Hero Herbert wins Michelin Clio title with a bit to spare

Chichester racing driver Luke Herbert wrapped up the coveted 2015 Michelin Clio Cup race series with a round to spare at Silverstone – with third place in round 12 of the season enough to put the championship beyond reach of chief rival Paul Streather.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Sep 2015, 16:00 BST

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Luke Herbert and the team celebrate / Picture by Jakob Ebrey PhotographyLuke Herbert and the team celebrate / Picture by Jakob Ebrey Photography
Luke Herbert and the team celebrate / Picture by Jakob Ebrey Photography

Going on to secure his tenth podium finish of the year in round 13 on Sunday with another top-three result, Herbert also secures a prize test in a new fourth-generation Renault Clio race car, as used in the British Touring Car Championship supporting Renault UK Clio Cup.

It’s been a superb campaign for Herbert, with six wins and four other rostrum finishes, and the 25-year-old Westbourne Motorsport driver is undoubtedly a thoroughly-deserving champion, having been at the forefront of the championship season-long.

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Opening-lap dramas in the first Silverstone contest for Streather meant Herbert’s path to the series crown was made much more straightforward but holding fourth position going into the last lap, with Streather eighth, he still needed to gain another place to prevent a final-round showdown.

Passing team-mate Sam Randon (Ashbourne) for third just before the conclusion, Herbert ensured he couldn’t be caught in the grand finale and celebrated a popular title victory with his delighted Westbourne team.

“Getting the championship in the first race of the weekend was a great relief – it meant I was able to have a beer to celebrate on Saturday night, it’s normally a strict no alcohol policy on race weekends!” said the champion. “What a great way to end, especially getting the trophy on the Formula 1 rostrum.

“When I saw Paul [Streather] go off the track with Brett [Lidsey], I just had to keep a sensible head and the plan was to sit behind my team-mates. They all slowed each other down on the last corner. I didn’t intend overtaking Sam [Randon] but if the gap was there I just had to take it. I have to say a big thank-you to Westbourne, my sponsors, family and, of course, my girlfriend for all their support.”

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