MELKSHAM rookie Jake Honour is looking to mark his second season by clinching the Michelin Clio Cup Road Series title.

The 22-year-old, who now lives in Rowde, launched his race career by converting his road-going 2.0 litre Renaultsport Clio 197 and competing in the inaugural Road Series last year, winning two races at last November’s Autumn Cup at Rockingham.

This year’s expanded series kicks off at the Northamptonshire circuit this weekend and Honour, who is now assisted by Jade Developments, says that his nerves are jangling a lot less ahead this time around.

“I can’t wait to get started again and I’m just a lot more excited this time,” said Honour, who works as a mechanical engineer.

“I met some people from Jade Developments at the first round last year and they asked me if they could help out with the car, but it was one of those things where you’re not sure if you should say yes or not.

“I decided to think about it but the next week, I went up to a track day at Croft (in Yorkshire) and met them again. I let them do some adjustments with the car and after that, it was 100 times better.

“I’ve got their logo on the car now but they help run me on race days and it’s such a massive help because there’s no stress for me and I can just concentrate on racing.

“There’s a much bigger field this year but I want to try and win the series – that’s what I’m aiming for.

“I still don’t really go around calling myself a race driver yet but some people are always asking me how it’s going and that’s quite nice.”

Honour is backed by local sponsors Zephyr Performance of Devizes, Darryl Moore Carpentry, UK Parts Direct of Trowbridge and Melksham-based Auto-tech, as well as Performance French Cars Magazine, Cazan Racing and Able Plumbing Solutions.

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