OLIVER CLARKE MASTERS THE RAIN TO CLAIM MAIDEN BRDC BRITISH F3 PODIUM AT DONINGTON PARK

Oliver Clarke showed his fighting spirit at Donington Park this past weekend (August 15/16) to master the wet weather on his way to a first-ever podium finish in the BRDC British F3 Championship.

Coming off the back of an encouraging debut at Oulton Park which yielded three top seven finishes, the Hillspeed driver found himself in the thick of the action at the Leicestershire venue but took on a starring role in race two to claim his first piece of silverware behind the wheel of a car.

Showcasing encouraging speed across Thursday and Friday’s practice sessions under the flightpath of East Midlands airport, the 17-year-old endured a frustrating start to his weekend on Saturday in dry conditions.

Despite setting the 11th fastest time in what proved to be an ultra-competitive qualifying session, Clarke was later deemed to have failed to comply with yellow flag signals which subsequently saw him disqualified, affecting his grid position for races one and three.

Starting 17th for the opening encounter, the Torq Racewear athlete set about making amends following his qualifying woes and was soon on the move as he fought his way up the order. Making up a handful of spots early on, Clarke ran 14th for a majority of the race before pulling off a string of masterful overtakes on the last lap to cross the line in 11th.

However, a timing error meant the chequered flag was inadvertently delayed and shown incorrectly at the end of lap 13, with the regulation distance actually being 12 laps. Counting back one lap in accordance with Motorsport UK regulations, Clarke’s sensational hard work was undone as he was ultimately classified in 14th.

Greeted by rain for the first of Sunday’s two races, the Fewkes Sport Management racer lined up in fifth virtue of the reverse grid and he made the most of his lofty third row starting spot.

As the lights went out, Clarke’s wet weather prowess came to the fore and he was soon into the top three by the second tour, exploring the levels of grip and underlining his eye-catching car control.

Finding a way past Carter Williams as the race reached the halfway marker, Clarke ran comfortably in second place for a number of laps before being shuffled back to third on lap seven. From there, the former karting ace fended off the challenge of Guilherme Peixoto to cross the line for his first podium in the series.

Sadly Clarke’s second weekend in the single-seater category came to a close with a technical issue forcing him to make an unscheduled pit-stop early on, dropping him down the order and out of contention of a good result.

Leaving Donington Park, Clarke sits 12th in the overall Drivers’ Championship after the first seven races of the 2020 campaign.

Oliver Clarke:

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster weekend but to come away with my first British F3 podium is amazing; I’m really happy that I’ve been able to tick that box now.

“I didn’t get the best of starts but managed to remain in the mix around the first few corners and that set me up for the rest of the race. It was difficult to stay on the track and I outbraked myself a few times but once I got into a groove I felt really comfortable, especially as I’d never driven round here before in the wet.

“To come away with a first podium in just my second event is really encouraging moving forward. I’ve got to say a huge thank you to my team, family, loyal sponsors and partners – without them this wouldn’t have been possible.

“Aside from the podium it has been a difficult weekend where things didn’t fall our way. It’s all a learning process though and we will take what we’ve learnt here and see what improvements can be made heading into the next event.”

The BRDC British F3 Championship now heads to Brands Hatch on August 29/30, with four races scheduled to play out around the legendary Grand Prix layout of the Kent venue.

OLIVER CLARKE IN CONFIDENT MOOD AS BRDC BRITISH F3 HEADS TO DONINGTON PARK

The BRDC British F3 Championship speeds into Donington Park this weekend (August 15/16) for the second event of the revised 2020 season and Hillspeed ace Oliver Clarke is confident that he can make his mark after enjoying an impressive debut last time out.

Making his eagerly-anticipated bow in the single-seater series at Oulton Park earlier this month, the 17-year-old underlined his credentials as one to watch this year by powering his way to a trio of top seven finishes.

Showcasing the raw speed and race craft that led him to success in previous categories, Clarke was a constant threat inside the top ten from the outset – a credible achievement despite having not raced competitively in more than a year.

