Toronto, Canada - Canadian motorsport rising star Mac Clark gears up for a pivotal advancement in his racing career as he transitions to the highly competitive USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire Championship for the 2024 season, joining the Texas-based team DEForce Racing.
Clark's journey in motorsport started in 2014 in the realm of kart racing. His impressive rise through the ranks has been marked by notable achievements, including clinching the F1600 Canada Rookie of the Year Award in 2019. The following year in 2020, Clark became the youngest Canadian ever to win the Canadian F1600 Championship, beating out Paul Tracy's longstanding record.
Notably, in 2021, he secured second place in the US American F4 Championship standings, claiming six victories, the highest tally among all drivers. His accomplishments continued in 2022, triumphing in the inaugural USF Juniors Championship with DEForce Racing, earning him the graduate scholarship to progress to the USF2000 Series. The 2023 season solidified Clark's prowess with two race wins and six podiums.
"Reuniting with DEForce Racing in the USF Pro 2000 Series signifies a significant stride in my pursuit of INDYCAR aspirations," expressed Clark. "I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of my team and partners, integral contributors to our program's evolution. I would like to thank Clubine Motorsports, ARM, TNG Exotics, Valkyrie, Bell as well as Road to Racing Canada (R2R).”
R2R has partnered with Clark to offer charitable tax receipts for donors who wish to contribute to his fundraising campaign. This partnership will help Clark continue his journey to professional racing by providing him with the necessary funds to compete at the highest level. This new charity format is an additional opportunity to support Mac Clark. It acts as an alternate source of support for those who are not able to support Clark’s team and efforts directly with traditional corporate sponsorship.
“Racing transcends passion for me — it's a lifestyle,” added Clark. “Balancing pursuit of an engineering degree, rigorous training and off-track endeavors, motorsport permeates every aspect of my being. The Pro car presents an exhilarating challenge, and our debut showcased readiness for the 2024 season. I am thrilled to expand our network of partners as we aim for greater heights en route to the Indy 500."
Clark's debut in the USF Pro 2000 Series at the Circuit of The Americas in August 2023 was nothing short of impressive. In only his first time ever behind the USF Pro 2000 machine, he was able to secure pole position during qualifying which culminated in a remarkable second and third-place finish in Race 1 and 2, respectively.
"It is a privilege to welcome back an exceptional talent like Mac," affirmed DEForce Racing team co-owner, David Martinez. "His unwavering belief in our team since our initial meeting has been inspiring. Mac's debut in USF Pro 2000 at COTA, claiming pole position and securing podiums, speaks volumes. We are thrilled to provide him with the tools necessary to shine in the 2024 season."
Speed Group, Mac Clark's long-standing partner in his motorsport journey, has been a pivotal force in his development within the racing sphere since 2021.
"We are delighted to continue fostering Mac's relationship with DEForce Racing as he ascends the ranks," stated Speed Group founder Toni Calderon. "Mac epitomizes our Career Advancement Program, showcasing potential to emerge as a successful NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver. The combined efforts of Mac, his family, sponsors and supporters have culminated in this opportunity. With guidance from Ernesto and David at DEForce, I am confident Mac is primed to vie for the USF Pro 2000 Series Championship."
USF Pro 2000, representing the final tier in the three-ladder system, holds immense significance for Clark. Having been crowned champion of the USF Juniors Series in 2022 and subsequently moving up to the USF 2000 Series with a scholarship, Clark now ventures into the highest echelon of the ladder, preceding INDY NXT, the preliminary series to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire comprises eight events hosting a total of 18 races across renowned venues, commencing on March 8th, 2024, on the Streets of St. Petersburg.
The USF Pro 2000 champion stands to gain a scholarship package valued at $681,500 to advance to INDY NXT. Notable awards include the Continental Tire Pole Award for each race and season-ending accolades such as Rookie of the Year, Team Champion, Mechanic of the Year and more. Additionally, the top-three finishers receive a Dallara Simulator Award to aid in their preparation for a move to INDY NXT.
The link to Mac Clark’'s fundraising campaign is below. Supporters can also visit R2R's website for more information on how to donate to his campaign. DONATE HERE: https://m.charitableimpact.com/ed9o