The 23-year-old becomes the second driver to commit to WDE for the forthcoming season after Sam Osborne (Worksop) also confirmed his place in the team. He will again be sponsored by Wera Tools, JD Fire Services, The Green Group and Alex Reade Motorsport.
Like Osborne, Reade switched to WDE for 2017’s final rounds at his home circuit of Brands Hatch which is where 2018’s season will begin on the weekend of Sat 7/Sun 8 April.
As ever all 18 of the UK Clio Cup’s rounds will take place at the British Touring Car Championship’s high profile events, guaranteeing it huge trackside crowds (38,500 people per event on average in 2017) and also live television coverage on ITV4.
Reade achieved three top-ten finishes in his debut UK Clio Cup season in 2017 with a best result of seventh. He commented: “I’m totally realistic about how competitive the UK Clio Cup is – that is one of its big attractions along with the huge crowd numbers and live coverage on ITV4.
“The priority form me is to work with WDE, one of the top teams in the paddock, to improve on my results from last year. I believe we have a strong chance of going for podiums and even pushing for race wins in 2018.”
WDE, based in Ashford, finished second and third in 2017’s UK Clio Cup with drivers Paul Rivett and Lee Pattison.
Team Principal Wayne Eason said: “We’re delighted that Luke is part of our line-up for 2018 – as with Sam, he has a lot of potential and we look forward to helping him turn that into some big results.”
Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes added: “We very much welcome Luke and the Wera Tools name back for 2018 – I am sure some great results are in store. Likewise another of their stunning car liveries which proved a big hit with the public in 2017.”
