AirAsia Renault Clio Cup UK frontrunner James Dixon is looking to return to the series with a real impact after the seven week summer break, the Total Control Racing driver aiming for a clean sweep of pole positions and race wins in Rounds Eleven and Twelve of the series at the Snetterton 300 circuit.
Stockbury-based Dixon has been a title threat all year in the Clios, despite it being only his second season of saloon car racing. The 21 year old has taken three wins so far and sits third in the championship standings, albeit only seven points shy of the top. After a strong weekend at the circuit in 2010, Dixon is confident he can for wins around the new '300' layout.
ABP Heating, Weidmuller and The Art of Decorating-backed Dixon said: “Looking back at last year, we had a pretty awesome result at Snetterton with one pole and two second places. Obviously we'll be on the new circuit this time but I've had a test there and we were pretty quick so I'm looking forward to it. We need to go for two wins to get back to the top of the championship.
“I've been training so hard at the gym over the last few weeks during the break, I want this title so badly – for my sponsors, my family and I want to achieve it for TCR too. It's been a while since they won the championship and I want to be the one who puts the trophy back in their cabinet. Hopefully we'll be able to fight for the double pole and two wins at Snetterton, that's what I'm aiming for.”
Dixon also has one eye on the future as he works hard to try and find the budget required to make the step up to the British Touring Car Championship in 2012, adding: “I want to be in the BTCC without any doubt at all next year, that's where we have to be and we're working really hard to sort that out and try and get the budget we need – it's a big task though. The priority is to win Clios but a move to the BTCC next year is what we need to do.”
In other news, Dixon has confirmed his participation in the non-championship Clio Cup 'Cross Channel Challenge', which will take place around the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit during the World Series by Renault meeting on 20th/21st August. Thanks to the financial support of sponsor Weidmuller, Dixon will be able to compete against the best Clio drivers in Europe in front of the a huge spectator attendance.