RICHARDS DECLARES INDYCAR DREAM
Formula Ford and Toyota 86 Series driver Clay Richards has revealed his dream to race in America in the IndyCar Series.
The third-generation driver is the son of Steven Richards, and grandson of Jim, both of whom are renowned Supercars figures.
However, the young driver is looking to the premier US open-wheel category as a long-term goal.
“If the opportunity comes, I’d love to go overseas to America and race IndyCar, that’s the big dream,” Richards told Auto Action.
The strong Supercars influence has rubbed off on Richards though.
“Supercars is definitely on the radar as well,” Richards said.
“At the moment, I’m not really thinking too much on that stuff. I’m just enjoying my racing for what it is and doing the best I can on track
“I guess we have to be grateful for any events we get at the moment.”
This year Richards has entered in both Formula Ford and the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series, but thus far has been restricted to five rounds of racing between them.
The Victorian Formula Ford Championship has provided encouragement, Richards finishing on the podium in every race including a maiden victory at Phillip Island.
The third-generation racer is looking to compete in both Formula Ford and the 86 Series again next year, after an interrupted 2021.
“For the moment I will continue on with Formula Ford and 86,” Richards revealed.
“I want to try and do the full Australian Championship in Formula Ford, we haven’t really done that in the past, we haven’t done a full season yet.
“We started our Formula Ford campaign this year at Round 2 at Winton, so to do a full season is definitely on the cards, as well as Toyota 86.
“I’m very lucky to have a lot of support behind me, especially this year. And that’s coming from my dad knowing a lot of people and them willing to help out a young kid like me.”
Auto Action understands that the Toyota 86 Series will close out its 2021 season with at least one Sydney Motorsport Park round, followed by a finale during the six-day Bathurst 1000 event.
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