FIRST year Melksham racing driver Jake Honour claimed his maiden Michelin Clio Cup Road Series victory last Saturday.

Honour triumphed at the Rockingham circuit in Northamptonshire during the opening round of the Autumn Cup, before duly adding a second win in race two.

The series, for race converted road-going Clio Renaultsport 197 cars, was keenly contested between Honour and former British Touring Car Championship racer Lee Linford (Brackley).

The 22-year-old, who is a mechanical engineer by trade, built his own car for use in the brand new Michelin Clio Cup Road Series this year and capped his debut year in motorsport in style.

While profiting from a gear problem for Linford in race one, Honour had similar issues of his own in race two but managed to keep going – despite losing a significant amount of oil from his gearbox late in the race.

“I thought my tyre had gone at first, the back went loose – obviously because of the oil – but I wasn’t sure if I’d had a blow-out,” said Honour.

“I was expecting to get black flagged, but didn’t, so I carried on and got another win which was great.

“It’s a big confidence boost for me ahead of next year.

“Big thanks to all the guys at Jade Developments for their help in preparing the race set-up of my car this year.”

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