IL: Clarke returns with Walker

Briton Dan Clarke will return to the US open-wheel scene after inking a deal to race in the Firestone Indy Lights series with Derrick Walker.

Craig Llewellyn_1

10 Apr 2010

Champ Car World Series. 6-8 July, 2007. Toronto Grand Prix. Exhibition Place, Tornoto, Ontario, Cana — Champ Car World Series. 6-8 July, 2007. Toronto Grand Prix. Exhibition…
© Dan R Boyd

Walker Racing has revealed that British driver Dan Clarke will pilot the team's #40 Firestone Indy Lights entry at this weekend's second round at Barber Motorsports Park.

Well known for his spirited drives in the 2006 and 2007 Champ Car World Series, Clarke finished runner-up to Will Power in the 2006 rookie of the year standings, and has his sights set on the IZOD IndyCar Series in 2011.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to join Walker Racing and to be back racing in the USA," the Yorkshireman admitted, "Since 2006, I've focused my career on the US open-wheel scene and, after unification, I feel my career is back on track. Competing this year in the Firestone Indy Lights Series is a great place for me to do it."

Walker Racing made an encouraging start to the 2010 season with Jonathan Summerton, as the young American soldiered his way to the front after an early race incident.

"Jonathan is still very much in our thoughts," Walker confirmed, "He has repeatedly demonstrated his talent and I hope we get him back in our line-up for our second car."

Despite being without Summerton this weekend, however, Walker couldn't be happier to have Clarke in the cockpit.

"I have always been impressed with Dan's speed when we raced against him in the Champ Car years," the ex-pat Scot noted, "Back in those days, the 'Road to Indy' was not as clear as it is now, so we share the same objective in racing in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, our aim is the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500."