Clinton Sellers Back To SA
Cycle News Staff | February 7, 2011
The following is from Clinton Seller’s publicist…In 2010 the South African Clinton Seller had his debut season on the Project 1 Atlanta Yamaha in the Daytona Sportbike class.From the time Seller started racing at the age of 3 his dream was to race at the AMA. In 2010 his dream became a reality. Seller sold everything he owned and moved to the United States, which was an adventure on its own.
Having never seen the race tracks, Seller knew it would be a challenging year. However he reveled, in the challenge, confident that his team and bikes were of a world class standard.”When I committed to the program, I did not know a sole on the team. However after our first meeting and test at Fontana, I knew this would be the right team for me. We were having fun, yet working hard.”Seller’s year had its ups and downs, but he always persevered towards his goal of being a consistent front runner towards the second half of the season. “I knew getting used to new race tracks, a new motorcycle, different race format, and a new country would be challenging. I knew I could be fast, but it was just a matter of getting my rhythm, confidence and learning to race with a new bunch of guys.”Seller began accomplishing his goal with highlights such as leading his first AMA race at Road America, as well as moving on to a podium finish at Laguna Seca during the Moto GP round.A major setback for Seller was a one race ban at the only track he knew, New Jersey Motorsports Park, due to a turn one incident at the previous round at V.I.R., in which he and Josh Herrin came together causing Herrin to crash out. “It was a huge disappointment to be sidelined at Jersey because that was the track I knew I could win at. I definitely felt that the punishment far outweighed the crime, but for me it was more important to focus on coming back strong for the final round at Barber Motorsports Park than to be sour about something I had no control over.”And that is just what Seller did, qualifying on the front row and ultimately finishing a close 2nd to Martin Cardenas, the eventual 2010 Champion, in race 1. “Barber was really a good track for me because I tested there earlier in the year. I arrived knowing the race track, which was a first.”The season ended on a high note for Seller, with his best result of the year. Unfortunately, after contacting every team possible during the off season, he has not managed to secure a ride for 2011.”I called every team owner that I could get in touch with, but unfortunately, due to the economy, unless you have money to bring to the table, you’re unable to get a ride. I come from a small African country where the exchange rate to the dollar is 7 to 1. Therefore, that kind of money is hard to come by.””I am really sad and disappointed there are no opportunities to stay and race here in the American Championship. I will return to South Africa, but my main goal now is to keep racing, riding and staying sharp so that when things turn around here I can come back and work towards becoming an AMA champion.”We really hope to see Clinton Seller back here racing in the AMA paddock.
