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Clarke excluded from Zolder race

Dan Clarke has been banned from taking any further part in the Champ Car Grand Prix of Belgium following the four-car incident he triggered on the opening lap of morning practice

The Team Minardi USA driver clipped Justin Wilson's right front wheel with his left rear, ripping off the RSPORTS wheel and sending his own car spearing into Jan Heylen's Conquest Racing machine. A closely following Paul Tracy locked up the brakes and ran into the back of Wilson.

Tony Cotman, Champ Car's Executive VPO announced: "Following careful review of the incident this morning, I have barred Dan Clarke from further participation in this weekend's event.

"What happened out there was totally unacceptable. It was an installation lap, there was no need to get that aggressive that early, and he was travelling between 25 and 50 per cent faster than the people he crashed into.

"I have studied the data from all the cars involved, and in fact seven or eight cars. It was pretty clear what went on out there.

"Dan was already under probation for his two incidents in San Jose - and I had been on the verge of parking him then. To me probation means that if that driver is involved in another accident and I deem him responsible then harder action is needed. That's what I've done."

Wilson's, Clarke's and Heylen's cars were too badly damaged to enter the 75-minute session. Heylen is also unable to take part in qualifying this afternoon, to the disappointment of the Belgian crowd.

"I'm still excited about the weekend," said Heylen, "but we all know it's going to be tougher now. I feel bad for all the people that have come to watch me but really the only thing left undamaged on the car was the steering wheel!

"I have real good faith in my team to get the car ready for tomorrow, and I have good faith in Tony [Cotman]. I definitely think something needed to be done, and he's done it, and I respect his decision."

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