Coates to have another attempt at winning Clio title
Renault UK Clio Cup title contender Max Coates will remain in the series this year after entering a new partnership with British Touring Car squad Team Hard.
Coates headed the standings for much of the 2018 season driving for Team Pyro but ultimately fell to third behind Paul Rivett and James Dorlin.
He had targeted a move into the BTCC for this season but, after being unable to find a seat, Coates instead aims to become the final Clio champion as the series will be scrapped at the end of this season.
“We said all along what we wanted to do was touring cars,” said Coates. “I would’ve loved to have done that but I also really enjoy racing in the Clio Cup. We’ve got to be aiming for the championship and I want to be the last one [champion].”
Coates will be joined by VW Racing Cup driver Ethan Hammerton at the team.
“Tony [Gilham, Team Hard boss] approached me over the winter and said he would like to do something with me and Ethan in Clios,” Coates added. “We know what to do in terms of running a team and they are helping to provide the infrastructure to do that under the Team Hard banner. And having that touring car link is great.”
Clio Cup International Final winner Jack Young will also return to the UK Clio Cup this year. The 2017 Clio Junior champion made his debut in the senior series mid-way through last season and will again compete with MRM in 2019.