Now, sitting eighth in the overall championship standings after the opening four races, the King’s Lynn driver heads to Donington Park for the first of what is scheduled three events set to be staged at the Leicestershire venue during the remainder of the year.

Having clocked plenty of pre-season testing mileage under the flightpath of East Midlands airport in recent months, the Fewkes Sport Management racer enters the weekend in a buoyant mood and optimistic of what he can achieve across Rounds 5, 6 and 7.

Oliver Clarke:

“To score three top seven finishes on my debut in the championship was a great start to the season, but now it’s just as important that we carry that momentum forward and build on those results at Donington Park this weekend.

“Before the season started I’d done quite a bit of testing at Donington Park so I’m feeling confident that we’ll have good pace and be able to mix it towards the front. It is a real driver’s circuit and one I’ve always loved so that will hopefully play into my hands.

“This season looks like it is going to be super competitive but we know where we can improve and I’m optimistic we can make another step forward this weekend. If I can come away with some silverware I’ll be very happy!”

To view all the important times of when Clarke will be on track around the Grand Prix layout of Donington Park this weekend, as well as other information, click here.

OLIVER CLARKE SCORES TRIO OF TOP SEVEN FINISHES ON MAIDEN BRDC BRITISH F3 CHAMPIONSHIP OUTING

Oliver Clarke made a solid start to his 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship season at Oulton Park this past weekend (August 1/2), claiming an impressive trio of top seven finishes.

After months of anticipation and excitement, the single-seater category roared into life with four pulsating encounters being played out around the Cheshire venue in front of a bumper crowd.

Having enjoyed a competitive two days of running prior to the event, the Hillspeed driver entered qualifying on Saturday in a buoyant mood and produced a best lap of 1:31.842 to secure seventh on the grid for the opening encounter. Had it not been for traffic whilst on two faster laps, Clarke could have been even higher.

Lining up on the inside of the fourth row for the season-opener, the Torq Racewear athlete dropped to tenth after a tricky opening lap but soon began to show his fighting spirit as he battled his was back up the order.

Sizing up those ahead of him, Clarke made a move in the closing stages with a daring overtake at Cascades to cross the line in eighth. Following a post-race time penalty for a driver ahead of him, that was to become seventh for the King’s Lynn racer.

Clarke produced another top ten performance in the race two as he once again claimed a seventh place finish. Moving up a spot on the opening tour, the multiple karting champion found himself on the back of a train of cars all dicing for fourth throughout the entirety of the 13-lap race.

Despite having stronger pace than those ahead of him, the teenage sensation was unable to find a way through and ultimately settled for another solid haul of points.

Returning to the track on Sunday to round off the weekend, race three – streamed live online – saw the 17-year-old deliver another eye-catching top ten performance as he ran competitively throughout the 20-minute encounter to finish seventh.

After the race, another post-race penalty for a fellow competitor proved beneficial for Clarke as it resulted in the Fewkes Sport Management ace being promoted to sixth.

Bringing the curtain down on what proved to be a successful first event in the series, Clarke piloted his striking red and gold machine to 12th at the chequered flag after starting 13th.

Leaving Oulton Park, Clarke finds himself sitting eighth in the Drivers’ Championship.

Oliver Clarke:

“It has been a really solid start to the season; to come with four finishes, three of them in the top seven and plenty of improvements having been made I can’t be too unhappy.

“Coming into the weekend I felt more prepared than I ever have done before and I think that has shown. We made steady improvements in practice and managed to hook a good lap up in qualifying; had it not been for traffic I think I would have been even higher.

“To run comfortably inside the top ten in three of the four race is massively encouraging and we know where we can get better as well. I’ve got to say a huge thank you to everyone at Hillspeed and all of my sponsors – I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.

“We’ve now got a little time to look at how we performed and where we can make progress so I’m looking forward to Donington Park in a couple of weeks.”

