SV Racing has augmented its Renault UK Clio Cup line-up, with Josh Cook joining Ant Whorton-Eales, Alex Morgan and Ash Hand, as well as Ginetta GT4 Supercup contender David Pittard, in the prestigious and coveted KX Akademy programme.
Funded by KX Energy Drink, the KX Akademy is a bursary programme designed to assist young, talented drivers on their ascent up the motorsport ladder.
Those nominated for the scheme will have already demonstrated their skill, determination and focus behind the wheel, but the KX Akademy is focused on equipping its recruits with all the tools necessary to consistently challenge at the sharp end and develop sustainable careers as professional racing drivers.
With the leading SV Racing team behind him, Cook will be trained in various disciplines – everything from media training to sponsorship acquisition – and will benefit from priceless mentoring from double British Touring Car Champion, Jason Plato, who stands as the most successful driver in the championship’s illustrious history in terms of race victories.
Cook, aged 22 from Bristol, has a degree in Motorsport Engineering from the University of Bath and first entered the UK Clio Cup fray in 2012.
He made an instant splash by sealing the ‘Rookie Cup’ title and truly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Britain’s premier one-make saloon car championship in 2013, regularly frequenting the top five places and achieving a race win and three podium finishes.
“It has been a tense few days, but it’s absolutely fantastic to be involved with SV Racing and the KX Akademy,” said Cook. “A brand association with KX and support from a first class team like SV Racing is brilliant and there’s so much I can take from these partnerships. Driving is only one element of being a modern racing driver and I’m really looking forward to learning as much as I can about how I can succeed in the motorsport industry as a professional racer.
“The title is definitely on my agenda and SV Racing’s ability and professionalism inspires confidence. I believe we will have the strongest driver line-up on the UK Clio Cup grid and I think there will be a good balance between my teammates and I that will give us all a good shot at the championship. I’ve done a couple of days in the new fourth generation Clio Cup car and I’m hoping to get out again before Brands Hatch’s season-opener. Everything is falling into place nicely.”
SV Racing Director, Danny Buxton, said: “I’m extremely excited about Josh Cook’s arrival. I’m not kidding when I say that he has been a constant thorn in the team’s side for the last two seasons, denying us race wins and podiums on a consistent basis. Therefore, it’s absolutely fantastic to have him aboard as part of the KX Akademy.
“Josh is a very strong signing who’s not only very quick, but also has a strong, mature head on his shoulders. I think the strength of SVR’s driver line-up clearly demonstrates the team’s intent for the 2014 Renault UK Clio Cup season. All four of our drivers are all potential championship winners.”
The opening round of the 2014 Renault UK Clio Cup will take place on the world-renowed Brands Hatch Indy circuit in Kent in just over a week’s time (29-30 March).
For more information on SV Racing, please visit the new www.svracing.co.uk website, ‘like’ the team’s Facebook page or follow @SV_Racing on Twitter.