Tom Barley made the move to race in the Michelin Clio Cup Series over the winter and after one round he is loving the racing.

It is quite clear that Tom is enjoying the closeness of the racing and he can’t wait until the next round.

Speaking to Kent Sports News, Tom said: “It was a really exciting to get the first weekend of the year underway. The off season becomes a bit of a drag, and I was counting down the days to rounds one two and three at Rockingham.”

The racing is extremely close and it does come down to talent with cars being identical, so the racing is thrilling from lights out to the chequered flag.

Tom added: “Clio’s is incredibly competitive. It’s all about track position. Being fourth and putting in quick laps is great, but with the cars being identical, overtaking is hard!

“It was a strong start to the year, the most positive thing to take away from it was my pace over one lap. Sadly an issue in qualifying meant I only got to do two laps, which did hamper the rest of my weekend to an extent as I was starting each race on the back foot. 

“It was a lot of fun racing with my team mate Brett Lidsey. We’ll work together this year to keep moving forward.”

It is somewhat frustrating that since the opening round in April that Tom isn’t racing again with Team20Ten until June.

He said: “There’s a big gap between Rockingham and Thruxton, but with some testing plans in between, I’ll be keeping busy! I’ve got to say a huge thanks to IG.com, Two Techs Renault, RCIB insurance, Kent Sport News, Engine Carbon Clean and Prime Paint & Body. I’m very lucky to have such amazing sponsors.”

Tom will also be back at Brands Hatch for the American Speedfest a popular event for the fans and drivers alike.

He added: “The U.S. speedfest at Brands Hatch is one of the best meetings I’ve ever been to, let alone raced at. It attracts over 20,000 racing fans, and I’ll be pounding round in a 6.6 litre Chevrolet Camaro! Anyone who likes fast loud cars should definitely come along.”