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Josh Files: 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup Champion

Norwich’s Josh Files sealed the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup crown with a fourth place finish in the penultimate race of the season on the world-renowned Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit (12 October).

Sponsored by Bacs Payment Schemes Ltd (Bacs) in 2011 and 2012 , Josh saw his long term sponsor joined by another for 2013 as VocaLink – which supplies the infrastructure behind Direct Debit in the UK on behalf of Bacs – took on sole support for the first half of the season, before Bacs took over once more for the final eight races, including this weekend’s triumphant display at Brands Hatch.

With chief title foe Paul Rivett side-lined by injury for the decisive final two rounds of the season at Brands Hatch, only Files’ Team Pyro stable-mate Alex Morgan had a mathematical chance of overhauling him in the points.
 
On Friday, despite countless red-flag stoppages as drivers pushed beyond the limits on a part-dry track, the then UK Clio Cup Champion-elect Files was the first to really master the 2.30mile-long Brands Hatch Grand Prix configuration.
 
The Norwich-based driver went half a second quicker than the rest in free practice one on Friday morning (11 October), but then sustained severe damage to his Bacs-liveried car in an unfortunate incident at Druids during the rain-affected second practice session.

The 22-year old locked up, slid into the gravel and had an innocuous collision with the barriers at the hairpin. However, in a carbon-copy incident, team-mate Ash Hand plowed into Files’ stationary car, causing significant damage.

Team Pyro burnt the midnight oil and in a valiant effort repaired Files’ battered car in time for UK Clio Cup qualifying, which was held on a drying Brands Hatch GP circuit.

Starting on Dunlop’s grooved rubber, Files eventually opted for slicks and only came into the picture halfway through the 30-minute session, pumping in the 11th fastest time before gradually easing his way up the timesheets.

Post-qualifying penalties for exceeding track limits were handed to several drivers and Files subsequently started Round 15 from the second row of the grid in fourth place.

A cautious start saw Files slip down to fifth behind Mike Bushell on the initial rise to Paddock Hill Bend, although the Norwich-domiciled driver retaliated with a lunge at Hawthorns later around the opening lap.

From there, he maintained position in the centre of a six-way fight for the lead that was only interrupted by two Safety Car interventions, emerging from a fraught race in fourth to convincingly seal the 2013 Renault UK Clio Cup title.

“It’s hard to describe how I feel, because it’s a dream come true," said Files. "”I didn't want to believe it before this weekend, but the realisation that I'm Champion has hit me. The car wasn’t on song and I wish I had had the chance to go up against Paul Rivett on the track but, at the end of the race, I’ve won a championship, which is perfect! I couldn’t have asked for more because so much hard work has gone into this over the last three years. Team Pyro has done an awesome job all season long and I’d like to thank Bacs and Vocalink for their support too. They’ve enabled me and the team to be competitive and, ultimately, be in a position to win the title. Now I can just enjoy tomorrow's race without any pressure on my shoulders."

Newly-crowned Champion Files and his UK Clio Cup counterparts will be back in action on the Brands Hatch GP circuit tomorrow (Sunday 13 October) at 13.30 for the final race of the 2013 season (Round 16), which 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.