Crossword Genius

Champion in car, a speed merchant (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

racer

'a speed merchant' is the definition.
(someone who drives fast)

'champion in car' is the wordplay.
'champion' becomes 'ace' (both can mean a person excelling at something).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'car' becomes 'RR' (Rolls Royce).
'ace' going into 'rr' is 'RACER'.

(Other definitions for racer that I've seen before include "Greyhound" , "Bike, perhaps" , "Athlete" , "Fast competitive car or animal" , "Participant in speed contest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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