[fatbloke]

JOHN CLELAND TO WITHDRAW FROM Y2K BRITISH GT CHAMPIONSHIP

Front running British GT driver, John Cleland, has reluctantly decided to withdraw from this year’s Privilege Insurance British GT Championship. John was forced to miss the Brands Hatch round of the Championship at the beginning of June when his father fell seriously ill, and missed the recent Croft round due to ongoing commitments abroad.

“The first thing to say is that I am not retiring!” says John. “With the recent death of my father and increased business commitments to look after, it is a time problem at the moment. Simple as that. However, if the opportunity presents itself for me to make another appearance in the CSi Brookspeed Viper before the end of the year, then be assured that I’ll be back!

“I am sorry to be withdrawing from the team and from the Championship. My co-driver, Dave Clark, and myself have worked hard with Brookspeed Racing to turn the CSi Viper into a genuine front runner in only a few races. With a couple of 3rd place finishes already, I think it is only a matter of time before CSi Brookspeed records its first win in the category.”

CSi Brookspeed team principal, Martin Braybrook, says: “I think any team owner would be upset to be losing someone of John’s calibre. His aggressive style and speed has really helped bring the Championship alive this year and his knowledge and input into our ongoing racing programme has been invaluable. John has certainly been an integral part of the team, and will be missed on a personal front as well as professionally.”

CSi Brookspeed Racing will be announcing Dave Clark’s new teammate prior to the next PowerTour event at Silverstone circuit on 19/20 August. “We are currently talking to a couple of drivers,” says Martin Braybrook. “The decision has to be made by next Tuesday at the latest, so we do have a bit of time.”

ENDS

Date of issue: 7 August 2000


Email: artpr@artpr.btinternet.com For further information please contact Adam Sawell, CSi Brookspeed Racing Marketing & Media Co-ordinator.
Tel: 01608 645 708 Mobile: 07710 153 446