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British MGOC Class A Driver Lorraine Clark, 36, comes from London, England and has been racing for just 5 years. This year she gained awards for 4th in the MGOC Class A, and top lady racing driver of BWRDC (British Women’s Racing Drivers Club). These awards and her unending determination drive her forward, with ambitions for a first win this year. As a young girl, Lorraine was always competitive and through her athletic pursuits gained tremendous experience of the hard work and dedication necessary to reach the top in any sport. A regular competitor in Pentathlon events at County level, Lorraine went on to pursue race-walking and was becoming competent, finishing 23rd in the country at the age of 14, when injury struck. A complicated knee problem, although eventually diagnosed and operated on, prevented Lorraine ever returning to full fitness. Lorraine married Terry at 19 and had her son, Daniel at 23, but as soon as Daniel was at school full-time Lorraine knew she had to pursue something for herself. Her uncle had been racing MG’s for some time and Lorraine had often gone along to watch. It was at this point she decided to get a job to finance a racing career, and that is what she did. Lorraine started out as a part-time PA but as her racing costs grew she started to work full-time and now manages the office at A D International, a consultancy and publisher, who kindly sponsor her with some money and time off as needed.
Although she has only been racing for 5 years, Lorraine’s dramatic style never ceases to amaze. In her first year of racing, Lorraine was placed on pole position (probably a sexist gesture by all her fellow racers (yes they were all men)) for the start of a two driver race at Mondello Park in Ireland. Totally unperturbed by the onslaught of cars a great deal faster than her own she set off with genuine enthusiasm.
Whilst leading her first race at Lydden Hill, in Kent, Lorraine’s alternator bracket broke, the alternator then dispersed its teeth under the bonnet, shredding the fan belt and causing a loss of power and the race. This year a total brake failure, as the seal in the master cylinder gave way due to excessive heat, resulted in a triple roll at Zolder in Belgium. Spectators were to witness the emergency services at their very best as they ripped the roof off the car and lifted Lorraine carefully from the wreckage. Despite a visit to the local hospital she was declared fit, though possibly not very sensible, and with the help of other competitors rebuilt the cars sufficiently to pass scrutineering and compete in the second of the double-header race. Lorraine finished a commendable 9th from 22nd, in appalling conditions driving a car that looked like it had gone nine rounds with Mike Tyson! This winter the car has to be re-shelled again following a dramatic season, but she remains undeterred. Lorraine constantly encourages other ladies to take up the sport and has been an inspiration to many. She is currently taking over as secretary for the BWRDC) and is an Associate Editor for Thunder Valley Racing.
The Distant Thunder Driver of the Month is also
published as a feature article in
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Lorraine Clark
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