Bryan Clauson Racing to continue
Bryan Clauson's father, Tim, and team co-owner Richard Marshall will continue to operate Bryan Clauson Racing, which will now be known as Clauson-Marshall Racing, National Speed Sports News reports. The team will make its debut during the USAC National Midget Series Jason Leffler Memorial at Wayne County Speedway on Oct. 20. Sprint Cup driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will be behind the wheel.
"I never had a doubt that I wanted to carry on what Bryan's true passion was in his life and that was racing," Tim Clauson said. "Bryan and I had several conversations when tragic things happened in the sport and his opinion never wavered; 'We race on. That's what we do, we are racers.'
"We both took great pride in working with young drivers and Bryan especially wanted to teach them the right way to race, and that was with respect and reverence for the sport. That is what we will carry on in his honor.
"I have been overwhelmed with not only the love and compassion from our racing family, but also with what I have learned since August 7th. I've learned the great respect he had not only for the sport, but, more importantly, the people in the sport. My goal with this program is not only to win races, but more importantly to share the love and respect that Bryan had and showed to the sport. If we can help cultivate a generation of racers who share that vision, then I think Bryan would be proud."
Stenhouse, one of Clauson's closest friends, was asked to lead the field to the green in Clauson's Matt Wood Racing No. 17w prior to Knoxville Nationals qualifying just days after Clauson, 27, died form injuries suffered in the Belleville Nationals on Aug. 6.
"I'm always thrilled to race with Tim and this team. I value the friendship and passion he and Bryan have for racing," Stenhouse said. "This race means a lot to Bryan. The whole racing family comes together to remember an awesome guy and racer.
"I'm looking forward to representing this team and hope I can do even half of what Bryan could do in this car. Bryan's passing hasn't gotten easier, but it's been unbelievable to see the support of so many friends, family and fans. With them, I hope to continue Bryan's legacy and continue in his winning ways. It helps all of us and I'm glad to be a tiny part of it with this team."
Bryan Clauson represented the Marshall family through sponsor Priority Aviation. He and Marshall formed Bryan Clauson Racing in 2008, and the partnership resulted in two USAC National Midget titles, a USAC Sprint Car title and three USAC Driver of the Year awards.
"I have long shared the passion for this sport with Tim and Bryan," Marshall said. "Bryan's passing gave all of us a serious pause. Since then, Tim and I agreed that Bryan would want us to race on. We had a meeting of the minds and decided to move forward with our passion and Bryan's dream. We could not be more excited to see this through with Clauson-Marshall Racing."