[Hclarke]

2010 Homestead: Firestone Indy Lights Recap
Team: Davey Hamilton Racing
Driver: Henry Clarke #34

Friday practices and the evening qualifying session at Homestead-Miami Speedway were the start of many firsts for driver Henry Clarke. The opening practice session was Henry's first time on track with a best speed of 183.499 mph, placing him 13th on the speed chart. Henry completed 53 laps during the first practice while he and the Davey Hamilton team dialed in the car. The first practice was all about seat time and preparing for race conditions.

The second session showed how quickly Henry was adapting to the new car and track conditions as he posted a 9th quick result at 183.728 mph. Henry's best lap came on lap 22 of 39 in the second practice. Highlighted tasks for the second practice were learning the racing line and getting comfortable in the car. Overall Henry turned 92 laps in preparation for qualifying and Saturday's race.

Henry went out 7th for qualifying and turned his best lap of the day posting a respectable 184.921mph, good enough to place him 11th on the starting grid. When asked about his first time qualifying Henry remarked, "I was really good in 1 & 2 but the sun made 3 & 4 a handful. Overall I thought we could have put the car a few spots higher but we should be good for tomorrow's race."

Saturday's finished as it started with an 11th place result after running as high as 9th. The 34 car bounced between 11th and 12th position over the first 14 laps. A yellow at lap 15 gave Henry the chance to talk things over with spotter Davey Hamilton and make some adjustments to the car. When racing resumed on lap 24 the car came to life and Henry drove his way up to 9th in just 5 laps. He raced the next 19 laps in 9th place running side by side, moving around traffic and showing the kind of car control that the young racer has become known for on the USAC National tour.

"We were really good in the middle of the race and then the car went away." Adding to his problems with an ill handling car the two way radio cut out leaving Henry only able to hear his spotter. "We were great in 1 & 2, I could make up all kinds of time at that end but in 3 & 4 we just lost the handle. I kept mashing the radio button and finally realized I would have to hang on and bring it home with what I had."

Henry Clarke and the Davey Hamilton Racing #34 ended up 11th but the day of firsts kept coming as teammate Brandon Wagner won his first race in the Indy Lights Series. "It was awesome to be here with Davey, Doc Wagner, Brandon's family and the team. I would have liked to finish a bit closer to the front but Brandon's win and seeing that trophy up close are good motivation for next season."

Thanks to all for the great support!