One of the drivers making their World Final debut this year is 394 Chris Clare. I took the opportunity to grab a quick word with him….
MB: How does it feel going into your first World Final?
CC: I’m just glad to have made it to a World Final and to be involved.
MB: How did you feel going into your Semi Final at Sheffield?
CC: I was relieved that I got the shale semi and then the weather and the poor track conditions on the day helped even the playing field.
MB: When you realised you had qualified for the world, what was your reaction?
CC: When the yellows came out for the third time in the semi, I knew I was in a position to qualify if I just held on and finished. When I did cross the line and got seventh I was just relieved.
MB: How has the build up to the World Final been for you?
CC: Unfortunately I have only been able to race once since the semi, so I have not had much chance to try things out, I can’t wait to get out there though and give it my best shot.
MB: Have you decided how to approach the World Final yet?
CC: I’m just going to take it as it comes! You can’t predict what’s going to happen in Stock Car Racing.
MB: Was it your aim at the beginning of the season to qualify for the World Final?
CC: Yes definitely! I can’t race every meeting in the season so I made the shale qualifiers my priority.
MB: Have you spoken to any drivers around previous world final experiences?
CC: No, I’ve not had the chance to be honest.
MB: Is the car ready for the World Final yet?
CC: No! Lots of work to do but it’ll come together in time, it always does.
MB: Are your pit crew and family looking forward to it?
CC: Yes everyone’s excited and the support I’ve had has been great. It’s a new experience for us all, so were just enjoying it.
MB: I’m sure you have some words for them in this interview?
CC: I’d just like to say thank you to everybody for all the help and support over the years.
MB: Talk us through your season so far?
CC: It’s been a bit hit and miss. I’ve not done as many meetings as I’d have liked, so it’s been hard to get the car to run as well as I know it can.
MB: Tell us what a week in your life is like?
CC: Monday to Saturday I work as a self employed mechanic. I enjoy going to the gym three times a week and twice a week I spend the evening working on my car. The week before a meeting can get hectic, If there’s a lot to do on the car and some times it means working every night and even doing an all nighter if needs be.
MB: Are you pleased the World Final is at Kings Lynn?
CC: Yes definitely, Kings Lynn is my favourite shale track and Buster does a great job on it.
MB: What would it mean to win the World Final?
CC: It would be an amazing achievement and a great honour to have the gold wing.
Well there we are, an insight into how Chris feels about his first world final, and we wish him the best of luck in it too.
Watch out for more interviews and info as we head towards the big one.
Matt Black