Sam Tomlinson is determined to make a successful entrance into the Lotus Elise Trophy this year.

The Hunts Post: Papworth racer Sam Tomlinson with Barry Dean, managing director of backers Skip UK.Papworth racer Sam Tomlinson with Barry Dean, managing director of backers Skip UK. (Image: Archant)

The Papworth racer is stepping up the ladder after finishing as runner-up in the BARC Mighty Mini Championship in 2016.

His performances in that class caught the eye of the Kimbolton-based Track Club team, who have given him a seat behind the wheel of their high-powered machine.

And Tomlinson, a karting star in the past, is thrilled with how his first pre-season tests went.

He said: “I’ve already managed to get to grips with the new car and I feel sure I can be challenging at the sharp end of the field.

“The early signs show I can be a podium contender and I’ll set myself the initial target of trying to finish in the top five of the championship standings.

“This is an extremely high-profile series and one that will provide a great platform – not only for myself, but also for my sponsors Skip UK, Camclad Steelworks and Bruce.

“The long-term plan is to try to make it into the British GT Championship.”

The Lotus Elise Trophy is made up of 16 races spread across eight rounds at tracks around the country. It gets underway at Norfolk circuit Snetterton on March 25.