The 14-year-old racer from Leicestershire will represent Team GB in Bahrain this December after being selected for last month’s Rotax World Final.
Pekleton native Archie Clarke says it’s a “great feeling” to represent his country. Well, there are many.
“I found out as soon as I finished the British Championship race that I would be competing.” [British Kart Championship] – I had no idea until they told me. Everything will be so new – I’ve never even heard the song before. ”
Archie’s mother Debbie says racing is “in his blood”. Older racing fans in the county will remember his grandfather, Roger Clarke, who was a four-time British Rally Champion in 1965, 1972, 1973 and 1975.
“He started karting at the age of seven and won the British Championship at the age of eight, which was amazing. As part of the award he was able to become a grid kid at a Grand Prix after eliminating the grid girls. I did.”
“He just kept going and had all these successes, which culminated this year and his results were good enough for Team GB.
“Now he will be going to Bahrain with a lot of different drivers in different classes. It’s been a great trip and we’re all really excited.
Archie’s family is not alone in their excitement, Debbie says there is also a WhatsApp group in the village where locals regularly check in on their son’s progress.
“We’re all so proud, but oh my God, it’s like the whole village, we live in a little village called Peckleton, is standing behind him. There’s a WhatsApp group, etc., and everyone is so proud of him.
“He’s such a nice kid, sweet and kind, but when he puts the helmet on he becomes an absolute animal.”
But sometimes there are reminders that this is a potentially dangerous sport. Archie finished on the podium three times at this year’s European Championships, finishing fourth overall. Unfortunately, a crash in the final race cost him crucial points.
“Honestly, he’s just the best,” says his mother, Debbie. “He is very hardworking and trains several times a week to keep him fit.
“He’s missed quite a lot of school, and the school staff and principal have been great. But he wakes up early to make sure he gets all his schoolwork done. I would never do it.” I wouldn’t have done that.
“His father Olly and I have tried to give him as many chances as possible. The only thing that can really help us is sponsors. We are always looking for sponsors.
“I’m not too nervous, I’m just excited. I’m just going to do my best and try to make everyone proud,” Archie added.
Archie will compete in the Rotax MAX Grand Finals to be held at the Bahrain International Karting Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain from December 2nd to 9th, 2023.
You can keep up to date with his progress at https://www.facebook.com/ArchieClarkRacing/ and @archieclarkracing on Instagram.