NBA forward Brandon Clarke was arrested last week after allegedly speeding by police at more than 100 mph in his C8 Corvette ZR1.
According to reports from Action News 5Clarke was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon in Cross County after deputies observed a white Corvette ZR1 traveling at a high rate of speed along Highway 54 East, near County Road 800. The driver behind the wheel reportedly did not stop immediately, triggering a pursuit that police said was only completed after a second deputy joined the chase. Clarke was eventually pulled over near a local business and taken into custody without further incident.
Clarke plays as a forward for the Memphis Grizzlies. After Clarke’s arrest, authorities conducted a search of the Corvette ZR1 and reportedly seized more than 200 grams of kratom. Under Arkansas law, kratom is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Police also found a vaporizer that tested positive for marijuana.
Clarke now faces multiple charges, including trespassing, fleeing/exceeding the speed limit, possession of a controlled substance, and trafficking in a controlled substance.
For readers who may not be aware, the C8 Corvette ZR1 is the penultimate player in the eighth-generation Corvette lineup, featuring a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 LT7 engine that produces 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. Output is channeled exclusively to the rear axle via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Properly motivated, the C8 ZR1 can sprint from rest to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds when equipped with the optional ZTK Performance Package, which includes an upgraded suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, and carbon ceramic brakes. Top speed is rated at over 230 mph. Redline is set at 8,000 rpm.
Like all C8 Corvette variants, the new ZR1 uses the GM Y2 platform, while vehicle production takes place at GM’s Bowling Green plant located in Kentucky, the exclusive production plant for the Corvette since 1981.
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