News

Championship challenger Dixon focused on winning start to 2012 - 15th March, 12

Rapid saloon car racer James Dixon is determined to make a winning start to 2012 at his home track, Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, just over a fortnight from now when the new season of AirAsia Renault Clio Cup UK action gets underway at the famous Kent venue.

Having recently confirmed his switch to the Scuderia Vittoria team for his third year in the popular British Touring Car Championship support category, the Stockbury driver will arrive at the opening event of the season on 31st March/1st April as an undoubted title favourite.

James, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday during the build-up to the Brands Hatch weekend, came tantalisingly close to winning the Clio Cup championship last year. Going into the final event he was only three points shy of the series lead, in a five-way battle for title glory, but had to settle for fourth in the standings in the end after a robust final weekend.

Even so, the Kent star concluded the season with the most wins, four, and with three other podiums and four pole positions to his credit. Since arriving in the Clio Cup part way through 2010, he has been a consistent front-runner and is now well established as one of the UK’s best ‘tin top’ racers.

“I’ve had two runs in the Vittoria car already and we’re looking sharp”, said James, “I think with the help of Danny Buxton and Tom Ferrier (Scuderia Vittoria team principals) we are sure to be strong this year. The grid will be very hard to beat as usual, Clio Cup is an incredibly tough championship, but I’m sure we’ll be able to fight for the title – that’s the sole focus.

“I’m learning new things already and it’s good to come into a brand new team which has a lot of good potential. It’s going to be tough though coming from a well established and successful team like TCR (Total Control Racing), but I have every confidence in Vittoria and the car they’ll give me.”

For the 2012 season, James will be supported in his quest to win the coveted championship by Weidmuller, One Call Insurance and Candy Carriers. Additional commercial partners are, of course, always being sought and the multiple category race winner is working hard to attract further backing prior to the start of the 16-race campaign.

In addition to his own racing programme this year, James will be helping to coach his team-mates at Scuderia Vittoria – Vic Covey Jr, Finlay Crocker and Ronnie Klos. Prior to the opening two rounds at the end of the month, he will be on track at Brands Hatch for officially timed testing at the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup UK ‘Media Day’ next Tuesday, 20th March.

Following rounds one and two of the season on 31st March/1st April, Clio Cup will visit Donington Park in the East Midlands, Thruxton in Hampshire and Oulton Park in Cheshire prior to a lengthy nine week break. The championship will resume in mid-August at Snetterton in Norfolk before visiting Rockingham and Silverstone in Northamptonshire ahead of the season finale at Brands in October.
Hi and welcome to my website. I am looking forward to my second season within the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup UK. After securing 2 wins at the last round of the season at Brands Hatch in 2010 the challenge for the forthcoming season will be to continue this success. I will again be joining the Total Control Racing Team and together we will relish the challenge of a competitive season. Please keep up to date on my progress.
© James Dixon 2011
sitemap