Hot hatch, pocket rocket – call it what you like – the Clio Cup driving experience now available at Dubai Autodrome is sure to get pulses racing and adrenalin pumping.
These cars are the mainstay of the UAE Touring Car Championship, part of the NGK Racing Series, and provide one of the most cost effective paths into racing in the region for entry level and experienced race drivers alike.
Now available as part of the Dubai Autodrome portfolio of driving experiences – which for now include the always popular single seater, the thrilling Audi R8 V10 and the easy to driver Audi TT – where drivers can now sample the excitement.
Perhaps it will be a once off experience, or maybe – if the bug really bites – maybe lead to the start of a motor racing adventure.
Experienced motorsport campaigner Julian Griffin, whose outfit NFS Racing is responsible for race prepping championship winning Clio Cup cars, warns people not to be deceived by appearances; “I have had many very experienced race drivers, at first, reluctant try a Clio Cup car on track. The thinking is ‘It’s a Renault hatchback! How good can it be?’, but once they have a go, it’s hard to get them out of the car because the amount of fun and the grin factor they induce!”
He adds: “In the current climate, for people who are looking for the most cost effective way to go racing, the Clio Cup ticks all the right boxes.”
Dubai Autodrome general manager Richard Birch says of the new experience available at the venue, “This is a true little race car which packs a huge amount of punch. It provides an ideal stepping stone for aspirant race drivers irrespective of the experience they have under their belt.”
“As part of our driving experience portfolio it also offers enthusiast drivers an opportunity to find out what the fuss is all about – hands on at Dubai Autodrome,” added Birch.
History
The Clio Cup racing concept was started by Renault Sport in 2001. The one-make racing series is now run as 15 different championships around the globe. The UAE Clio Cup started in the 2011-2012 season and has grown from strength to strength within the NGK Racing Series, providing a cost effective entry level racing series in the country.
Clio Cup Specifications
These outrageously fun tin tops are pure racing cars from the day they were forged in the Renault Sport factory in France. Everything onboard – brakes, suspension, sequential gearbox and 205bhp engine – is built to race specification, just like the touring cars you see on TV.
Note: Additional images will be made available for download after the event and please feel free to request additional images. Email request to paulv@dubaiautodrome.com or call 050-8557532.
Clio Cup Driving Experience at Dubai Autodrome
- Cost: AED 1,095
- Duration: Under 2 hours including briefing
- Direct Booking: www.dubaiautodrome.com
- Purchase: Adrenalin Packs (soon available) at various outlets and Dubai Autodrome
- Requirements to drive in this Experience:
- Valid GCC, European, North American, Australasian or International driver license
- Manual transmission experience required
- Signed Disclaimer
- Driver height: 152-190cm
- Driver maximum weight: 118kgs
- Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes (no sandals allowed)
