James Dixon, one of the country's top aspiring touring car racers, heads to his home circuit at Brands Hatch next weekend seeking a winning start to the 2011 AirAsia Renault Clio Cup UK following a strong showing during official testing at Rockingham , Thursday, 24th March. Beginning the year as an expected title contender after a fantastic debut season in 2010, the Kent racer - who will celebrate his 21st birthday tomorrow, Saturday, 26th March - earned a deserved reputation as one of the Clio Cup's quickest and most consistent drivers. His winter testing form has only confirmed he should be a front-runner from the off in 2011. Ending last season sixth in the standings - even though missing four of the 20 races - he amassed a great record of two wins, three other podiums, three pole positions and a hat-trick of fastest laps. His most impressive run came at Brand Hatch during the season finale, winning both races from pole and keeping double Clio Cup Champion Paul Rivett at bay in the process. Although still requiring additional sponsorship to fully underpin his championship challenge in the renowned Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship support category, James will continue to receive excellent support from Weidmuller, ABP Heating and new backer The Art of Decorating Ltd. For the coming season, which gets underway on 2nd/3rd April, the multiple race winner is aiming for nothing short of championship glory as he attempts to bring the prestigious Clio Cup title back to his Total Control Racing team - the squad last lifting the crown in 2006 with current BTCC driver Tom Onslow-Cole who succeeded fellow TCR title winner Jonathan Adam, another BTCC graduate. "Ideally, I want to start where we left off last season with pole position and a couple of wins but having consistency will be really important too if we're to try and take the championship", said James, "That's the sole aim though as I want to make the step into touring cars in 2012 and follow the path taken by Tom and Jonny. We need that success to help attract extra sponsorship." During this week's officially timed test outing at Rockingham in Northamptonshire, James lapped consistently at the front and underlined his terrific potential as the 2011 competitors ran together on track for the first time ahead of the season opener. "I'm fairly happy with the way everything went at Rockingham", he said, "Testing has gone well since January to be honest and we've been at the sharp end throughout - the car has been fantastic. It's all about qualifying for me this year, I need to be on the front row for each race if I can to fight for as many wins as possible. I'm staying chilled out though, the best approach is to relax and remain calm. "TCR is a fantastic team and we've got a great chance of success this year. We know it'll be as tough as ever though, Clio Cup is always so competitive. It's also likely there will be more media attention than ever with Nicolas (Hamilton - brother of 2008 FIA Formula One World Champion Lewis) being one of my team-mates this year. It should be a fantastic season, I can't wait to get started." Following free practice at Brands Hatch on Friday, 1st April, qualifying for the opening two races of the 16-round championship will take place at 11.15 on Saturday, 2nd April, with the first encounter following at 16.25. Round two is scheduled for 14.45 on Sunday, 3rd April, and will be screened live on Freeview, cable and digital satellite channel ITV4 and also on the brand new ITV4 HD channel.