Steven Clarke: back on top
By TMX Archives on 24th Jun 15
Its been a long and bumpy path back to recognition for European champion Steven Clarke. Technical problems, theft of bikes and re-organisation have all been confidence-bashing for the Apico Husqvarna rider.
But Clarke finally put the No.1 plate where it should be through a frantic fifth round of nine in the 2015 EMX250 series. Overall victory in Germany swung in and out of the hands of riders like Damon Graulus and Adam Sterry before Clarke clinched the second moto.
Visibly relieved, he not only dispelled some of the angst from a troublesome season so far but also from a head-dropping first moto in Teutschenthal when arm-pump ruined any chance of a 1-1. TMX spoke to Steven and this is what he had to say after becoming the third different winner in EMX250 this term...
TMX: After an experience like Valkenswaard that we imagine was like being at rock bottom was it emotional to get that win?
Steven Clarke: I try not to get emotional these days! For me it is a job and you don't get any brownie points for crying. I think a lot of hard work has finally paid off. Valkenswaard was more utter devastation than being upset. I put a lot of hard work into the pre-season to retain the number one plate.
My shock collapsed in Italy – which was a big disappointment – and then to go to Valkenswaard and crash on the first corner of the first moto and have the bikes stolen overnight meant I could not race moto two. It has been a battle since then. I didn't have any race bikes to race MX2 and had to move up to MX1 for Canada Heights.
Husqvarna stepped in and gave me two more bikes to use for the rest of the season and we had to buy more race engines, more exhausts, more suspension, everything. I kind of turned it round at Matterley Basin and that was when we finally got my suspension dialled in again and my engines sorted properly.
Since then I've been having fun on the bike and some good results.
TMX: So this weekend...
SC: I felt great on Saturday and was in a position to win the moto until I let it slip with about four or five minutes to go. That was heart-breaking because I've worked so hard for this.
I know it is the European championship and it is not quite MXGP or MX2 but to me it is what I am racing and it's special.I went out this morning, had a bit of a average start but apparently Sterry made a bit of a mistake and got his bike caught on the fence.
I made some good laps, caught Brian Hsu and didn't look back and finished the race off strong.
FOR MORE OF THIS INTERVIEW SEE TMX NEWS, JUNE 25, (ISSUE 1977)
