Bright Young Thing – Kent's James Dixon

I decided not to take up further education so I am still working for my dad as an operations assistant. I am also a fully qualified ARDS Instructor and spend a lot of my time working for the MotorSport Vision group at Brands Hatch Circuit. I can also be hired for private one-to-one tuition on the race track. Obviously, my racing is very important to me and I hope to make a full career out of it in the future.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Ideally, being a paid racing driver is my ultimate aim. However, I would like to see myself continue in the motorsport world, possibly to run my own race team or manage an individual driver(s) with my own knowledge and experience. Being in motorsport, money and sponsorship is always an issue so I would prefer to help up and coming youngsters who are struggling in the same area as I currently do!

Whats the best thing about living in Kent?

Being a racing driver, fitness is essential so you will always find me out running and cycling. Kent is a great place to do this because there is a huge amount of countryside and hills to climb! Kent provides a fast road network to London and Dover, living just shy of the M2 gives me easy access to these destinations. Being close to two of the worlds busiest airports is also a bonus, especially when I want to go on holiday which isnt very often! Maidstone and Canterbury offer great social benefits, including nightlife and restaurants. I try to get out and about as often as I can as I dont get to see all my family and friends as my racing takes up most of my life. Kent always seems to have the best weather in the UK so I cant complain about that.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Outside of racing my top hobby would have to be swimming. I enjoy the open water and the space and it is probably one of the best ways I can push myself when training for my racing. I have always been a keen swimmer and this year will see me compete in Triathlons. I like listening to music, this is my best way of chilling out when I am not working or racing, it keeps me chilled and relaxed. I also play the guitar and have been a big fan of The Beatles since my mid teens. During the winter I sometimes go abroad snowboarding with my mates and hope to do so again this year. I like to socialise when I can and I love going out for an Indian meal!

Who is your motorsport hero?

My Motorsport hero is Lewis Hamilton. He is a huge inspiration to me and I admire what he has done prior to Formula One (Formula Renault UK, F3 Euroseries and GP2 Champion). I am lucky enough to have Nicholas Hamilton, his younger brother, racing with me this year. I am sure we can both learn from each other.

BYT ALERT!

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editor@kent-life.co.uk