Race Report Clio Cup Series Round 5 - Spa-Francorchamps - Sep 17-19

Round 5 of the Clio Cup Series brought the team to one of the most iconic circuits in world motorsport: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Set in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, Spa is renowned for its high-speed corners, dramatic elevation changes and unpredictable weather. The legendary circuit provides a unique challenge for both drivers and teams, with conditions capable of changing dramatically from one moment to the next.

Joining us for this round were James Colburn and Daire Flock.

Ben Colburn unfortunately couldn’t join us in Spa as he was competing at the prestigious Goodwood Revival, driving a 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S and a 1958 Lister Chevrolet - the team were following the live stream closely and even got most of the paddock involved, watching the Goodwood Revival live stream on Friday evening.

Returning to Spa for their second year competing in the Clios, both James and Daire were determined to improve on their lap times and results from the previous season — and that is exactly what they did!

Qualifying 1

The first qualifying session of the weekend got underway with the usual excitement that comes with tackling Spa.

Daire Flock put together a strong qualifying performance, setting some competitive laps to secure P8 on the grid, lining up alongside Rangoni’s Gael Castelli.

James Colburn’s session proved more challenging. Contact and traffic throughout the session made it difficult for him to find a clear lap, leaving him to qualify P18.

The session was eventually brought to an early conclusion following a red flag, with several cars going off track and leaving too much gravel on the circuit to safely continue.

Race 1

Daire made a strong start to the opening race and successfully held his position, while James did not enjoy quite the getaway he had hoped for.

The race was quickly interrupted by a yellow flag following multiple incidents and contacts during the opening lap.

Just two and a half racing laps after the first caution, further drama unfolded when No. 3 Danyel Nyffeler rolled following contact with No. 53 Falco between Turns 1 and 2.

With significant recovery efforts required to remove car No. 3, the race was eventually brought to an early conclusion under a red flag.

Thankfully all drivers walked away ok.

Flock and Colburn finished the session in P10 & P18 respectively.

Qualifying 2

Sunday morning brought typically unpredictable Spa weather. Conditions switched between wet and dry throughout the morning, leaving the team constantly questioning what the weather would bring next.

Having initially headed to the assembly area on wet tyres, the decision was made in the pit lane to switch to slicks as soon as possible before the cars went out.

The team’s mechanics worked quickly and efficiently, getting both drivers back onto the circuit ahead of the competition and maximising the amount of track time available.

It proved to be exactly the right call.

James immediately found pace on the slick tyres and secured an impressive P5, while Daire’s progress was interrupted by rain arriving midway through the session and compromising one of his fastest laps. Despite this, he still secured a strong P9.

Race 2

The second race began with the circuit still wet, although a developing dry line was starting to appear.

Both drivers made solid starts and settled into the race.

A few laps in, at Turn 1, Gael Castelli attempted a move but lost control in the slippery conditions, dropping back and allowing both Flock and Colburn to gain positions.

Daire was the first of the two drivers to make a move on No. 69 Filip Kuncer, while James then became involved in a close battle with Kuncer. Colburn eventually came out on top, completing the overtake and moving further up the order.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, No. 68 Julian Smiechowski spun off, bringing out the Safety Car.

The Safety Car period lasted two laps before the race resumed with just under three minutes remaining, setting up a frantic final.

Further drama followed when Polderman and Castelli made contact, dropping both cars back. James then made another move on Kuncer, completing the overtake and securing a fantastic finish.

The chequered flag saw Daire Flock cross the line in P4 and James Colburn in P5 — the best results of the championship so far for both drivers.

Adding to the celebrations, Flock took victory in the Juniors class and an overall fastest lap, and Colburn finished second in the Challengers class.

After a weekend that delivered unpredictable weather, interrupted sessions, incidents and some hard-fought racing, there were certainly plenty of happy faces in the team as we packed up at Spa-Francorchamps.

The team now looks ahead to Circuito de Navarra in a few weeks’ time.

Due to HRDC commitments at Silverstone taking place on the same weekend, James Colburn will unfortunately be unable to join us for the next round. However, younger brother Ben Colburn will return to the Clio Cup Series, lining up alongside Daire Flock as the championship heads to its penultimate round.