Kieran drives from strength to strength
KIEREN Clark is dreaming of emulating his hero Michael Schumacher by driving a winning car in a Formula 1 competition. A dream that could soon become reality as the impressive young driver goes from strength-to-strength in the British Racing and Sports C
KIEREN Clark is dreaming of emulating his hero Michael Schumacher by driving a winning car in a Formula 1 competition.
A dream that could soon become reality as the impressive young driver goes from strength-to-strength in the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) Formula Jedi Championship class A section.
The 17-year-old from Tadlow heads into next weekend's encounter at Donington Park leading the championship by three points.
His fine form behind the wheel has already produced two commanding rounds at Silverstone and Pembrey, where he set the track's quickest times of 1.00.25, 1.00.50, and 1.00.14.
At the moment Kieren looks on course to claim the 2006 championship, with the prize for winning the opportunity to test drive a BARC Renault.
However, Kieren and his team are already looking ahead to next year. They are aiming for the Renault UK series, a televised competition that involves drivers from all over the world - an opportunity that could springboard Kieren one step closer to his dream.
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At the moment Kieren is funded by friends and family, but if he is to make the step up to Renault UK increased external sponsorship will be paramount.
Kieren's dad, Tony Clark, said: "Going into the Renault UK category, it will cost us in the region of £10,000.
"It's a figure that we as a family cannot cover so we have to look elsewhere for this kind of sponsorship.
"Sponsorship is so important when making the step up, and if young drivers cannot get the backing then they are going to find it hard to progress. This is why so many drivers drop out of racing."
The whole Clark family are behind Kieren. His uncle Steve Clark pays for his tyres and parents Diana, 48 and Tony, 50 act as his pit stop crew.
Tony said: "We are in this together and it's nice that we can all spend time together doing something that we love and help Kieren fulfil his dream.
"We are going for the championship win this year, and I really think that Kieren can do it. He's a fantastic talent," he said.
