Renault UK Clio Cup Champion Josh Files had his first taste of an NGTC-spec Airwaves Racing Ford Focus ST British Touring Car at Snetterton on Tuesday (29 October).
The Dunlop-sponsored test is a continuation of the tyre manufacturer’s long-term support of young drivers, rewarding Files for winning the 2013 UK-based Clio Cup, which runs as part of the illustrious support package for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
Files emphatically sealed the 2013 UK Clio Cup title after a consistent and mature season, during which he achieved ten podium finishes – including two race wins – as well as countless pole positions, fastest laps and Graduate Cup victories.
The 22-year old from Norwich is also a leading light in the Renault Eurocup Clio Championship and heads the title race going into the highly-anticipated season finale at Motorland Aragon this weekend (2-3 November).
However, before making the trip to Spain, Files visited his home circuit of Snetterton on Tuesday (29 October) for a maiden run in a BTCC car with the Airwaves Racing team.
Files benefited from guidance from former Clio Cup ace and current Airwaves BTCC star Tom Onslow-Cole and, after acquainting himself with the Motorbase Performance-prepared Ford Focus ST with a short sighter run during the morning, embarked on a full and realistic race simulation in changeable conditions, with very positive results.
“I think the test went very well and it was great fun,” said Files. “The Airwaves Racing Ford Focus ST was really interesting and, while it felt a lot bigger and faster than the Clio Cup cars I’m used to, I had a good feel for the car at the end of the day. I was a bit unlucky, as my running was curtailed by rain. It definitely made things tricky and I think if I’d had ten laps in the dry, I would have been a lot quicker still. But it’s just one of those things and I ended the day feeling positive about the whole experience.
“Motorbase seemed pleased with my progression over the course of the day. It’s a great team that consists of amazing people and somehow manages to strike a perfect balance between fun and professionalism. The individuals I worked with were all very friendly, helpful and encouraging and I can’t thank them enough. It’s a dream to compete in the BTCC and I can definitely see myself racing touring cars, especially after yesterday’s test. It only served to heighten my determination to continue developing my career in motorsport.”
Airwaves Racing Team Manager, Oli Collins, said: “Josh performed brilliantly, listened well and took the correct approach throughout the day. To be honest, we weren’t concerned about Josh because he was best-suited to an NGTC touring car, coming from a front-wheel-drive Clio.
"We weren’t interested in comparing pace because the conditions were so varied and we didn’t want him to over-extend himself – ultimately it was a reward for his fantastic achievements in the UK Clio Cup and we wanted him to enjoy it. However, he showed great speed and knowledge, going through and reacting to the data well. We thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
Collins added: “He was a bit unlucky to have his runs cut short by wet weather, but he dealt with the conditions well. There’s no doubt that the UK Clio Cup remains the ultimate feeder series to the BTCC. You only have to look at what our drivers Aron Smith and Tom Onslow-Cole have achieved since stepping up from Clios. I think credit to Dunlop, because the test is a fantastic reward that drivers wouldn’t usually get without paying for it.”
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.