and used by motor dealers worldwide. They have an unrivalled reputation for providing world-class products with equally impressive standards of customer service and technical support. For more information, please visit www.gardx.co.uk.
- Terraclean provide an advanced cleaning service capable of reducing your cars emissions, restoring its MPG ratio and restoring its performance. With national coverage comprising over 500 centers across the UK including independent garages and mobile technicians, visit www.terraclean.co.uk to find your local dealership, and learn more about how their unique de-carbonising technology can help provide a healthier living for your car.
- Paint Perfect are a paint and body shop based south of Lincoln, comprised of two fully-equipped workshops within half a mile of each other. Services range from minor repairs including paint scratches, bumper scuffs and alloy wheel kerbing to full re-sprays, accident damage repairs and restorations. A wide range of vehicles can be accommodated, including specialist vehicles including classic cars, motor homes and motorbikes. Please visit www.paintperfectlincoln.co.uk for further information.