MAC Tools factory driver and brand ambassador, Ollie Pidgley, launched his maiden Renault UK Clio Cup campaign at the championship’s official Media Day at Rockingham Motor Speedway on Wednesday (23 March).
The Salisbury teenager undertook a rigorous pre-season test and development programme to help him acclimatise to his Ciceley Motorsport-prepared Clio Cup racecar, refine his driving ability and improve his fitness ahead of what will surely be a hugely competitive season.
Pidgley’s winter preparations led him to the one and only official UK Clio Cup test day at Rockingham in Corby, Northamptonshire (Wednesday 23 March).
It was the first opportunity for Pidgley to gauge his own performance against each of his 2016 counterparts prior to the Brands Hatch curtain-raiser on 1-3 April and, while the day was mired by brake issues, he still showed flashes of speed and is confident for the forthcoming season.
“We’ve had a few gremlins, including brake problems today at Rockingham, but it’s better to find and resolve them before the season begins,” said Pidgley. “The brakes weren’t functioning at all and there wasn’t much Ciceley Motorsport could do to sort out the issue at the track. I’m confident the team will cure it before the opening round at Brands Hatch.
“I drove as best as I could and managed to drag a lap time out of the car that was pretty good considering I was on the back foot and I only completed ten laps or so. I was fastest or near fastest in every speedtrap and I’m confident that we’re comfortably inside the top eight, or even a little higher. Testing has been very useful. Learning how to get on the pace more quickly was a priority at the beginning and that has massively improved over the course of the last few weeks and months. A recent test at Brands Hatch went well and I’m confident there, especially as we’ve improved the setup further since then.”
Pidgley’s speed and commitment have enticed some well-known and esteemed motorsport and automotive brands and he was notably selected as the first ever MAC Tools factory driver and official ambassador earlier this month.
The Wiltshire racer will attend the ToolFair Shows in Exeter (21-22 April), Harrogate (23-24 June), Coventry (23-24 September) and Sandown Park in Surrey (3-4 November), as well as other trade events like Autosport International and official functions to promote the brand and bring its products to young apprentices around the UK.
A bespoke Ollie Pidgley MAC Toolbox has been designed and marketed as part of the arrangement and guests of the company will be invited to attend each and every round of the UK Clio Cup, which holds a coveted spot on the support bill for the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
Round 1 of the 2016 Renault UK Clio Cup will be held on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit in Kent (1-3 April) and the races will be broadcast live and in high definition on ITV4 and ITV4HD.