Forum: SCRAFAN.COM Forum (go)
Moderators: ljennings

2009 USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR JOINS DAVEY HAMILTON RACING
Henry Clarke tests his first Firestone Indy Lights Car in Kentucky

Davey Hamilton Racing announced USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of The Year Henry Clarke will be taking his career to the next level by securing his Rookie license driving the #32 Firestone Indy Lights car at Kentucky Speedway in September. Clarke, a native of Villa Park, California, relocated to Indiana in May to race for Keith Kunz Motor Sports in the USAC National Midget and Sprint Car Series. He was awarded the USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of The Year Award in 2009 and continues to excel in the Sprint Car and Midget Series.

Brandon Wagner, driver of the #32 car for Davey Hamilton Racing, stated “I am pleased to have someone of Henry’s stature in our Firestone Indy Lights car” Henry will have the chance to work with veteran engineer Darrell Soppe, seasoned mechanic Jimmy Pinkley, in car coaching by Brandon Wagner, and driver coaching by owner Davey Hamilton. Henry is optimistic about getting the opportunity to race at Miami/Homestead if it does not interfere with his current racing obligations.

For additional information, please email Brandon Wagner at [email protected] or [email protected]

We have been blessed with great fans and fellow drivers who continue to give Henry encouragement and guidance - thank you all. We are all very proud as Henry takes this next step in open wheel racing with Davey Hamilton Racing.

Would like to read what Henry thinks about his sprint car racing experience back east as compared to the PAS. Congrats to you on your move up the ladder and much success.

Henry Clarke is obviously a very talented young man in a race car. That said, I can't help thinking that some part of his early successes are a testament to Cory Kruseman's Sprint Car And Midget Driving School where Clarke got his early start. Kudos to Cory, and his school, for whatever their role was in spring boarding Henry, who looks to be a future champion. It seems to me that other aspiring young drivers might do well to consider Cory's school for part of their training. And all the best of luck to you Henry Clarke.

Mike Brown

BTW: Neither Henry nor Cory know who I am. Just a fan of both.

Good luck Hammerin Hank watch out for the peanutbutter

good luck Ralphie

Thank you. You are spot on. Cory was one of the first texts when Henry won at Toledo. It all started with an email to Cory and three days in Ventura at his driving school just three years ago this month. Three days and Cory says, "you should come race this weekend." A quick trip to Simpson to purchase a driving suit (one that two of us could have fit into) and Henry was on his way...

Jim Naylor and the crew at Ventura are very special to our family. Morris was the first one after seeing the kid run on day three. "He's gonna give Greg and Troy all they can handle real soon." Who knew? Gotta kid that wants to race, need some seat time to sharpen your dirt skills - Cory Kruseman's Driving School is a great choice.

I was watching a video that looked like sprint car bowling with fence panels flying like pins after a ball in the pocket... Naylor's "uuuuuuuOHHHHHH" is one of my funniest memories. Henry's time on the USAC tour: Belleville, PAS this season, the great runs in PA, and Toledo - the line of people to thank starts in Ventura, stretches across to St Louis and just keeps going.

We've been blessed with help from some of the best in the business, encouragement from race fans all over the country and couldn't be more thrilled to have Davey Hamilton Racing working with Henry.

Look for a press release in the coming days.

Short story - Henry made a mock qualifying run today as part of his competitor license test at Kentucky. He was fast enough to have taken the pole at the last Indy Lights race at Kentucky Speedway.

More to follow......

That's a good first step to getting another American to get to the Brickyard!