LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- NASCAR Grand National West Team owners Bob Bruncati and Chris Diederich announced today that Spencer Clark will be driving the # 26 Chris Diederich Racing Ford Taurus entry for the 2005 season. The team’s first race will be at the Copper World Classic being held on January 29-30 at Phoenix International Raceway.
The list of associate sponsors for the CDR # 26 Ford includes Sunrise Ford. Sunrise Ford is a major force in motorsports and has two locations in Southern California. Also on board are Team ASE, Split Fire Spark Plugs, J.F. Bellini Co., Paddock Pools, Ringers Gloves and The Joie of Seating. “We have a great group of associate sponsors, but still need a primary sponsor to get us to the end of the season with Spencer.” stated Diederich.
Turning 18 on the first day of practice will make Spencer the youngest driver in the race. But despite making the age limit by only one day, Spencer expects to be competitive, having recently completed a very successful test at PIR. "I'm very excited to be running this race. The test session made me feel real comfortable in the car and having more seat time
prepares me for the race. Plus, having a Chris Diederich Racing prepared race car, and Jake Wood for my crew chief, I feel even more at ease. Chris has been here plenty of times and that helps me gain more confidence getting around this track. Not to mention my many conversations with Randy Lajoie and also practicing on my X-Box".
Spencer is young but very accomplished driver, with an impressive driving record. His experience has brought him both local track and national championships, and led him to several main event wins in the NASCAR Super Late Model Division and the ASA Speed Truck Challenge. After being approved two weeks ago to run in the NASCAR Grand National West Series, driver Spencer Clark and the entire CDR Team are determined to keep the #26 CDR Ford Taurus up front and in a position to win the race.The team plans to compete for “Rookie of the Year”.
T.J. Clark (Spencer’s dad) has years of racing and instructional driving school experience combined with Chris Diederich’s team leadership are what it takes to make a strong combination. T.J. and Chris have always wanted to
work together at this level to build a driver development program where top
teams could look for or place upcoming new talents.
“It is TJ’s fault that I am even in this sport.” Chris laughingly stated after their successful test at PIR. T.J. Clark offered the General Managers position at CRG Motorsports, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team, to Chris in 1997. “My first NASCAR race ever was with TJ at PIR. “It is amazing how things come full circle. Only in NASCAR.”
