THE Borderline Speedway is set to host its time-honoured Kings Challenge on Saturday, January 23, with something extra special this year.
The club has awarded celebrated American flag-wavers/starters Doug and Justin Clark honorary club membership for the duration of the pair’s stay in Australia over the January 22-28 period they will visit.
The father and son are the most famous flag wavers (starters) in the world of dirt track racing as Doug has been waving at the famed Knoxville Raceway in Iowa since 1984.
He finally retired from his role at Knoxville at the end of 2019 and Justin will now take over the role.
To celebrate the end of an era and the conclusion of Doug’s career, friends have banded together to bring him to Australia for the first time so Australian fans can also applaud the remarkable man.
Doug, son Justin and his partner Stephanie, plus 23 other Americans will visit the President’s Cup at Avalon, The Kings Challenge at Mount Gambier and all three nights of The Warrnambool Classic at Premier Speedway.
Doug and Justin will be exhibition flag wavers for selected races during their stay at the three venues.
The difference from their role at Knoxville and other venues they flag in the USA is the flag waver is actually also the starter, whereas the flag waver in Australia relays the starter’s orders from the Chief Steward.
“We know the flagman’s role is pretty different down there in Australia,” Justin said.
“But we’re honoured to be coming down there and showing dad another way of life.
“We’re excited to see the racing in Australia, the countryside and to meet the fans – we cannot wait.
“We’d like to thank the Borderline Speedway for their kindness in offering us membership too.”
Known as “Flag 1” and “Flag 2”, the two Clark’s will be driven around the South East in two tour buses along with their travelling group.
Tourism attractions on the schedule include the Great Ocean Road, The Blue Lake and the Sinkhole, plus a visit to the Scott Motorsport headquarters of Brooke Tatnell for a barbecue lunch.
Doug will also be a guest speaker at “the Classic breakfast” and is expected to be a huge hit at fan appreciation on the Saturday morning.
