Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Auto Racing Enthusiast Ken Clapp

Close Up Radio

Stockton, CA - Ken Clapp, an iconic figure in American short track racing and longtime co-owner of Stockton 99 Speedway, is taking a moment to reflect on his career and his ongoing passion for the sport. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Clapp’s contributions have shaped the motor sports industry, particularly on the West Coast. Short track racing refers to races held on tracks that are less than one mile. “Short track racing is where most drivers start before they move on to bigger things,” Clapp explains. “It’s the heart and soul of American racing.” Nearly five decades ago, Ken Clapp became a co-owner of Stockton 99 Speedway, helping it become one of the premier short tracks in the western United States. Clapp’s passion for racing began in the small town of Walnut Creek, California, during World War II. Living near a garage that housed race cars, Clapp was captivated by the excitement of motor sports. In 2022, Ken Clapp released “Sea to Shining Sea: Racing from the Wild West to Daytona,” a memoir that offers a deep dive into West Coast racing history and Clapp’s personal journey. The book, written with Bones Bourcier, features over 400 pages of photographs that vividly capture Clapp’s experiences and significant moments within the industry. It serves as both a testimonial of his life’s work and a source of inspiration for aspiring racers and business professionals alike. Beyond his accomplishments on the track, Clapp’s enduring influence is cemented with the Ken Clapp Annex at the Woodland Estrella Museum Auto Display located in Paso Robles, showcasing his lasting impact on motor sports history. For more information about Ken Clapp, please visit https://westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com/