AJ Owen says he has had an “amazing” season in the Pre-2003 Touring Car Championship but that he isn’t getting ahead of himself in his bid to lift the title.

The 23-year-old is mid-way through his debut campaign in the championship having previously competed in the Classic Challenge series in a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.

A new car, a Honda Civic Type R, has carried Owen into his new arena and he has flourished since the season began at Silverstone in March, climbing to the top of the standings.

After failing to finish the first race at the home of British motorsport, the former Sir William Ramsay pupil came from last on the grid to take his maiden victory in race two.

Adjusting to the demands of a new car didn’t weigh heavily on Owen’s shoulders as he secured a second and first place finish in rounds three and four respectively when the championship rolled into Castle Combe in May.

Later in the month, Owen dominated at Mallory Park in Leicester, taking the chequered flag in both races to stretch his lead at the top.

The first weekend in June was again a productive one for the Hazlemere resident, who finished third in the opening race at Donington Park before picking up his fifth and most recent win of the season in the second race.

With just four rounds left in the championship, Owen is 23 points ahead of his nearest rival. “So far the season has been amazing and I never would have thought it would have been as successful as it has been,” he said.

“My aim for the rest of the season is to keep being consistent and finish every race.

“I have finished on the podium in every race I have completed so far. In terms of the championship, I’m trying not to think about it and not look at the points table; it'll be a case of see where we are at the season finale at Thruxton in October.”

Next on Owen’s agenda is rounds eight and nine of the championship, which take place at Brands Hatch on 25-26 July.