Claire Tippet: Heading to Brands Hatch for the Season Finale

30 September 2004

MSportUK Featured Driver, Claire Tippet (Gloucestershire) heads to Brands Hatch this weekend (3rd October) for the final round of the 2004 VW Cup. The Kent circuit looks set to hold the most thrilling set of races, ensuring the season ends with a bang as a capacity grid of thirty cars line up. And, amongst this packed grid Claire will be lining up with one of the country's most successful racing drivers as British Touring Car Championship star Jason Plato gets behind the wheel of a Caddy TDI as a guest driver.

"It is going to be a fantastic weekend, with the biggest grid we have had this year" says Claire. "I can't quite believe I will be on the same grid as Jason Plato! I will certainly be watching him to pick up some tips. I'm sure he's going to mix things up."

Claire will once more be driving her Golf MkI, which after gearbox problems at the last round (Thruxton) has been fixed. "The gearbox has been fixed, run and is working" Claire tells us. "I am especially looking forward to racing at Brands as engineer Simon Ascoli, from Legends Racing, where I work, is coming with me to help with the car set up. Having worked in the past with top Formula One and Sportscars I'm not sure what he'll make of my Golf! But I think his advice will be invaluable and will hopefully show on the track. I enjoy driving the Brands Indy track and am hoping for a top twelve result to finish the season on a high."

And for the first time Claire will not be the only female driver in the VW Cup. Whilst Claire will be driving the oldest Golf on the track, Sophie Robinson will be making her track debut in the newest, a Golf TDI 2.0. Sophie has three years Rally experience. "It is good to see another woman on the grid" Claire says, "And from her successes in Rally she certainly sounds a fast driver so I might have to fight hard if I want to be top woman!"

Rebecca Hobbs (rebecca@clairetippet.com)

Supporters can follow Claire's progress on MSport-UK.com - Full Details

See 2004 series calendar for VW Racing Cup

Related Story 02.09.2004 - Claire Tippet : Thruxton Trials and Signs to Action Resources