The 2017 New Zealand SpeedSport "Star of Tomorrow" Motor Racing Scholarship winner Conrad Clark of Taupo, New Zealand, will cross many waters to follow in the footsteps of fellow Kiwi Brendon Leitch, joining Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport for the 2018 Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda season.
“I am looking forward to a new country as this will be my inaugural trip to the USA," said Clark. "I am also excited about experiencing the close racing and competitive side of international motorsport with Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport. My preparation has been extensive, and I look forward to the challenge of Formula 4. It’s going to be a big jump going to wings and slicks and having 100 additional horsepower, I am excited and can’t wait to get over there.”
Clark is set to finish his fully-funded NZ Formula First season before making the journey to the states. The 15-year-old is the dark horse in the outright Formula First championship chase and clinched the Rookie of the Year title during the series’ penultimate event.
Founded by Dennis Martin, the SpeedSport Scholarship has kick-started the careers of many young Kiwis including Brendon Hartley, Shane Van Gisbergen and Nick Cassidy. The winner receives a year-long fully funded program which includes a free drive in the Manfeild Winter Series and the Hi-Q Components NZ Formula First Championship, totaling in 12 events across all North Island circuits, along with networking opportunities and promotional support which includes a full social media management package. Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport partnered with the program this season, offering the winner a free test abroad in one of its F4 U.S. cars.
“It was clear to see Dennis’ passion for racing with his goal to see young drivers succeed. This was exactly in line with our goals," Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport co-owner Garry Orton said. "Two things happened while talking to Dennis, it was the start 
of Conrad’s future leap to join our team in the U.S. and a test was born. The winner of his Speedsport Scholarship this year will get a test in our F4 race car, which is way of giving back an opportunity that might not have been there."
Outside of Formula First Clark has competed in karts over the last three years.
“The commitment, the dedication and saying “yes”! I am so proud for this leap Conrad has taken to further his dreams of being a racer," said Teena Larsen, Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport co-owner. "We will help him both on and off the track learn more and be more. It will be an awesome season."
Clark joins Australian teammate Joshua Car on Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport as these young-guns get a taste of the American-style racing.
“The Kiwis and Aussies are always in tough competition against each other on the world stage of sports," said Patrick Flynn, co-owner of Crosslink/Kiwi Motorsport. "This match-up will be no different. I’m looking forward to an exciting season”.
In a strategic partnership packed with experience and ambition, Kiwi Motorsport and Crosslink Racing merged during the off-season to become one in an effort to defeat all-comers in 2018. The top-two international F4 U.S. teams united in a bold attempt to win both the 2018 F4 U.S. Championship and the inaugural Formula 3 Americas Championship Powered by Honda.
The third season of the F4 U.S. Championship kicks-off at VIRginia International Raceway April 27-29 with Pirelli World Challenge. For more information about the 2018 season, visit F4USChampionship.com.
For more information on Crosslink / Kiwi Motorsport, please contact Teena Larsen via e-mail to teena@teenalarsen.com or by phone 682.208.4754. facebook: @crosslinkkiwimotorsport
Photos provided by Geoff Ridder Photography
