Former Champ Car and Indy Lights racer, Dan Clarke, had the perfect start to his sports car career at New Jersey Motorsports Park last Sunday. The Indianapolis, Indiana based Englishman totally dominated the Intercontinental Trophy Cup Series in his Isringhausen Motorsports with Chris Smith Racing Porsche Cayman. “Speedy” Dan more than lived up to his nick name by topping the time sheets in every session, qualifying the car in pole position,1.4 seconds quicker than the field, winning both 25 lap races and picking up fastest lap in each.
Clarke was offered the chance to drive the 330 bhp Porsche Cayman S car and did not need to be asked twice. “Having spent much of last year coaching team boss Geoff Isringhausen, I was delighted when I was able to complete the deal to race the car in both events in New Jersey”, Dan explained. He went on to describe how much fun the car was to drive and how great it felt to be back on the top step of the winners podium. “I had pole positions and good results in Champ Car but nothing beats the feeling of driving into victory lane.” The Yorkshire born driver has clearly regained thirst for victory, “I would love to do more races this season for Geoff’s team, they are a terrific set of guys and do a really professional job at every event”.
Team mate and Clarke’s student, Geoff Isringhausen was thrilled with his coach’s efforts. “Isringhausen Imports was voted one of the top 25 Porsche dealers in the USA for 2012 and I love the fact that Dan along with Chris Smith Racing is helping Isringhausen Motorsports mirror the performance and achievements of our showrooms on the race track”.
The next round of the series for the Porsche Cayman S cars will take place on June 3rd at Watkins Glen, New York and Clarke is eager to keep this developing hot streak alive, “Geoff and I are working hard to ensure that I can maintain this momentum at the Glen next month and hopefully for the rest of the season”.