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Between Motos - Michael Clarke

posted Jun 03, 2008 to Featured Articles by Ronnie Monk
from the Jun 2008 issue

Michael Clarke

Text: Ronnie Monk

Pics: Photo Frank & Randy Yoho

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FLmx: Michael Clarke, congratulations on your success here as of late man. You are really showing some great speed at Dade City. How does it feel to be a front runner in the Sponsors Cup?

Clarke: I feel great. Its a real accomplishment that i never thought I would accomplish this fast. It has really helped me and made me a lot faster.

FLmx: How long have you been racing now? How did you get your start into moto?

Clarke: On June 30th I will have been racing for 9 years. I started when I was 7 and my friends rode pee wees in the neighborhood and I wanted to try it. From then I have never stopped.

FLmx: Where do you live and go to school at? What grade are you in and how is school going?

Clarke: I live in Tarpon Springs and i attend East Lake High School. I'm in 9th grade and school is really fun and I'm getting straight A's and been a honor role student for the past 7 years.

FLmx: I know you try to ride as much as possible during the week, get trained by instructors and hit a lot of riding schools. What exactly does your week entail?

Clarke: I will normally go to lessons on Monday and Saturday morning I practice Thursday and race on the weekends. If there is no racing I practice at different tracks. I work out Tuesdays and Wednesday but other than that I am normally at home or school.

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FLmx: Lets talk about your Sponsors Cup Team, who are your sponsors and how is this year looking so far for you?

Clarke: My team consists of my Dad and Niel who both work hard between moto's to make sure my bike and riding gear is clean and good. I am sponsored by Performance Honda and Pro-Action Suspension, which really makes my bike handle well. So far this year is looking really good, I just need to stay focused and consistent.

FLmx: What is the main goal for this year at Dade City?

Clarke: To stay consistent and in the end of the series be on top of the podium.

FLmx: Are you racing anywhere else besides Dade City?

Clarke: As of now, not really. I ride at Sunshine and other local tracks. But I hope to do races such as Mini Os, Winter Ams, and Gold Cup but as of now the sponsors cup takes priority.

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FLmx: What other classes are your riding besides Sponsors Cup?

Clarke: I race 125 B

FLmx: What are your main goals in the next few years of your racing career?

Clarke: I hope to just keep excelling and I hope to go to Loretta Lynn's and get a top 10 finish.

FLmx: On planning to try and go pro, do you think you can be a top SX & MX Pro one day?

Clarke: I think I can. I just have to keep pushing myself and get the right people behind me, but for now I'm having fun.

FLmx: Good luck with the rest of the year man, who would you like to thank?

Clarke: I would like to thank my Mum and Dad, My mechanic Neil, Bobby Williams of Pro Action Suspension, Performance Honda, Frank Valente of Sunshine Motocross, West Coast Powersports, Stellar MX Graphics and all the guys that have trained me from the beginning Vince, JB, Kenny you've helped me out to get me to were I am today. FLMX for this interview and last but not least Randy Yoho for putting up with me from day one and still helping me today in more ways than people know.