TULSA, Okla. (December 21, 2016) In 2003, Bryan Clauson won the Tulsa Shootout in a red and white No. 7. The car was a unique design. Built by GT American, the company was established in 1998 by Dennis Golobic and his son, John. The cars were built in California and shipped all over the nation. At one point, over 300 cars could be found from California to New York in Quarter Midget action.
Their east coast representative was Tim Clauson. His son, Bryan, was a house driver from the start and the car that Bryan wheeled to Victory Lane was the first Micro ever constructed by GT American and was partly designed by his father.
“We design and develop that car with Shane Golobic’s Grandfather, Dennis, and his Father, John,” said Tim about the car that Bryan wheeled at the Shootout.
Asked about the event, Tim replied with a chuckle, “So, when we showed up there, I think Bryan was 11 at the time and we were running the stock class and drew dead last and at the Shootout, we all know that’s going to be a tough day, so Bryan talked me into drawing the open class and we drew a one in that.”
It didn’t take long for young Clauson to overcome the high draw.
“We went out for the Stock Heat Race and he came from the back and won so that put us on the front row of the A-Main, so I told Bryan we weren’t going to worry about running the open class and he said, come on lets run it. If I drop to second, I’ll pull in. I begrudgingly agreed and he led it for a while until he got wheeled, and that really motivated him so he ended up driving past that guy for the win so now we’re on the front row of both features with a stock micro.
Finishing second in the Stock A-Feature, the team rushed to put fresh rubber on the car to make the call for the Outlaw feature. With the smaller stock wing, stock motor, and spec tires, Clauson was able to pick up the win.
On the car making its return to the Tulsa Shootout, Tim stated, “What I think is cool about it is a Father and son took that car and are replicating the experience we had. Putting the car together and going to the Shootout, so to me, the car is special but what the Key family has done to honor Bryan is really special.”
Acquiring the car in 2012, Scott Key put his son, Noah, behind the wheel. Ever since that day, Tim and Bryan were in contact with Scott about the car and what to do with it if they needed advice.
“The car now is mainly a Hyper, but there is still a lot that we have to make custom and Tim has always been great to let us know what to do and what they did,” commented Scott Key. “When we heard about what happened, Noah was the one who wanted to do the car. It means a lot to be able to come back and pay tribute to what Bryan and his father did.”
As of now, the car is slated to compete in the Winged Outlaw Division.
The 32nd Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout takes place December 28, 2016 through Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the Tulsa Expo Raceway inside the River Spirit Expo Center and includes nine divisions with driver’s ages six and up competing for a coveted Golden Driller.
For continued updates, including race order and times, check back to http://www.tulsashootout.com.
Quick Notes
Event: 32nd annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout
Schedule of Events:
All times are subject to change based on car count
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Parking: 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Sign-in for all classes: 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Building Open and Sign-in: 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Practice: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Grandstands Open: 5:00 P.M.
Racing: 5:30 P.M.
Driver/Non-Driver Pit Pass: $30. Pit Passes are sold at the Pit Gate as well as the Main Lobby. Grandstand Admission: $15, kids 10 and under free.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Building Open and Sign-in: 9:00 A.M
Grandstands Open: 9:30 A.M.
Racing: 10:00 A.M.
Driver/Non-Driver Pit Pass: $30. Pit Passes are sold at the Pit Gate as well as the Main Lobby. Grandstand Admission: $15, kids 10 and under free.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Building Open and Sign-in: 9:00 A.M
Grandstands Open: 9:30 A.M.
Racing: 10:00 A.M.
Driver/Non-Driver Pit Pass: $30. Pit Passes are sold at the Pit Gate as well as the Main Lobby. Grandstand Admission: $15, kids 10 and under free.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Building Open and Sign-in: 9:00 A.M
Grandstands Open: 9:30 A.M.
Racing: 10:00 A.M.
Driver/Non-Driver Pit Pass: $30. Pit Passes are sold at the Pit Gate as well as the Main Lobby. Grandstand Admission: $15, kids 10 and under free.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Building Open: 9:00 A.M
Grandstands Open: 9:30 A.M.
Racing: 10:00 A.M.
Opening Ceremonies: 3:00 P.M.
Driver Pit Pass included in paid entry
Non-Driver Pit Pass: $40. Pit Passes are sold at the Pit Gate as well as the Main Lobby. Grandstand Admission: $20, kids 10 and under free.
**Rules for the represented classes can be found at http://www.tulsashootout.com/classes/default.aspx. For any clarification on rules, contact Matt Ward at 918-995-1650 or 918-838-3777.
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Speedway Motors is the title sponsor of the Tulsa Shootout. Founded in 1952 by "Speedy" Bill Smith - a racer and street rodder himself - Speedway Motors has grown from a one-man operation to become the world's largest manufacturer, distributor and retailer of street rod and racing products. Our industry-leading fast delivery is the result of same-day shipping from our state-of-the-art, centrally located 500,000 sq. ft. headquarters. Speedway Motors size offers customers unmatched product selection and low pricing, while our excellent technical support and customer service have made us a recognized leader in the rodding and racing industries. Find out more at www.speedwaymotors.com.
For more information about the Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout log onto www.tulsashootout.com. The Tulsa Shootout can also be found at Facebook as well as Twitter.
- Bryan Hulbert on Dec 22, 2016
- Article Date: 12/22/2016