Clark looking for financial backing to further his rallying career (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Clark looking for financial backing to further his rallying career

IF his undoubted passion and talent is anything to go by, Simon Clark should go a long way in the tough world of rallying.

But the main thing currently holding back the progress of this up-and-coming driver from Stow-on-the-Wold is a lack of cash and a half-decent car.

Clark, fast approaching his 27th birthday, began his love affair with the motor-car as a nine-year-old, driving battered wrecks around local farmland.

As soon as he was able, he took driving lessons before passing his test first time as a 17-year-old.

A former pupil of Burford School, he later attended the Community College in the town before gaining his City & Guilds in agricultural mechanics at Evesham College.

He began his working life as a self-employed mechanic, fixing anything from a Robin Reliant to Rolls-Royce.

He is now a self-employed instructor for rally driving, 4 x 4 driving, as well as the high-speed stuff, but is desperately keen to make further advances in his rallying career.

After taking part in a number rallying events, he gained a superb second place in class and eighth position overall in last year's Bomb Along stages at Oakington Airfield.

What makes this particularly success remarkable is that it was achieved in an elderly Alfasud Ti that cost £1000 with money borrowed from his parents and run on second-hand tyres.

Now, though, Clark has raised his sights and is looking to tackle the three-day Jersey Rally in October.

However, with each event costing a minimum of £500 of his hard earned cash, he is looking for an injection of money to have any hope of mounting a serious challenge.

He is indebted to his former co-driver, Steve Bostock, and is now earnestly looking for a new person to fill that role.

Two women who are giving Simon plenty of encouragement and support are his partner Emma Kirby and local celebrity Sharon Davis.

Ultimately, though, he needs a major sponsor and is quite prepared to discuss a package with any possible clients.

Anyone who fancies the job of co-driver or who is interested in becoming a sponsor is asked to contact Simon on 07785 711190.