Former 350 Super and Supermodified Competitor Ralph Clark Passes at 71
OSWEGO, NY (January 29, 2024) – It is with heavy hearts that Oswego Speedway announces the passing of former 350 Super and Supermodified driver, Ralph Clark, at the age of 71. Ralph succumbed to a long illness today, leaving behind decades of passion for local motorsports.
The brother of Supermodified and 350 Super campaigner Roger Clark, Ralph owned and drove his No. 65 Supermodified during the 1994, 1995, and 1996 seasons at Oswego Speedway, and returned to the Steel Palace with his big block once more in 1999. He also attempted to conquer the International Classic in 1994, 1996, 1997, and 1999.
Ralph’s racing journey extended well beyond Oswego, as he ventured with the ISMA tour during the 1998 and 1999 seasons, competing at renowned tracks such as M-40 Speedway and Berlin Raceway in Michigan, Lancaster Speedway in New York, Flemington Speedway in New Jersey, Jennerstown Speedway in Pennsylvania, and even as far south as Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park for the 1998 Winternationals.
His top-wing pursuits would continue in 2000 at North Carolina’s Orange County and Southern National Speedway. Clark’s two best efforts in a Supermodified came at Jennerstown (9th) and Southern National (10th).
After a two-decade hiatus from racing, Ralph made a return home to Oswego Speedway’s new 350 Supermodified class in 2021 with the No. 5 owned and maintained by himself and of course with support from his brother.
A truly dedicated, low-buck racer, Clark’s car came into the pits on his open trailer every week during the 2021 season along with select events in 2022. Ralph achieved a total of four top 10 finishes in the 350 ranks. He started 22nd and finished 13th in the Fall 2021 350 Super Classic before turning the controls back over to Roger for the balance of the 2022 season.
In the early 80s, Ralph made his mark on the dirt in his red, white and blue No. 34 Late Model at the Fulton Speedway.
Ralph Clark’s many years of contributions to the Oswego Speedway and Supermodified racing as a driver, crew member, fan, and push truck driver, will be forever remembered. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Clark family, and we extend our deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Sources: Camden Proud/Oswego Speedway