Josh Files is on the cusp of clinching the coveted 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup title as Britain’s premier one-make saloon car championship reaches its nail-biting climax on the world-famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit (12-13 October).
Files, backed by Bacs Payment Schemes Ltd – the people behind Direct Debit in the UK – arrives at the Kent-based track with ten podium finishes – including two race victories – to his name.
Supreme consistency that includes a string of six podium finishes in the second half of the season means the 22-year old from Norwich has a substantial 50-point lead over nearest rival and multiple Clio Cup Champion Paul Rivett with two races remaining.
When the category’s single ‘drop-score’ ruling is enforced, Files still has a healthy 38-point advantage in the overall standings and an almost indomitable 57 points over James Colburn on the Graduate Cup leaderboard.
As well as the honour of winning the championship, the two title protagonists are battling it out for a prize test drive in an NGTC-spec car from the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and the use of a road-going Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC for one year.
Files’ previous outing on the shorter Brands Hatch Indy layout was relatively unsuccessful, although he has an unquenchable desire to conclude a remarkable 2013 season in style on the top step of the winners’ rostrum.
“We’ve worked out that all I need is a sixth place in race one, if Paul (Rivett) wins and records the fastest lap, which is a phenomenal position to be in,” said Files. “To have achieved ten podium finishes and two race wins, as well as countless pole positions, fastest laps and Graduate Cup victories is just unbelievable and demonstrates how mature and focused we’ve been this year.
“As always, I have every intention of winning at Brands Hatch. I don’t want to take the title with a top ten finish and there’s no reason why we can’t carry over our raw speed and consistency to Brands Hatch. I can’t rest on my laurels!”
Renault UK Clio Cup qualifying will take place at 10.50 on Saturday (12 October), with Round 15 set to begin at 16.50 that afternoon. On Sunday (13 October), the final race of the 2013 season (Round 16) is scheduled to begin at 13.30 and will be broadcast live and in high definition on ITV4 and ITV4 HD.
For more information on Josh Files' racing activities, please visit the official www.joshfiles.co.uk website, 'like' his Facebook page or follow @JoshFiles on Twitter.