Dixon goes Formula Renault

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.

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