Wanting to be competitive and make memories while racing, Galen Clark did just that winning the 2026 Semi-Pro Championship at Spring Nationals. The Tennessee native looks to try and compete for a national championship while also helping others around the pits when he can.
Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee
Team: Independent / MPM Direct
Number: 38
Division: Legend Car Semi-Pro
Favorite Track: Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
1. How did you get your start in racing?
Before I was born, my dad used to race, and growing up I loved watching NASCAR. When I was about nine years old my dad wanted me to be involved in something, so we got a quarter midget and that’s how it all started.
2. How did you get the number 38?
It was my dad’s number when he raced. I am pretty sure he just put Dale Sr. and Dale Jr.’s numbers together.
3. Who is your biggest inspiration?
I would have to say my dad, because he works so hard to get me to race, and his determination and hard work for sure.
4. You won the championship in the Semi-Pro Division during the 2026 Spring Nationals. What was that experience like, and how do you feel you were able to be successful in a competitive division?
I’ve never won a national event before, and usually we are about a top 10 car in the event each year. I wouldn’t say that I was hard on myself, but I had the expectation that we would be a top five or top 10 car. To go out there and prove to myself that I could go out there and run in the front and win was a confidence booster. I got around Cameron White in the second round with four to go and after that I realized that the car had it and it was on me. It was a mental thing I needed the win to prove that I could do it.
5. What is your favorite racing memory?
I would have to say the 2026 Spring Nationals, it was the biggest win and championship in my racing career, so far.
6. What do you want to get out of racing?
I am happy with the memories I have made with my family and friends and being competitive and having good races with my buddies.
7. How do you measure success while racing?
I like to think that success is on the racetrack, but there is a lot off the track, as well. There are a lot of people who can win all the races in the world, but people don’t think highly of them. I like to help drivers off the track and be kind to everyone in the pits. I think it measures a lot more off the track than people realize.
8. What is your favorite track?
I would have to say Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Surprisingly I have never won at it, but it is super challenging. One end of the racetrack you have to run differently than the other side, and its overall a difficult track to race at.
9. What are your racing goals for 2026?
After this week we are going to aim to get those 19 wins and aim for a national championship. We will see if it’s possible with finances and travel, but we will keep my program running as best as we can and try and win every weekend.
10. If you could race at any track in the world, what would it be?
I would say the Snowball Derby (Five Flags Speedway) in a super late model. These super late model events are super hard and fun. Every year the Snowball Derby the best of the best come and race it, and its super competitive and looks like a super cool event.
11. What's the biggest lesson that racing has taught you in life?
Be humble. I am not a cocky person; prime example would be from this weekend. Round 5 I started on pole, and we were scuffing tires under yellow, and I had a right rear shock break. I went from the best position on the racetrack to 25th before we even went green. Definitely to stay humble and don’t get too big of a head.
12. What are some of your hobbies outside of racing?
I like to hang out with my girlfriend and my friends. Other than that, I like to do some iRacing and golfing.