Burns impressed immediately on his debut at Rockingham last August, then set a new race lap record next time out at Silverstone and later qualified on the front row of the grid alongside new Champion Mike Bushell for November’s season finale on the demanding Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.
One of the companies sponsoring Burns’s 2018 UK Clio Cup season is Alton-based accountancy firm LFM. Burns commented: “I’m really looking forward to being back on the grid as my age meant I could only do the final three events of 2017 – it was a shame it was over so quickly!
“We’re now planning on going to Spain with Pyro for some warm weather running which hopefully will mean we’re in good shape when we arrive at Brands Hatch for the opening two rounds in early April. My goal is the Graduates Cup for the younger drivers and hopefully some top-three results.”
Leicester-based Pyro has won five of the last six Renault UK Clio Cup drivers’ titles – its 2015 winner Ashley Sutton starts 2018 as the reigning British Touring Car Champion.
Team Principal Mark Hunt said: “In just three events, Bradley proved to be one of the revelations of the 2017 season. With more experience he has the potential to turn into a very special driver. We’re very excited about him being with us in 2018.”
The 2018 Renault UK Clio Cup gets under way with its opening two rounds at Brands Hatch, Kent on Sat 7/Sun 8 April. All 18 of its rounds will take place at the British Touring Car Championship’s high-profile events meaning it appears in front of huge trackside crowds (38,500 on average in 2017) and also live on ITV4.
Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Manager Will Fewkes said: “Without doubt, Bradley is a driver that many will be watching with interest in 2018. He very much represents what UK Clio Cup is all about – attracting and nurturing the best up-and-coming young drivers aiming for future touring car stardom.”
