Elf Renault Clio Cup race winner James Dixon is ready to mount a challenge for the 2011 Championship after announcing his return to the series for the forthcoming season. The 20 year old will continue racing for title winning outfit Total Control Racing, leading their assault on the series.
The Kent based driver enjoyed a superb debut season in the series in 2010, taking two wins at his home circuit of Brands Hatch on his way to sixth overall in the championship. He heads into the new campaign with high hopes and is expected to do well, with motor racing publication Motorsport News branding him one of the '50 drivers to watch in 2011'.
Dixon commented: “We had an incredibly strong first season in Clios, mainly down to being with such a professional and successful team as TCR. The desire to win within the team is so strong, settling for second is non-existent and that's why TCR has won so many races and championships over the years.
“Lee (Brookes – TCR team principal and 1995 Clio Cup Champion) is a huge inspiration and has really developed me into an all-round driver, hence the two wins last year. He runs a fantastic team and I'm absolutely delighted to continue our relationship. The aim is to take the title this year and I am feeling confident. Now we need to work hard to try and secure additional funding.”
His team, TCR, have for years consistently battled at the front of the Clio Cup grid, producing 2005 champion Jonathan Adam and 2006 champion Tom Onslow-Cole in recent years. TCR boss Lee Brookes is confident Dixon can add another championship trophy to the team's trophy cabinet.
Brookes said: “James improved massively throughout last season. Even though he came into the championship after the first two rounds and then had to miss the first Brands Hatch weekend he still ended the year in the top six and that underlines his pace, performances and consistency.
“We're very happy he's remaining with us for 2011 in Clios as we're sure he has what it takes to win the championship. James is a very talented young driver and reminds me very much of Jonny Adam and Tom Onslow-Cole in his approach. We're sure his two wins from last season are just the start.”
