After securing his first ever visits to the Renault UK Clio Cup podium at the final round of the 2017 season, Dan Zelos' target for this season is to secure a maiden victory.
'History has shown that it generally takes a couple of years to be able to fight consistently at the front of the field,' said the Dereham racer.
'That's where we are now, so we need to pick straight up again from where we left off four months ago, battling for podiums and race wins on a regular basis.
'Breaking my duck has to be the first aim, and I want to be pushing for a top-three championship finish come season's end.'
The 19-year-old UEA Arts Graphic Design undergraduate will continue to race for the Kent-based WDE team, which helped him regain his confidence after a difficult 2016 season.
'I had a great year with WDE in 2017, and there was never really any question of not continuing with them. I felt at home straight away and it was beyond doubt my most enjoyable year in the sport so far,' he said.
'For me, it's the perfect environment and after coming so close last year, I will be doing everything I can to help WDE to win the Teams' title.'
Zelos is leaving no stone up-turned as he tunes himself ready for the season ahead by ensuring he is as physically and mentally sharp as can be with a new personal trainer, Paul Suggitt who is also the fitness coach for Great Britain's speedway team.
The opening round of the season takes place in early April at the tricky Brands Hatch circuit – the venue where Zelos broke his podium duck so he is hopeful of a solid start to the season with the Evergreen Tyres-supported car.
However, the second round, to be held at Donington Park, is when the local racer knows he can beat all-comers, having posted his first ever series pole there last year, although a tardy start saw him swamped by the pack by the opening corner.
'Dan's confidence was at rock-bottom at the start of last year and I think that showed in his race starts, which were an early Achilles' heel and undoubtedly cost him some bigger results until we got on top of the situation,' said WDE Team Principal Wayne Eason, who has every confidence that Zelos can secure an early victory.
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