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It All Started With a Dream- Young Gun Clyde Knipp to take on Outlaws
By Justin Snyder- Mechanicsburg
Growing up in California, Missouri, Clyde Knippalways wondered what the roaring sounds were that filled the air every weekend from May to August.
He’d hear the engines and the announcer calling races from the nearby Double-X Speedway and his curiosity as a 10-year old had him asking his father to take him.
Minutes into his first trip to the speedway, it was love at first sight. While his dad was interested in stock cars, late models and street stocks, Clyde was fascinated by the Sprint Cars.
“The shape of the wing and the sound of them coming through the turns, I knew right away that this would be more than just a hobby for me,” said Knipp. “From then on out, all I cared about was racing all day and everyday.”
Little did he know how soon that dream would be become a reality. While most 17 year olds are preparing for college and heading out into the work force, Knipp will be gaining his education as a touring member of the World of Outlaws racing against the best sprint car drivers in the world.
“It’s really been a whirlwind. Everyone keeps telling me that I’m crazy, but this is what I’ve waited my whole life for. It’s my dream and there is no better time than now to chase it.”
Most drivers take their time learning the ropes of racing and spend many years on the local racing circuit honing their craft. For some drivers, the opportunity to travel never becomes a reality.
But for Knipp, the opportunity came after only 1 year of racing experience.
“I’m about as new at this as one can be when it comes to experience,” said Knipp. “I know that the odds are against us, but I’m ready to prove doubters wrong and soak as much in as I can along the way.”
Confidence is not hard to come by in this young man’s eyes. It was that same fighting spirit and ambition that got Knipp involved with his car owner and crew chief, Andy Korte, four years ago.
After that first night at the track, he attended more races over the next few years as a fan and struck up a friendship with Korte, former owner of the Wingless Auto Racing series. His mind consumed with racing, the then-15 year old ambitiously asked him for a job.
“Andy was from the same town as me and I just had to find a way to be involved in the sport more,” said Knipp. “I guess he could tell that I really liked racing and he decided to take a chance on me and hired me to shoot video.”
Over the next two seasons, Knipp served as a videographer and part-time announcer for the series. He would interview drivers and get involved in any aspect that was needed.
His spirited attitude and willingness to learn once again caught the eye of Korte, who decided to give the young enthusiast an opportunity of a lifetime.
Before creating W.A.R., Korte had previously wrenched on cars driven by guys like Jesse Hockett and Brian Brown. After four seasons promoting the series, he was getting the itch again to work on cars.
“I had always talked about one day driving sprint cars and it just so happened Andy had been thinking about wrenching again. So we decided we were getting a car and he told me I could give it a try and we’d see how it worked out.”
Throughout the 2015 season, Knipp competed in both wing and non-wing series such as the National Sprint League, MOWA, USAC, WAR and All Star Circuit of Champions.
He finished the year with 11 top 10 finishes and two top fives spread out amongst the various series.
“This year was all about gaining comfort in the car and getting my feet wet,” said Knipp. “Everybody wants to win races, but if I’m learning along the way that’s as good as a win to me.”
After much debate and thinking, the team decided they wanted to travel more in 2016. A few of their sponsors stepped up, and when considering tow money and traveling schedules, it was decided that the WoO made the most sense.
“It really was a no brainer after we put it down on paper and drew everything up,” said Knipp. “The point fund and tow money set up made it the best bang for our buck. And there is no better way to gain experience then seeing a different track every night we race.”
The team will kick off the season in February at Volusia Speedway Park, in Florida, then head to Cotton Bowl Speedway and Royal Purple Speedway in Texas.
They will then take a short break so Clyde can fulfill a promise he made to his family to graduate high school.
“My whole family is on board, but they insisted that I finish up high school and get an education. It was kind of their only rule before saying yes to me doing this.”
CKR will then pick back up with the WoO in May at the Summer Nationals at Williams Grove Speedway and finish out the remaining 2016 season with them.
He’s really excited about coming to Pennsylvania and visiting the historical Central PA tracks.
“Last October I did a project for school about the National Open Benefit and everything that they do for sprint car racing and the injured drivers fund,” said Knipp. “I’ve always found that really cool and it’s a unique opportunity to visit some of the most famous tracks in the country.”
He added that he was looking forward to bonding with the fans and showing the Pennsylvania crowds what he has to offer.
“I know all about the PA Posse and Outlaws rivalry and I’ve learned that the PA fans are some of the best in the country. I’ll be coming in as an Outlaw, but I hope to make a few fans while out there and do a good job.”
Some of his favorite drivers are Brian Brown, Bryan Clauson and Justin Henderson. He is also inspired by what the Pennsylvania based Shark Racing has accomplished by running on the national tour.
“We are a little team and we are new to this whole deal. Seeing guys like Logan and Jacob make it out there gives me plenty of confidence that we can do it too. Hopefully we can fit in and make some friends along the way.”
Along with it being the day of his birthday (May 13) and his grandpa’s lucky number, one of his heroes in racing is part of the reason they will run the number 13.
“Andy worked very closely with Jesse Hockett as his crew chief for 5 years and he ran a number 13 with Tom Buch. I never got to see him race because he passed away in 2010. But Andy always told me about his drive and determination and I’ve really tried to embrace that attitude. I wish I could have met him, but this is kind of to honor him as well.”
The team will run Eagle chassis on the tour along with all EMI components. Other sponsors that have come on board include Roush Construction, Al & Diane’s Red Onion Lounge, Impact Signs Awnings & Wraps, Cooper Racing Supply, Indy Race Parts, Team Race Life Apparel, Greens Petroleum, Shure Built Suspension, Simpson Indy, and Korte Transportation.
?They are continuing to search for more sponsorship and are excited about the 2016 season.
?“I wouldn’t be able to do this without all of the support of these sponsors and people like Tom, Andy and my family behind me. I kind of have to pinch myself to remind myself that this is all real sometimes, but I hope to be figure in sprint car racing for many years to come. I can’t wait to get started”
For more information on becoming a sponsor for team CKR or to purchase official Clyde Knipp Racing Apparel please email [email protected].
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