Racing ace Clarke driving home for Christmas

Dan Clarke may be setting the motorsport world alight with a series of impressive performances in the Champ Car World Series, but he admits there is no place like home.

The 24-year-old former Cox Green pupil is back in Maidenhead for winter training after a superb season driving for Paul Stoddart’s Minardi Team USA.

Clarke has been all over the world driving his 800 brake-horsepower car at speeds of up to 200mph, but he admits he is glad to be home.

He said: “Even though I’m loving flying around the world racing, I still enjoy being back home the most and when it fits into my schedule I come back for as long as I can.”
Clarke has begun a rigorous training regime ahead of the new season which starts in April, and is preparing to take part in a series of triathlons.

He said: “Winter training is the toughest for any racing driver.

“This year my trainers are  triathletes themselves, so they compete in adventure races, triathlons and duathlons all-year round.

“I’ve come back home to train with them and have formed a really good relationship with the people at SBR in Windsor, who sponsor the events.

“They have supplied me with a road racing bike to get me through these winter months at home.

Clarke worked his way up through karting before moving on to British Formula Ford and then British Formula 3.
Clarke admits that although he is focused on succeeding in the Champ Car Series he has one eye on the top of the
sport.

He said: “Of course Formula 1 is the ultimate aim. It’s something I have wanted to do since I was eight.
“But for now I am concentrating on champ cars, I need to put in the hard work now and see what happens in the future.

Clarke finished on the podium once this season but is hoping next season will bring him more luck.

He added: “It’s been a tough year but  I want to build on that and see where that takes me.”
Clarke goes back to the USA in February and will also race in Belgium and Holland this year.