The BRDC British F3 Championship continues on August 15/16, making the first of three visits to Donington Park this season.

OLIVER CLARKE EXCITED TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED BRDC BRITISH F3 CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT AT OULTON PARK

OLIVER CLARKE EXCITED TO MAKE LONG-AWAITED BRDC BRITISH F3 CHAMPIONSHIP DEBUT AT OULTON PARK

Oliver Clarke will make his long-awaited BRDC British F3 Championship debut at Oulton Park this weekend (August 1/2) and the 17-year-old is excited hit the track as he targets making a strong start to his 2020 campaign.

Having seen the start of the season postponed for more than three months due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the single-seater series will finally roar back into life around the Cheshire venue with four high-octane races scheduled to take place.

Representing front-running team Hillspeed as they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, the Torq Racwear athlete feels more prepared than ever heading into his maiden season behind the wheel of F3 machinery.

Whilst UK lockdown restrictions meant that Clarke wasn’t able to get any track time in for a while, the multiple karting champion ensured he was working hard from his King’s Lynn home – both physically and mentally.

Recently, Clarke ramped up his preparations for the new season with successful test days at Donington Park and Silverstone before bringing his pre-season test programme to a close at Oulton Park.

Clocking plenty of mileage as well as benefitting from the expertise passed on from Fewkes Sports Management’s Head of Driver Development Jordan King, Clarke is raring to be let off the shackles and showcase what he is capable of.

Oliver Clarke:

“I’m so excited to finally be able to get back racing! Due to COVID-19 it has been a long time coming but I think the extended layoff has only allowed me to prepare even more and I feel ready to compete against what is an ultra-competitive field.

“Over the past few months I’ve been working on being the best version of myself both in and out of the car and I’m confident that that will come across once we hit the track at Oulton.

“I’ve had plenty of running around the circuit in pre-season and we’ve performed well there, making improvements all the time.

“Given how condensed the calendar is we know we are going to be in for a busy few months, starting this weekend. If we can score some solid points, mix it towards the front and most importantly stay out of trouble, then I’ll come away from Oulton on Sunday night happy.”

To view all the important times that Clarke will be on track this weekend at Oulton Park, plus more, click here

OLIVER CLARKE CLOCKS VALUABLE TESTING MILEAGE AS PREPARATIONS RAMP UP AHEAD OF 2020 SEASON-OPENER

Oliver Clarke has ramped up his preparations ahead of the new BRDC British F3 Championship season over the past week, showcasing impressive pace on his return back behind the wheel during test days at both Donington Park and Silverstone.

More than 100 days since he last put his Hillspeed-prepared machine through its paces, the 17-year-old hit the ground running and showed no signs of rustiness despite the recent coronavirus lockdown preventing him from driving.

As the countdown to his eagerly-anticipated debut in Britain’s premier single-seater series intensifies, Clarke racked up the mileage as he continued his pre-season test programme.

On Friday 3rd July, Donington Park provided the backdrop for the Torq Racewear athlete’s first post-lockdown test.

Under the flightpath of East Midlands airport, Clarke lapped competitively in both dry and wet conditions – fuelling his and the team’s confidence ahead of the revised campaign.

One week later and Clarke – who hails from Kings Lynn – descended on the home of British motorsport, Silverstone, and delivered another flawless performance on the Grand Prix layout of the famous venue.

Joined by Fewkes Sports Management’s Head of Driver Development Jordan King, Clarke benefitted from the wealth of racing experience King has built up down the years having enjoyed stints in Formula One, IndyCar and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Battling challenging track and weather conditions once again, the former multiple karting champion underlined his credentials as one to watch in 2020 with a string of impressive laps around the Northamptonshire circuit.

Oliver Clarke:

“It has been really great to finally get back behind the wheel of a race-car and sharpen my skills ahead of what is going to be a busy few months of racing due to the condensed schedule.

