Michael Clarke to race in Queensland rally

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke will swap the baggy green for a racing helmet when he takes part in the International Rally of Queensland (IROQ) later this month. Organisers announced on Wednesday Clarke would put his passion for racing to the test in the event, to be held on the Sunshine Coast from May 25-27. Clarke will join the BP Ultimate team to drive two stages of the race and said he was thrilled to be taking part in his first rally event. "It's pretty well known that I have a passion for driving but a part of me has always wondered what it would be like to go up against the best in the business," Clarke said. "There's no doubt that rally driving is one of the most exhilarating sports around and, as someone who puts my heart into everything I do, this is a great opportunity to mix it with some of the world's best drivers." Clarke will drive alongside veteran professional co-driver Mark Stacey, who has competed at international level for two decades. The IROQ, in its 44th year, will feature around 90 cars and is the longest-running round in the Australian Rally Championship, also incorporating a round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship.