Jack Clarke: “This is big boys’ stuff”

His career path has seen him win in Formula Two and Formula Palmer Audi, but BTCC newcomer Jack Clarke says all his focus is now on the “big boys’ stuff” of touring car racing.

The 26-year-old, who is the stepson of former F1 and touring car ace Julian Bailey, described the buzz of media day as “overwhelming” as he officially unveiled the dramatic Crabbie’s livery of his Ford Focus ST.

Fast forward a week, and both Clarke and his Motorbase Performance team believe they are in good shape ahead of their home race at Brands Hatch this weekend.

Speaking to TouringCarTimes, Clarke said: “It’s overwhelming. There is a real buzz in the air and everyone is really excited for the season, including me. It is starting to feel very real now.

“It is a different discipline for me, but it’s got four wheels and I can manage that. I’ve just got to go out there, get my foot down and get on with it.

“Being a single seater driver is in the past now. This is big boys’ stuff. I’m looking forward to it, because it will be a challenge, but it is one I am ready to take on.

“I’m looking forward to racing against some of these guys who I’ve watched on television for a long time, and have looked up to. I’m looking forward to rubbing shoulders with them.”

Asked about the role his stepfather could play in his season, Clarke added: “It is a pretty similar sort of road we went down. It is great to have him on board to help, and his advice is invaluable.”

Clarke is set to line up alongside Mat Jackson and Fabrizio Giovanardi, and his Motorbase team manager Oly Collins believes the trio are in good shape heading into the most competitive season in years.

He said: “We’ve enjoyed a positive pre-season test programme and we go into the first round at our local circuit in a buoyant mood. That said, it’s looking like a very competitive grid this season and it’s not going to be easy. I’m sure our competitors are all confident too. It will be a very interesting first weekend discovering who has the edge. 

“We’ve got a fantastic driver line up in our three cars this season. Fabrizio’s previous results speak for themselves and he’s clearly a fantastic addition to the team this year, he’s shown that already. Mat has been with us a long time and we know what each other is capable of and Jack has been really impressive in testing so we’re looking forward to a great start to the season.”

The team have spent the winter rebuilding and developing the 2014 spec Focus ST, which has a completely new aero package, and “significant improvements in all areas.”

“Everyone at Motorbase has worked incredibly hard over the winter to get to this point and I hope they can all be repaid with some great results at Brands Hatch,” added Collins.