Norwegian hotshot, Tommy Østgaard, will graduate to the ‘Racecar division’ of the Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre with the leading Cheshire-based SV Racing team in 2014.
The 20-year old from Oslo was a six-time race winner in the ‘Roadcar division’ of the Michelin-backed Clio Cup Series for road-going Renaultsport Clio 197s in 2013.
Østgaard duly went on to demonstrate supreme skill and adaptability in a highly impressive maiden outing behind the wheel of race-spec Clio Cup machinery during the series’ ‘Autumn Cup’ event at Rockingham Motor Speedway last November.
With tutelage from SV Racing Director Danny Buxton and British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington, the young charger swiftly acclimatised to the demands of front-wheel-driven, slick-shod ‘tin-tops’, pushing his more experienced teammates hard throughout to lead a race and achieve a brace of convincing podium finishes.
Norway’s Østgaard has subsequently joined the pace-setting SVR team for a full-time assault on the burgeoning Michelin Clio Cup Series and championship glory is at the top of his agenda.
“I was really happy with my performance at Rockingham and it was a great way of demonstrating what I can achieve in 2014 against a competitive field of drivers,” said Østgaard. “This wouldn’t be possible without my sponsor, Marcello, and I have big expectations with my sole aim being championship glory. I want to be at the front and I think I can run at the sharp end from the outset, particularly with such a fantastic and professional team around me.
“Switching to racing Clio Cup cars was a big change, as they provide high levels of grip and the acceleration is rapid. Of course, having driven single-seaters I’m able to adapt to new challenges quickly. I’m still working hard at attracting more sponsorship to ensure I can do as much testing as possible, but I’m very much looking forward to the 2014 season. The cars are very fun to drive and the racing will be close!”
SV Racing Director, Danny Buxton, said: “Tommy will need to continue testing and working hard, but his natural pace is evident for all to see. The ‘Autumn Cup’ will stand him in good stead. He jumped in the car with no miles under his belt, qualified near the front and went on to finish on the podium in both races, so his adaptability is sensational.
“One of his finest qualities was his ability to listen and learn from mine and Colin Turkington’s input – this ultimately helped him make significant progress in each of the sessions. As a result, I would fully expect Tommy to be in the top few places right from the beginning. Work still needs to be done on his budget, but his determination to prove his worth and his raw ability will shine through.”
For more information on SV Racing, please visit the new www.svracing.co.ukwebsite, ‘like the team’s Facebook page or follow @SV_Racing on Twitter.