<I>Formula Nuts</I> winner set for debut.

The winner of the inaugural Formula Nuts competition will make his debut in the Renault Clio Cup this weekend in the final rounds of the season at Silverstone.

James Clarkson, a 20-year-old completing an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering at the National College of motorsport, beat off the challenge of hundreds of entrants to secure a drive in the Boulevard Team Racing run car alongside team-mates Martin Johnson and Paul Rivett during BTCC Finals Day.

"It's all a bit surreal really and I can't wait to get into the Clio Cup car," he said. "I keep imagining what it will be like and visualising how to take the corners. I'm nervous, but in an excited way rather than being scared. I was on cloud nine when I heard I was the winner but I've come back down to earth now and there's a few butterflies.

"I'm originally from Cornwall and it's not easy to go car racing, although I did win the Club Championship at Clay Pigeon and Dunkeswell kart circuits. The final at Three Sisters was great and one of the dad's who was unofficially timing us said I was one second per lap faster than anyone else. We were all interviewed as well and I just spoke from the heart about how much this chance would mean to me and I'm delighted to have won."