Steven Clarke is preparing to ride through the pain barrier at the final round of the 2014 Garmin Arenacross Tour in a bid to consolidate his position as highest-placed British-based rider in this year’s series.
On the line at the Wembley Arena showdown on March 1 is much more than ‘Best Brit’ bragging rights – there’s also the not-so-small matter of a year’s use of a brand-new Honda CR-V car which goes with the position of being the leading Pro rider based in Britain.
The only rider other than Fabien Izoird to win more than one Main Event this year, Clarke (Dyer & Butler KTM) went down hard leading the opening lap of his first heat race in Sheffield.
Initially it was feared the 23-year-old had broken his wrist but when we caught up with him on Wednesday morning the prognosis was much more positive.
“It’s still really swollen and sore,” says Steven, “but the doctor reckons when I crashed I actually just dislocated it. It either went straight back in or back in on the way to hospital when my wrist made a big cracking noise.
“It’s about 60 per cent better now than on Sunday so the plan is to rest up this weekend and be back for Wembley. I’m still the highest-placed British rider in the series and that’s what the team’s aiming for. I’ve been to the gym this morning working on cardio and my legs and although I couldn’t ride now I’m confident I’ll be able to strap it up and ride in the final round.”
The seventh and final round of the tour takes place at Wembley Arena on March 1. For more information and to buy tickets go to www.arenacrossuk.com
