Queenspark Engineer Greg Clemence has had his dream of racing in this years New Zealand Sprintcar Championship dashed when he broke his sternum in a road car accident.
Clemence, a veteran of racing took last season off to concentrate on his business, and to give him plenty of time to build up a new car for this seasons big events.
“ I had spent years running a small 358 cubic inch engine, and didn't really have time to get things where I wanted them, so it was easier to take a year off, and rebuild the car over a period of months.”
Clemence purchased an engine from Kriner Racing, in Chambersberg, Pennsylvania and freshened up his Retro chassis.
“We put all new running gear right through. Kriners supplied a 410 cubic inch engine especially designed for the quarter mile tracks that we race on here in New Zealand. I took the car to Cromwell at Christmas, and we won the feature race one night. I was all 'fizzed up' about running the Speedweek, and next weeks (Feb 3 & 4) New Zealand Championships at Ruapuna, and then I got cleaned up in a road accident.”
Clemence is particularly disappointed that he won't be able to hit the track against iconic American driver Sammy Swindell.
“There are few bigger names in the USA than Sammy. I know it sounds a bit corny, but I've always been a big fan of his. I don't know if the people of Christchurch quite know how famous he is. I'm guttered! I'm pretty sure he would have blown me into the wind, but just to be on the same track...”
Clemence, although he admits to not being a great spectator will be in the stands both nights, but he knows that a once in a life time chance is now gone.
