Sittingbourne’s Darren Scott has set his sights on a top-three finish in the British Rallycross Championship’s Super1600 class after revealing his plans for 2017.

The 35-year-old, who runs his own haulage company, has bought a Citroen C2 to use in nine-round championship.

Scott has raced in the one-make Swift Sport series since 2012, but is now aiming for event wins in the front-wheel-drive category.

“Considering it is a big step up, it will be nice to be in the top-three by the end of the season,” Scott said.

“It is going to take me time to settle into the car, but we are definitely going to be pushing for event wins.

“The car has been built to a high standard and I cannot wait to get back out there.”

Scott – who sat out most of the 2016 season to concentrate on next year’s campaign – has previous experience of the Super1600 class.

In 2013, he raced his Suzuki Swift in memory of fellow Kent rallycrosser Ryan Lawford, finishing an impressive sixth in the final at Lydden Hill against European competitors.

Scott added: “Considering my Swift was a standard car then, it was a very good result and it is great to now be in the championship full-time.

“It has been nice to have a year off to spend time with my wife and kids and I am now ready for next season.

“Driving in Super1600 has been a goal of mine for a few years now and I am happy it has all come together.”

"I cannot wait to get going..." - Darren Scott

Scott, who tested his car at Lydden recently, will be sponsored by Pirtek’s Medway centre in 2017, as well as receiving support from his dad, Dave.

Dartford’s Paul Coney won the Super1600 class this year in his Vauxhall Corsa, narrowly beating Canterbury’s Tristan Ovenden in the final round at Croft.

“Paul will never give up and he won’t make it easy next year,” Scott said.

“I will do the full British championship and might do a French or European round as well.

“It is not going to be a walk in the park, but I cannot wait to get going.”

The 2017 MSA British Rallycross Championship will start at Croft in Yorkshire on March 19, before visiting Lydden Hill on Easter Monday and August Bank Holiday Monday.