Happy birthday: Tom Onslow-Cole. Andrew Jackson Photography
New Malden racer Tom Onslow-Cole celebrated his 21st birthday in style at Thruxton with two British Touring Car Championship race wins to put him in the hunt for the drivers' title.
The former Team RAC man secured pole for the second week running in his VX Racing Vauxhall Vectra before romping home in the opening two rounds in Hampshire.
Onslow-Cole finished third in the final race to put him just 21 points behind team-mate and reigning champion Fabrizio Giovanardi in the standings - he trailed the same man by 43 points only six races ago.
His Thruxton form followed a strong Donington Park meeting two weeks earlier, when he took three podium finishes after qualifying in pole position.
And the rising star admits he can continue the form that has seen him surge up the points table.
"You have to say that, yes, I am in contention for the championship," he said.
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"Every driver wants to do as well as possible and I've got myself into a situation where it could happen.
"I have got three former champions around me in Fabrizio, Matt Neal and Jason Plato and, although this is only my second season, I feel comfortable with that.
Racing clear: Tom Onslow-Cole. Andrew Jackson Photography
"I have had two high points-scoring weeks and believe I can maintain that form."
Onslow-Cole, who crashed out in the opening meeting of the season at Brands Hatch, only made his BTCC debut in the Team RAC BMW in 2007 and says he now feels a more complete driver.
"I've always been happy with my racecraft, but qualifying last year was a huge weakness of mine," he added.
"I have worked really hard on that since. I'm now working the tyres, so they are perfect to go for a flying lap."
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