Clark dominates on debut in China

Taupō motor racing driver Conrad Clark has dominated on debut in the Chinese Formula 4 Championship. Racing at the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix event as a support category, Clark was able to showcase his skills on the world stage.

Following a campaign to garner support from his community, Clark was able to accept an offer from the hugely successful BlackArts Racing Team to join their team for the opening round of the season.

“It was pretty exciting to jump onto the plane and head over to be competing at a Formula One event.” said Clark.

The teenage racer had only one 25-minute practice session to acquaint himself with the unfamiliar car, track and team. Even when presented with this challenge Clark was able to set the fastest lap time in the practice session. Qualifying again saw a strong showing from Clark, grabbing a front row start for his maiden race in the championship.

It got better for the Taupō Nui-a-Tia College student in the opening 25-minute race of the weekend. After a strong start where Clark was able to slot into the lead, he was able to create and continuously extend a healthy six-second lead over the rest of the field.

Things went from good to great for Clark come Sunday afternoon when he was able to back up his race one dominance with another win, this time by nine-seconds in the curtain raiser race to the Formula One Grand Prix.

“It was a pretty surreal weekend!“We didn’t know what to expect coming over here after not being in a car since October last year but the team, BlackArts Racing, did an exceptional job this weekend getting me up to speed with the car and track.”

Clark now heads back to Taupō to continue fundraising for the remaining rounds of the F4 China Championship.

Clark’s Chinese campaign is proudly supported by Hertz Car Rentals, Advance Gaming, Lakeland Glass and Windscreens, Performance Mechanical Engineering, Lakeside Wholesale Vehicles and other individual supporters.

Media release: Jordie Peters