A triple driver announcement!

The latest three drivers for the upcoming Clio Cup GB season have been announced, with Westbourne Motorsport unveiling the identity of competitors Ben Colburn and Leonardo Panayiotou, and Finsport revealing that Richard Clarke will be joining the Clio Cup GB lineup in 2024.

Ben Colburn is a driver well-versed with Renault Clio racing, having raced in previous incarnations of Clio Cup in the UK with his family Westbourne Motorsport team. Colburn is back in 2024 and hoping to replicate his previous successes, in the all-new Clio V II. A Junior Saloon Car Champion and seasoned racer, Colburn will be aiming to utilise all the skill and race craft that he has amassed through years of competing in the French car and beyond.

Leonardo Panayiotou also joins the grid with a wealth of racing experience, within both single and multi-make championships. Among a number of highlights on his racing CV, Panayiotou sealed the Junior Saloon Car Championship Rookie title in 2019 and the driver will be keen to enjoy similar success behind the wheel of a GEN4 Clio, in Clio Cup GB. Driving as number 29, Panayiotou joins a strong looking Westbourne Motorsport driver line-up for the upcoming 2024 season.

Richard Clarke has raced within the MSVT Racing portfolio for a number of years, competing in both Trackday Trophy and Trackday Championship. The driver, run by Finsport, has raced a number of different cars, including a GEN4 Renault Clio. Clarke will be aiming to use this platform of knowledge to his advantage, as he aims to hit the ground running at season start. Clarke will be competing in a GEN4 Renault Clio, with his usual race number of 166.

When asked about the triple driver announcement, MSVT Championships Manager Stuart Garland commented:

“It’s very exciting to be able to reveal the names of three more drivers for Clio Cup GB in 2024. Each competitor brings their own achievements and skill to the grid and we’re excited to see them get to work. We have got to know Richard Clarke well over the years and it will be great to see him make the step up to Clio Cup GB this season. Ben Colburn is a big part of the Westbourne Motorsport team and it’s great to have him join us racing for the 2024 season. We look forward to seeing him adjusting to the all-new factory-built Clio V II. Leonardo Panayiotou is a driver who has not raced with MSVT Racing previous, but joins us with a solid reputation and we look forward to seeing his talent first-hand in Clio Cup GB.”  

Photos: Simon Reid & Gary Hawkins