The 2018 race season was successful for local racer Kayden Clark, even though he started late in the season and only made it to four race weekends.
Clark, only being 16 years-old and never having raced a car before, did well, bringing home four trophies and some cash prizes.
He came in first place twice, second place four times and had two third place wins, running a 1979 Camaro.
He also had his fare share of bad luck with some overheating issues, a couple blown tires and a few wipe outs.
“I was in the air most of the time, instead of on the track—I did a couple Dukes of Hazards,” joked Clark.
“My first time on the track I spun out during the qualifying runs and then on the first race I got black flagged for causing too many cautions.”
Clark added he became interested in the motor sport from watching his father, Rusty Clark, as well as his grandfather race on the old Clearwater track when he was a kid.
Clark’s father Rusty agreed the family has been racing for a long time, and that’s one of the reasons why he’s encouraging the next generation to get involved.
Rusty said perhaps if enough local youth are encouraged to take an interest in racing and going to Merritt, where the races take place, the old Clearwater track can be revived.
“It’s sure nice to see these young Clearwater boys working hard learning the mechanics of these cars and the driving fundamentals that they need this early in life,” said Rusty.
“It would be nice to see more kids and adults get involved with this racing.”
Along with Clark, other Clearwater youth involved in the sport include Greg Sorensen, who came in first throughout the entire last weekend of the season, and Brant Settle, with all three doing well this season.
Rusty added there’s a fourth person that will be building a car this winter and he hopes to see more.
“Having a few sponsors for our car has definitely helped us and we’re excited for a couple more sponsors from Clearwater that have approached us to help out for the 2019 race season,” Rusty said.
“Without these sponsors it’s just not doable—I would definitely like to encourage other businesses around town to try and help out more of these young racers get out there, cause they’re really turning heads.
“Between the three race teams here we do have a few extra parts and we’re willing to try and help out anyone looking to get into it.”
Sponsors of the Clearwater teams include SS Brushing (Brad Warner), Clearwater Radiator (Jim Settle), Double D’s Garage Bar and Grill (Denise Mcdonald) and Ed Peebles.
