|
Kent based racer, James Dixon, is
preparing for his biggest season of racing to date, as he moves out of karting
and into cars with an entry in to the BARC Formula Renault Championship in
2008.
The 17-year-old Candy Carriers backed racer has
signed for top Renault single-seater team, Mark Burdett Motorsport based in
Skegness in Lincolnshire. The move into car racing is one
that James knows will be a steep learning curve, but one of which he is
relishing the challenge.
“I’m incredibly happy to be
moving into car racing this season,” he said. “I looked at my options in karting
and also what was available to me in cars and after meeting with Mark Burdett
and talking things through with him it made sense to make the
jump.”
With what could be seen as a
late decision, despite the season not getting officially underway until March,
James is now into an extensive testing schedule to help get him fully up to
speed before the opening round races, at his local track of Brands
Hatch.
“I’ve already done two tests
at Rockingham and Snetterton and I’m exploring the limits of the car and myself
every time I go out. There’s no replacement for time in the car and getting the
laps under my belt and I’m working hard with the guys in the team to learn about
the car and everything I can do to get the best out of it. I certainly want to
approach this year to gain as much experience as possible to help me go further
up the racing ladder,” he added.
The BARC series runs over 12
races, with five of the rounds featuring ‘double-header’ events. This will mean
that James will have to keep his eyes on staying out of trouble over the course
of the weekend, with two races – meaning double the points – available most of
the time.
“I know that consistency will
play a big part of getting the results,” said James. “The double header meetings
will probably feel more at home for me, especially coming out of karting, where
there are so many heats and finals over a weekend. I know that keeping out of
trouble and making sure I’m there at the chequered flag will be my first
priorities. Although, make no mistake, I want to go out there this year and be
competitive and race for victory at each round. But, I know how big a learning
curve I have to climb too.”
Despite this year being his
first in cars, James is already planning ahead, with his goal being to move into
the Formula Renault UK Championship in 2009.
“This season is a learning
year, definitely,” he said. “I will be looking for sponsorship over the course
of the year while I’m getting to know the circuits and the car so that I can
progress into the UK Championship, which supports the British Touring Car
Championship and aim for the title there too,” he
added.
|
News 
