Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING - The action continues at the Sebring International Raceway this week with the Skip Barber Racing School INDYCAR Academy coming to the legendary 3.74 mile course.
The winner of the shootout will receive a sponsored ride in either this year's summer or winter Skip Barber Regional Race Series presented by Mazda.
Among the drivers at the competition slated for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be American competition swimmer and Olympic gold medalist swimmer Tyler Clary.
In his Olympic debut at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Clary won gold in the 200-meter backstroke setting a new Olympic record.
Clary's passion for racing began when he was young.
"I've always been around fast cars and sand rails, so naturally it's been an interest of mine. For as long as I can remember, I've always sought the thrill of being at the wheel of any fast car," he said.
That, combined with the fact that he "just loves driving," has fueled his pursuit of racing.
Swimming, however, is much more affordable with parents keeping him committed to the pool.
It was only recently that Clary had an opportunity to attend a three day Skip Barber School - which he called "a life changing experience."
"The first time I was strapped in it was total elation," he said. "I had been to a few IndyCar races and to be getting into an open wheel car myself was fantastic. I couldn't wait to get out on the track and feel what it was like to push both the car and myself to the edge."
Clary said driving at the Skip Barber school gave him a feeling of confidence along with a sense of encouragement.
"I went into it not knowing if I would be any good. After feeling good about my performance in the car combined with how I was doing in comparison to the other drivers in my specific program, I thought I might have some chance at taking another step in racing," he said
In total, the Riverside, CA-native has won 11 medals in major international competitions, including one gold, seven silvers, and three bronzes spanning the Summer Olympics, the FINA World Championships, the Pan Pacific Championships as well as the Pan American Games
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 - www.newssun.com/WED-1-23-13-Driver