Dixon gears up for car racing debut at Brands Hatch

Kent racing driver James Dixon will take to his home circuit of Brands Hatch this Easter Weekend 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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