Nicolas Hamilton joins Renault Clio Cup UK

Nicolas Hamilton, brother of 2008 FIA Formula 1 World Champion Lewis, will make his motor sport debut by contesting the 2011 Renault Clio Cup with Total Control Racing (TCR).

Nicolas, who has cerebral palsy, is described by his brother as his biggest fan and his greatest inspiration.

“I have loved motor sport from a young age and watching my brother achieve so much has given me inspiration to make my own racing debut,” says Nicolas.

The 19 year old from Hertfordshire will contest Britain’s premier one-make saloon car championship and breeding ground for drivers for the British Touring Car Championship.

“I know this will not be an easy task, but I hope that my doing this will give inspiration to others who have challenges in their life,” he says. “I can’t wait to be racing.”

The deal to put Nicolas in the Renault Clio Cup was brokered by his father, Anthony.

“Nicolas has followed his brother’s career from an early age and it was natural that he would want to get behind the wheel competitively himself,” says Anthony.

“The Renault Clio Cup offers a tremendous platform for him, with great television coverage and exposure and I’m sure it will be highly enjoyable too.”

The Hamiltons have chosen three-time championship winning Total Control Racing for Nicolas’s debut.

“Nicolas has superb passion for motor racing and great support behind him so it is a great honour for Total Control Racing that he will be racing with us,” says TCR team principal, Lee Brookes.

Nicolas, who gained his MSA Competition National B racing licence last week, has undertaken initial runs in a 2010 specification Clio and will soon be testing ahead of the season start at Brands Hatch on April 2-3.