“Both test days at Donington Park and Silverstone proved to be hugely beneficial as it not only allowed us to blow the cobwebs away but also try some things that we perhaps wouldn’t have had the opportunity to try during the season.

“Our times have been really encouraging and having somebody such as Jordan in my corner is only going to benefit me further as I can draw on all of his experience and hopefully apply it to what I’m doing.

“It has been a long time coming but the start of the season is now well within sight and I’m feeling really confident that we can make our mark on the championship once racing gets underway.”

Jordan King:

“There’s no doubt that Oliver is a very promising talent and we have been delighted with the way that he has adjusted to life in the BRDC British F3 car so far.

“To come out of lockdown and be straight on the pace is a credit to Oliver and the work that he is currently putting in behind the scenes. We’ve made some very good progress during the past week.

“We’re under no illusions that the BRDC British F3 grid will be ultra-competitive this year, but are convinced that Oliver has the ability take it all in his stride and compete at the front.”

OLIVER CLARKE IMPRESSES THROUGHOUT BRDC BRITISH F3 iRACING CHAMPIONSHIP AS NEW SEASON DRAWS EVER-CLOSER

Oliver Clarke brought the curtain down on his BRDC British F3 iRacing Championship campaign in impressive fashion this past Sunday (June 14), capping off a competitive five weeks of virtual competition and further underlining that he will be one to watch once real racing resumes.

With the start of the BRDC British F3 Championship postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the single-seater category elected to stage a five-round championship in association with Apex Racing TV; with the grid made up of past and present British F3 racers.

Representing Hillspeed, the 17-year-old enjoyed a strong showing at Oulton Park where he took a best finish of sixth before then powering his way to pole position at the legendary Spa Francorchamps. Whilst the results didn’t fall his way around the Belgian Formula 1 circuit, Clarke showcased his ruthless speed and race craft.

Moving onto Silverstone, the Torq Racewear athlete once again qualified on the front row and went on to score what would be a fourth place finish, his best result of the series.

Pole position and two high points-scoring finishes would follow at Brands Hatch the next week before Clarke signed off with another pair of front-running performances at Donington Park, netting a sixth place finish in the opener before narrowly missing out on the top ten in the finale.

Whilst his iRacing exploits have taken centre stage during the past month, the King’s Lynn-based teenager has also been ramping up his preparations for the start of the 2020 motorsport season too.

Training at home has been recently coupled with sharpening his skills behind the wheel by karting at Whilton Mill – all in a bid to ensure he is ready to make his eagerly-anticipated debut in the category.

Recently, the BRDC British F3 Championship announced a revised 24-race post-lockdown calendar which is set to start on August 1/2 at Oulton Park. From there the series will make three visits to Donington Park whilst also comping at Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Silverstone – which will play host to the series finale in early November.

Oliver Clarke:

“Having the opportunity to race in the BRDC British F3 iRacing Championship has been fantastic and I’m very happy with the results that I’ve been able to achieve. I was on the pace at every circuit we went too, especially over one lap, and I’d like to think that I showed what I’m capable of moving forward.

“Being in the middle of a pandemic and lockdown, these have been unprecedented times but the past five weeks have been really enjoyable and has proven to provide invaluable exposure to all of my loyal partners – it has opened up a new audience that we perhaps wouldn’t have been able to reach in normal circumstances.

“I’ve really learnt a lot from this experience and it is something that I’m sure that is going to benefit me when we get back to real racing in August. It feels like forever since I was last out on-track but I’m relishing have the opportunity to do just that – and I feel more than ready for the challenge that lie ahead.

“Huge credit must go to the organisers for putting together a 24-race calendar over such a short space of time. It is going to be all-out action and I can’t wait to get started!”

OLIVER CLARKE REVVED UP FOR RACING RETURN IN BRITISH F3 iRACING CHAMPIONSHIP

Oliver Clarke will get back behind the wheel of a race car this coming Sunday (May 17) – albeit it virtually – as he takes part in the inaugural British F3 iRacing Championship, which is being launched in association with Apex Racing TV.

