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Kent racing driver James Dixon
will take to his home circuit of Brands Hatch this Easter wWeekend when he
competes in his first ever car race, in the opening round of the British
Automobile Racing Club (BARC) Formula Renault
Championship.
The Candy Carriers-backed
racer, who is driving for Mark Burdett Motorsport, is making the switch from
European kart racing, where he raced at the top level against the best in the
world. However, he will now make his first step onto a ladder which, one-day,
might lead to a career as a professional driver and maybe even Formula
One.
Despite the added pressure of
making his debut at his home circuit, James is heading into the weekend full of
confidence, not only for his opening race, but also for the full 2008
season.
“I’m really looking forward to
Brands Hatch,” said James. “I know it’s my first race in a car but I’m feeling
really confident about it. I have been going well in testing and my final run in
the car last week before the race went really well. My aim for the weekend is to
try and go for pole position on Sunday.”
“It’s a bold thing to aim for
in my first race, but the team is great and everything has been looking good
during pre-season testing. After that, it’s going to be about going for the
title over the course of the season. It’s what I want to go for,” he
added.
The jump from karts to cars
has meant a steep learning curve for James, something which he had prepared
himself for initially. However, with advice from his driver coach, former
British Formula Three and sportscar star, Danny Watts, he has found that it can
be the smallest details that can give a driver the extra speed where it
matters.
“The difference between a
proper racing kart and a car is huge and I was prepared to start again in
learning about everything. It has been a hectic few weeks, but the team has been
fantastic and I get on really well with my mechanic already. Everything you do
in the car can make up time around a lap. You have to be precise and patient
behind the wheel,” he added.
“I’m going to go out and try
my hardest to win races and go for the BARC Renault title during the year. I
know there are more experienced drivers than me out there this season, but I
don’t think it’s impossible and I’m fired up and ready to get going,” he
said.
James will take to sweeping
Brands Hatch Indy circuit on Sunday for two qualifying sessions, before two
races on Bank Holiday Monday.
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