Young Archie drives like a demon
A TENACIOUS young racer “drove like a demon” to achieve his best ever track performance.
Go karter Archie Clark, 8, overcame multiple problems including a full speed crash into a bridge wall to finish among the top spots.
The youngster from Peckleton trained hard on Friday November 30 and Saturday December 1 to get ready for his timed qualifying race on Saturday afternoon at Trent Valley Kart Club.
Despite being taken out at the hairpin, he recovered to finish fifth out of 46.
He went on to achieve third place in Heat 1 and second in Heat 2, as well as racing the fastest lap in the second race.
This meant he started fourth on the grid in the final, but disaster struck as soon as he crossed the start line.
As the report on the Archie Clark Racing Facebook page explains: “At the start of the race, at the end of the straight, when he was flat out, he was taken out in the first bend to hit the bridge wall hard.
“The marshals pulled Archie and his kart out of wall and dragged it off track to withdraw him from the race.
“Sparkles had different ideas, whilst the marshals got back to their race duties, he managed to straighten the bodywork, pulled the bent Nassau panel off the pedals, restarted the engine to rejoin the race after three minutes.
“Despite being two laps down he drove like a demon to chase the pack down.
“To see our boy fight so hard to be back in the race was inspiring. He came off track with his big Sparkles smile and never complained.”
The team confirmed in the Facebook post that Archie wasn’t too badly hurt in the crash.
It said: “He’s a bit bruised and sore today but absolutely fine - thanks for all the lovely messages to see how he was. “We are so unbelievably proud of him.” Steve Briggs commented on the post: “Good to see you continue many would give up “winners never quit-quitters never win.” ”
Last year Archie won the British MSA (Motor Sports Association) Bambino go-karting Championship, which included races at venues across the UK.
Follow his progress on the Archie Clark Racing Facebook page.