With the 2020 motorsport season currently suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Clarke’s eagerly-anticipated graduation to the single-seater category with Hillspeed has been placed on hold until a new schedule has been confirmed.

In the absence of real racing, the Torq Racewear athlete will instead be getting the competitive juices flowing by representing Hillspeed amidst a packed grid of current and former British F3 drivers in the five-round championship.

The ‘virtual’ season-opener will begin around Oulton Park and will be followed by visits to Spa Francorchamps, Silverstone, Brands Hatch and Donington Park.

Each round of the iRacing Championship will comprise of two races plus practice and qualifying, and will be broadcast live from 6pm BST on the official BRDC British F3 Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The overall winner of the championship will be presented with the coveted ‘The Jack Cavill Trophy’ and a magnum of champagne.

Oliver Clarke:

“These are unprecedented times at the moment with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic so it is great that we are able to get back to some form of racing with the British F3 iRacing Championship.

“Since lockdown began I’ve been putting in the hours on my home sim and although nothing can replace the sensation of driving a race car, this is pretty close. It’s been keeping me sharp, both physically and mentally – which has been important whilst we wait for the season to begin.

“With all five events being streamed live on a variety of platforms, this will be a fantastic opportunity to stream my brand to an extra audience that we potentially wouldn’t have normally, and that can only be a huge benefit to my loyal partners.

“Looking at how competitive the entry list for the iRacing Championship is suggests that we are all going to have to be on top form; however I’m confident that I will be able to mix it towards the front. I’m really looking forward to get going over the next five weeks!”

British F3 iRacing Championship Calendar

May 17 – Oulton Park (International)
May 24 – Spa Francorchamps
May 31 – Silverstone (Grand Prix)
June 7 – Brands Hatch (Grand Prix)
June 14 – Donington Park (Grand Prix)

JORDAN KING JOINS FEWKES SPORT MANAGEMENT AS HEAD OF DRIVER DEVELOPMENT

Fewkes Sport Management is set to strengthen its position as one of the leading motorsport athlete agencies after recruiting FIA World Endurance Championship ace Jordan King as its Head of Driver Development.

Utilising over 30 years’ of knowledge within the motorsport industry, Fewkes Sport Management has become synonymous for its knowledge across all areas of high-profile championship organisation, corporate sponsorship analytics and activation within sport, as well as athlete management.

Focusing on a wide variety of areas, designed to maximise client success, the ever-growing company is set to hit new heights following the addition of King.

Having enjoyed stints in Formula One and IndyCar, whilst currently spearheading Ginetta’s quest for glory in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 26-year-old will bring his expertise to FSM and its fledgling cliental.

Will Fewkes, FSM founder, said:

“To have a world-class driver of Jordan’s calibre join Fewkes Sport Management as our Head of Driver Development is a real coup for the company moving forward.

“FSM was initially set-up because I felt that given our world-class experience in directing OEM motorsport programmes and promoting leading racing championships, we could really add an extra dimension to the guidance of a young driver’s development and to brands looking to activate sponsorship within sport.

“Jordan’s wealth of experience within Formula One, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship will only further add to that and all of our clients are set to reap the benefits.”

Jordan added:

“I am really excited that Fewkes Sport Management have brought me onboard to help develop their drivers throughout their journey on motorsport ladder.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my wealth of racing experience,  and coupled with Will Fewkes’ invaluable knowledge of directing OEM motorsport programmes, I believe that we can maximise clients potential and opportunity moving forward.”

OLIVER CLARKE IN OPTIMISTIC MOOD FOLLOWING BRDC BRITISH F3 MEDIA DAY

Oliver Clarke will head into the opening round of the BRDC British F3 Championship season at Oulton Park next month in optimistic mood following the series’ official Media Day at Snetterton, which took place earlier this week.

Having put pen to paper on a deal to graduate up into the series with the race-winning Hillspeed outfit late last year, the 17-year-old has been working hard behind the scenes in readiness for the eagerly anticipated curtain-raiser.

