James Dorlin has been crowned the 2018 Renault UK Clio Cup champion after a sensational final weekend at Brands Hatch.

The teenager from Hemingfield arrived at the last stage seven points behind the leader in third, but he finished third in the first race and won the second to clinch the title. The achievement marks another step in a meteoric rise through the national motorsport ranks after Junior Saloon Car Championship and Michelin Clio Cup Series honours in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

James said: “I am just so proud of what we’ve all achieved as a team. The support I have from my sponsors is exceptional, as well as my family. A lot of hard work has gone into making this season happen and to top it off as champion is fantastic. Onwards and upwards to the next challenge.”

Dorlin qualified on the second row but was ahead of the top two in the standings, Paul Rivett and Max Coates, then won a close battle for third place in the first race to move within three points of the lead.  The final race of the season was broadcast live on ITV.

Dorlin soon went into the lead then, despite two safety card periods allowing his rivals the chance to catch up, he won the race by more than four seconds. It was a sixth win of the season and took him three points clear at the top of the standings. His team Westbourne Motorsport also won their category.