Jack Clarke joins the BTCC with Motorbase Performance

Former Formula Two and GT racer Jack Clarke will join the British Touring Car Championship in 2014, driving for Motorbase Performance.

The 26-year-old, who is the stepson of former BTCC and Formula One driver Julian Bailey, will race in the one of the team’s Ford Focus STs under the Crabbie’s Racing banner.

Clarke competed in Formula BMW in 2006, before taking five wins in two years in Formula Palmer Audi, in 2007 and 2008. He then moved to Formula Two for 2009, where he competed for three seasons, taking a win and six podiums.

He has since competed in the World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series and Blancpain Endurance Series, plus a number of NASCAR stock-car events in the US.

Clarke was evaluated alongside Fabrizio Giovanardi in the team’s recent tests at Brands Hatch and Snetterton, where the team were reportedly delighted with his speed and adaptability.

He said: “I’m delighted to be joining the BTCC and I’m thankful to both Crabbie’s and Motorbase for the opportunity. The BTCC continues to go from strength-to-strength, and I’m excited to be racing in Britain’s premier championship.

“The calibre and quality of the field is very high and it’ll be my first year in touring cars, so I’m under no illusions as to how tough it’s going to be. Testing has gone very well and I obviously have confidence in my own ability, so I cannot wait to take on this exciting challenge.”

Clarke’s arrival means there are only two more vacant seats left to fill to complete the 2014 field – the third Motorbase Performance Focus, and the second Rob Austin Racing Audi A4.