In what was one of the first collective outings for a majority of the 2020 field at the Norfolk venue, the Torq Racewear Athlete – who hails from Kings Lynn – enjoyed a productive two days of running around what is his local circuit.

Making the step up into the high-profile category after competing in the F4 United States Championship last year, Clarke wracked up the mileage as he continued his pre-season testing schedule.

Sporting a new red and gold livery in honour of Hillspeed celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Clarke and the team worked through a thorough testing programme in what were cold and sometimes drizzly conditions.

Alongside testing, Clarke also took part in the traditional interviews and photoshoots that take place on the BRDC British F3 Media Day as well.

Oliver Clarke:

“Since we made the announcement that we would be stepping up into BRDC British F3 this year we have been keeping our heads down and working hard to get things how we want them.

“From my own personal fitness to continuing to find the sweet spot in what is a new car for both me and the team, we have been putting in the hours and hopefully we will reap the benefits of that hard work as the year progresses.

“We weren’t really going for overall lap times during the sessions as we have little bits we are working on however it was good to share the track with the rest of the grid for the first time and see where things stack up.

“I feel as prepared as I ever have done going into a new season and I’m optimistic that we can hit the ground running at Oulton Park next month.”

The 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship roars into life on April 11/13, with Oulton Park playing host to the opening three races of the campaign.

OLIVER CLARKE JOINS HILLSPEED FOR 2020 BRDC BRITISH FORMULA 3 CHAMPIONSHIP

Oliver Clarke will graduate to the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship in 2020 after signing with race-winning outfit Hillspeed.

The 16-year-old makes a move to the series after several strong performances in the F4 United States Championship powered by Honda over the past two seasons.

Stepping up to the single-seater ranks having enjoyed unrivalled success in karting, the Norfolk-based racer set about making his mark stateside with a string of eye-catching performances, taking a best finish of fifth at Road Atlanta earlier this year.

Whilst he has made a name for himself behind the wheel, Clarke continues to reap the benefits of the expertise passed on by Fewkes Sports Management, a boutique sports management agency that develop elite racing drivers and represent him.

As part of his 2020 evaluation process, Clarke got to grips with the Tatuus-Cosworth F3 car at Oulton Park and Donington Park earlier in the year – gelling with the rear-wheel-drive machine instantly.

Completing a deal with what is widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in UK motorsport, Clarke is relishing the prospect of working with Hillspeed and has his sights set on becoming a regular front-runner in the championship next year.

Commenting on his move to the prestigious championship that has propelled the careers of so many drivers, Clarke said: “I’m over the moon to be able to confirm my plans for next year at such an early stage; a huge thanks must go out to my family, FSM, partners and sponsors for helping me to be in the position that I am now in.

“The BRDC British F3 Championship is a proven championship and the perfect platform for me at this point in my career and age. Having tested the car in recent weeks it quickly became apparent as to how good the car is, and that made things even clearer that this is what we wanted to do.

“Joining a team with the pedigree that Hillspeed has is only going to serve me well too and I’ve every confidence that we can enjoy plenty of success moving forward. I’m just raring to go and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together. Hopefully towards the front of the field.”

Hillspeed Team Principal, Richard Ollerenshaw, added: “It goes without saying how delighted we are to have completed a deal with Oliver to race with Hillspeed in BRDC British F3 next season. He’s a terrific young talent, an exceptionally promising young driver, and he’s already shown his ability during the testing we’ve done together so far.

“Securing our first 2020 driver signing just ahead of the final weekend of the current campaign really is fantastic news for Hillspeed and puts us in a very good place ahead of the off-season.

“I’m very confident Oliver will quickly establish himself as a strong contender in his maiden year of Formula 3, and we’re looking forward to helping nurture and develop his obvious skills.”

To find out more information on the BRDC British F3 Championship, Hillspeed and Fewkes Sports Management, click the links.