Clarke boosted by Portland drive

The Formula Three graduate was involved in a series of incidents in his early races, but starred throughout the Portland weekend.

He qualified sixth, jumped to second in the chaotic start, and then held his own until damaging a tyre and pitting early.

"I got a great start into second and I was quite comfortable," said Clarke. "We knew that AJ (Allmendinger) was quick all weekend so we weren't trying to win the race.

"Our first race is the rookie race, and we knew we'd been miles ahead of the rookies so we were content with that.

"To run that pace was really confidence boosting. It was scary at the time because everyone was on your tail, but it was good."

Clarke fell back later in the race but eventually claimed sixth with a last lap pass on former champion Paul Tracy.

"After our last stop PT was ahead and there was some cursing going on in the helmet," said Clarke. "I think that was a real battle, I know he was trying and I was trying.

"To get him on the last lap like that, I'll remember that for a while."

CTE Racing-HVM team boss Keith Wiggins also felt that Portland could prove to be a breakthrough weekend for Clarke, who now leads the rookie standings.

"He's proved he's got the speed," said Wiggins. "I think we've got to remember that two years ago he was in Formula Ford. It's a big step, and we all knew it was a big step for him, so I expected it to take some time.

"I think a couple of accidents hurt his confidence a little bit, but good guys stick with it and come through, so I think he's over it."