A RACING driver born in Evesham and now living in the Cotswolds is on target to lift one of the most prestigious titles on the motor racing circuit, writes Mervyn Collins.

Dan Eaves from Moreton-in-Marsh powered to the top of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship when claiming an historic three-timer at Thruxton earlier this month.

And, just to add more local spice to the 29-year-old's quest for the prestigious title, the Team Halfords driver's Honda Integra is based at the headquarters of Team Dynamics in Pershore.

Like many aspiring racing drivers, Eaves started out as a youngster on the karting circuits at Rissington and Shenington with a dream that one day he would get behind the wheel of a touring car.

That dream became reality in 2001 and he was crowned Independents champion just 12 months later when driving a Peugeot 206 again sponsored by Halfords.

A change to a 307 brought no luck in 2003 but fortune smiled on Eaves during the next season when, after finishing eighth in his first drive in a Honda Civic for Halfords and Team Dynamics, the Moreton man went on to claim his first victory alongside several other podium placings.

"They say your first win is the hardest but it was certainly the proudest", Eaves admitted. "The car was set-up for Matt (Neal) and I spent the entire season trying to change the set-up to suit my driving."

Eaves was quickly guaranteed a place in this year's championship and alongside teammate Neal he is spearheading Team Halfords' pursuit of glory - this time in a brand new Integra.

After a month of testing, Eaves overcame gearbox trouble to claim third, fourth and second place finishes in the opening round at Donington Park before his triumphant treble at Thruxton.

Victories in the opening two races at the Hampshire circuit left Eaves on the verge of BTCC history but also tenth on the grid for the final race - finishing positions of the second are reversed.

Add to that the success ballast allocated to successful drivers and the odds were stacked against the Cots-wolder.

However, Eaves produced another magnificent drive to overtake the two drivers ahead of him in one foul swoop.

From there he moved clear to post an amazing victory leaving him in top spot in the overall standings ahead of Neal while the Halfords squad extended their lead in the Independents Trophy's Driver and Team championships.

"It's just a dream come true," said an elated Eaves. "Halfway through the third race there was no way I thought that I could win but everything started playing into my hands. It's also the result of a great team and a great car and Brands Hatch on June 5 is going to be something else judging by that day's racing."

That dream started as a 12-year-old in a kart and continued as an 19-year-old in the Caterham Championship when Eaves finished runner-up.

"My next door neighbour where I lived in Toddington took an interest and helped finance my step into a higher level of racing," Eaves recalled.

The next step was in the 1997 Renault Spider Championships when more success beckoned although only after a third place finish in his first season.

Crowned champion in 1999, Eaves was now becoming noticed and he was invited to test for the Williams Formula 1 team while also harbouring hopes of a place in the Touring Car Championship.

However, that was denied him and he had to settle for two seasons in the Peugeot National Saloon Championship in which he finished fourth in both years.

"I was always getting pole positions after being quickest in qualifying but I also had the most crashes and most engine blow-ups," he revealed with a smile.

However, Peugeot's decision to get a car ready for a crack at the BTCC saw Eaves finally get his wish and in 2002 he was crowned Independents champion - the first step on the long haul to being crowned BTCC champion.

Last month's triple triumph - a feat that Neal never expected to be accomplished - leaves Eaves the man to be shot down at his least favourite track Brands Hatch on Sunday, June 5.

But, Eaves, who keeps fit by working for his dad's building firm, is determined to cement his position in the championship standings in the third of ten meetings that will catapult the Evesham-born, Cotswold-based driver to even greater heights.