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Mike Duncan Puts Irwindale Race in
Perspective with Tribute to Spencer Clark
As competitive drivers go, Mike Duncan could arguably be on the top of
anybody’s list. The current back-to-back champion of NASCAR’s
Grand National Division, West Series has won his championships with
clean, hard driving, but his competitors would all agree that going
side-by-side with a series champion down the straights can be a
hair-raising experience.
It can also be the purest way for a young driver to earn respect from a
veteran.
That last sentiment was the overriding emotion during his pre-race
interview for this weekend’s King Taco 200 at Irwindale Raceway.
As Duncan prepares for a very important event in his racing career, his
thoughts and feelings that emerged from this interview had very little
to do with going fast at Irwindale. Duncan’s main theme was about
how much he respected and “looked up to” the talented young driver,
Spencer Clark. Clark and his close friend, Andy Phillips lost
their lives in a tragic accident Sunday evening, and Duncan was barely
audible when speaking about it.
“I really respected Spencer. Even though I’m a bit older, I
actually looked up to him in many ways”, Duncan reflected.
“Spencer and I raced pretty hard . . . side by side many times, and I
can tell you that he was an excellent young man – on and off the
track.” Duncan continued by stating, “All of our thoughts and
prayers go out to the Clark and Phillips families. This is a very
tough loss for the racing community . . . they will be missed . . .
tragedies like this put everything into perspective.”
Duncan then went on to profess that his entire team at MB Duncan Motor
Sports will dedicate their efforts this weekend to Spencer and his
legacy on the track. “Spencer had what it takes to make it to the
top level in our sport, and our team will be thinking of him at
Irwindale”, said Duncan. He continued by saying, “We come to
every race to win it, and this week will be no different, but we’d like
to dedicate this race to Spencer, and it would be nice to win it in
memory of him.”
When Duncan did speak of the King Taco 200 this Saturday, his concerns
were targeted towards the “unfortunate” luck he’s experienced this 2006
season. “Obviously, we haven’t started out this year the way we
had hoped. We’ve had some tough breaks to deal with – some come
with the territory, but some of the other elements that have caused us
to be way behind in the points . . . well . . . (longer pause) . . .
let’s just leave it that.” Duncan is reluctant to speak about
what has happened to him during the last two races (in Phoenix and
Stockton). He concludes by stating,” It is what it is.
We’re way back in the points – almost to the point where we can’t catch
up – but we’re going to Irwindale to win this race, and then we’ll go
from there.”
Saturday’s King Taco 200 will be aired live on HDTV at 8pm.
Source – Vance Palm
MB Duncan Motor Sports
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