A new team is set to appear on the grid for the 2009 Elf Renault Clio Cup after announcing its plans for the new campaign – with include working together with the marketing company run by top BTCC racer Jason Plato.

Woodard Racing, which clinched the 2008 CSCC Tin Tops Class B Series title, plans to run two cars in the BTCC-support series next season, with Simon Ward and Daniel Woodard sharing driving duties.

The Clio Cup move will be the next step in ambitious plans to make it all the way to the Le Mans 24 Hours, and in an attempt to bring in new partners for the venture, the team will work alongside marketing solutions company Brand Pilot – formed by 2001 BTCC title winner Plato and former head of marketing for SEAT UK, Mark McKenna – for its debut Clio campaign.

“We are delighted to be working with Woodard Racing and are looking forward to helping them achieve their goals,” the pair said of the new partnership. “Both drivers are proven winners and have demonstrated high levels of professionalism enabling them to deliver great value back to sponsors”

Peter Woodard, team principal at Woodard Racing, said he was delighted to be able to work together with one of the most recognisable faces in the UK motorsport scene as part of the 2009 plans.

“It is fantastic to have Brand Pilot and Jason on board,” he said. “As we all know, he is a well-known figure within motorsport and has a wealth of knowledge that will help us realise our goal.

“We are very excited about the prospects of competing in a new championship next year. It is particularly inspiring to know the Clio Cup occupies such an important slot on the BTCC package, which only adds to the stature of the series.”