DARTFORD Michelin Clio Cup race series podium finisher Brett Lidsey will make a welcome return to the flourishing category for its second season.

Entering as a privateer runner once again, the 22-year-old will be aiming to build on the two podiums he achieved in 2013 at the wheel of his 2.0-litre third generation Clio as the series becomes a fully-fledged, 12-race championship for the first time.

After originally competing in schoolboy motocross, where injury curtailed his two-wheeled career, Lidsey made his car racing debut in the 2011 Canons Motor Spares Tin Top Saloon series and became the T3 class champion in 2012.

Graduating to Renault Clio racing in readiness for the start of the inaugural Michelin Clio Cup race series last year, the Dartford driver improved throughout the campaign and claimed his maiden podium finish during the final race of the main season with a strong second place.

Also choosing to contest the end-of-year Autumn Cup, Lidsey secured his second podium in Clios with third in round two.

“Seeing Brett return to the Michelin Clio Cup race series really is fantastic news,” exp[lained championship promoter Simon North.

“He played a big part in the success of our first season last year.

“Brett improved well throughout the year and thoroughly deserved his first podium at Brands Hatch, especially being his home track.

“He should have a great season in 2014.”

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