After a strong career in karting, Fulk impressed with his speed in last season’s closing rounds at Rockingham, Silverstone and Brands Hatch where he set a fastest race lap and came close to qualifying on pole position.
In 2018 he will be eligible for the Clio Cup’s Graduates Cup class – for younger drivers in their first full season in the championship. His campaign will be sponsored by Cartwright Trailers and Dawson Rentals.
After commencing his pre-season testing programme at Cheshire’s Oulton Park, Fulk said: “I really enjoyed the last three Clio Cup events in 2017. It’s a big step up from karting – budget, level of competition, huge crowds, being live on ITV4 – and although I’ve managed to get up to speed quite well I am up against drivers with far more experience at this level. They know all the circuits and how to wring the most from the cars – something I’m still learning.
“We also don’t have the biggest budget out there so it’s vital we make the most of every session we do on track. However, I know I’m very privileged to have this opportunity so a huge ‘thank you’ to my sponsors and Team Pyro.
He added: “I felt pleased with my performance at Brands Hatch; it’s given me confidence going into this season.
“I want to get off to a strong start – I’m working hard on my fitness and have some days booked in a simulator. Hopefully podium results are achievable and the Graduates Cup title is something I’ll be focusing on, but let’s see how things unfold.”
Team Pyro, based in Leicester, has won six of the last eight Clio Cup drivers’ titles. Mike Bushell, its winner in 2017, will be joining the British Touring Championship grid in 2018 and its 2015 winner, Ashley Sutton, starts this year as the new reigning BTCC Champion.
Team Principal Mark Hunt said: “Zak’s a very good driver to work with. He’s only 16 and most drivers don’t arrive with us until they’ve completed at least one season in cars. Despite his very limited experience in cars, he is mature for his age and there’s clearly a lot of raw talent there. I believe he has the potential to do very well this season in Clio Cup.”
Renault Sport’s UK Motorsport Championship Manager Will Fewkes added: “Zak adds to the superb line-up of young talent already confirmed for 2018’s Clio Cup grid – the quality announced so far is outstanding. Certainly his speed was immediate when he joined us towards the end of last season and I’ve no doubt he will be right at the sharp end in 2018.”
