MICHELIN CLIO CUP SERIES PRIMED FOR BRANDS HATCH BLOCKBUSTER

The Michelin Clio Cup Series reaches the halfway point of the season this weekend with Brands Hatch looking to provide the perfect backdrop to the latest exhilarating chapter of an already fascinating 2016 campaign.

Returning to the track after little under a month off from their last event at Rockingham, the one-make formula had produced a multitude of thrills and rounds eight and nine will be no different.

Heading into Kent in command of the championship lead, James Dorlin is the man to beat having amassed a staggering five victories to date. Underlining his recent superiority with a dominant display at Rockingham by taking a brace of pole positions and victories, the Westbourne Motorsport driver will be looking to take another step closer to a maiden crown.

Although Dorlin holds a 17-point advantage, the list of challengers continues to mount and one poor result from the youngster could see the complexion of things change. Brett Lidsey leads the chase for Dorlin and having already won a race this season, any chance to clinch the chequered flag will be dually taken.

Sam Randon, a Pembrey race winner, and Luke Pinder find themselves tied on points for third however both have shown their capabilities towards the sharp end of the grid.

In recent rounds a spectacular midfield battle has developed with Ben Palmer, Tyler Lidsey, Tom Barley and Ben Colburn all knocking on the door of the podium and that will no doubt renew this weekend.

A new face will also join the Clio Cup Series ranks this weekend in the race class with Jon Billingsley running under the Vanquish Motorsport banner.

The road class may only have only had three competitors this season but that hasn’t stopped the action being as enthralling as it is towards the front.

Nic Harrison’s three wins sits him aloft the points however Jack Fabby, who only trails by three points, is relishing the opportunity to take control of proceedings with Sarah Franklin rounding out the trio.

They however will have fresh competition during both days around the Indy layout with Damian Hirst piloting a Westbourne Motorsport-prepared machine.

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS HEADING INTO ROUNDS 8 & 9

Race Class

• James Dorlin - 216 pts
• Brett Lidsey - 199 pts
• Sam Randon - 165 pts
• Luke Pinder - 165 pts
• Ben Palmer - 138 pts

Road Class

• Nic Harrison - 152 pts
• Jack Fabby - 149 pts
• Sarah Franklin - 145 pts

For the full championship standings, click here.

EVENT TIMETABLE

• Saturday | Qualifying: 10:40
• Saturday | Race: 15:10
• Sunday | Race: 14:35