8/8/2016
Stuart Snyder
SLS Motorsports to Honor Bryan Clauson for Remainder of 2016
In honor of one of racing’s greatest, Bryan Clauson, who passed away from injuries sustained in Saturday’s tragic accident at The High Banks of Belleville – Stu and the SLS Motorsports team will finish the remainder of the 2016 racing season out as the #23BC.
Clauson was well on his way to making history in 2016 with his “Chasing 200 : Circular Insanity” tour, where he was scheduled to partake in 200+ racing events throughout the year. At race #117 of the year in Belleville, Kansas for the 39th Annual Belleville Midget Nationals, of which he was last year’s champion, Clauson took a violent ride in turn 4 after taking the lead from Chad Boat. Bryan was transported by ambulance out of the racetrack before being transported via helicopter to Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. His Facebook fan page released news early Monday morning of his passing, stating:
“Last night, the 7th of August, we said goodbye to our son, my fiancé, our friend, Bryan Clauson. He was surrounded by family and friends and we were grateful that we could experience his final moments with him.”
Clauson was found to be one of the most feared and respected drivers on the track, having won countless open wheel dirt track races and even leading laps in the Indianapolis 500 this year - yet was the most loved, kind, big-hearted 27-year-old outside of the race car. Bryan Clauson Racing stated “Our Bryan fought to the end with the same desire that he demonstrated behind the wheel of all the various race cars he would park in victory lane. However, we were more proud of our Bryan that took a moment to make a young fan’s day, or demonstrated his uncommon kindness and appreciation toward his friends, family and fans.”
Clauson’s “Chasing 200” tour is expected to live on in his honor throughout the drivers all over the country who have committed to posting as they win with the hashtag #PARKEDIT in attempts to get over 200 wins for BC. Bryan's career was nothing less than spectacular, aside of from his legendary 2016 season of which in the 117 races he competed in he gathered 27 wins (23% - 14 non-winged sprint car 410, 5 midget, 4 non-winged sprint car 360, 3 winged sprint car 360, 1 winged sprint car 410), 44 top-3 finishes (38%), 52 top-5 finshes (44%), 75 top-10 finishes (64%, 30 heat race wins, the Indiana Midget Week Championship, and Eastern Storm Championship.
Bryan Clauson’s integrity, personality, kind-heartedness, and talent will continue on as a legacy, for BC was an icon and a legend amongst many in his short time behind the wheel of race cars. He accomplished more in his 27 years than most people do in their lifetime, and will forever be an ambassador for motorsports.
We at SLS Motorsports ask our fans and supporters to please keep the Clauson family - Lauren, Tim, Diana and friends close in their prayers through this hard time. The racing community is grieving, but together the legacy of BC will continue on amongst everyone.
“It comes as no surprise that Bryan has once again beaten us to the finish line and PARKED IT. #PARKEDIT #STILLCHASING200”
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the USAC Benevolent Fund website at http://usacbf.org/cash-donation/ or checks should be made out to the USAC Benevolent Foundation in the name of Bryan Clauson. The address is 124 E. Northfield Drive, Suite F #129, Brownsburg, Indiana 46112.
Article Credit: Relentless Promotions
Submitted By: Kendall Snyder