Motorsports Legend Ken Clapp Recently Featured on Close Up Radio

DANVILLE, CA, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Ken Clapp is a noted businessman, entrepreneur and motorsports executive. He is an iconic figure in American short track racing and the long time co-owner of Stockton 99 Speedway. His legacy spans more than 6 decades. His contributions shaped the industry, particularly for the expansion of NASCAR to the West Coast and abroad.

Young Ken first fell in love with stock cars as a kid, when he lived near a gas station that serviced racing cars. He would hang around, listen to the guys talk, sweep floors, wash cars, and do whatever he could to learn more. His future took shape, and it was to be a bright one as he moved from pit crew member to promoter, to executive roles. During his career he has leased and owned as many as 20 race tracks, enhanced the reach of NASCAR and promoted many local and touring events. Ken has also been inducted into The West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame and today sits on its Board of Directors.

He is now a hearty 88 and anything but retired. He is proud of all he has accomplished and that he has always lived up to his commitments. Even in early years, when money was tight, he paid his bills on time or negotiated an extension. Not all promoters have earned such a reputation for keeping their word.

In his interviews, Ken tells the most engaging stories, such as how stock cars originally got their name (when cars would be taken out from lot stock, to be fixed up with new tires, numbers, and other bright additions in as little as 36 hours.) He also relates the role of fast cars in The Prohibition era, when colorful bosses needed a vehicle that could outrun police and government agents.

“I have come to know some powerful and interesting people. As racing became more sophisticated, they added cages and roll bars and things to make it much safer for drivers. One of those people was Roger Penske, the man behind ownership of the Indianapolis Speedway. He’s another motor sports biggie and he is safety and research oriented too.”

These days Ken Clapp has been working with the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame (coordinating annual charity events where they will raise money for causes like cancer hospitals, abused children, military veterans and pet rescue.) As Chair, he works with major corporate donors like General Motors and also coordinates the annual dinner.

“We raise a lot of money in one night and then the next day, we start planning for the next year’s event. I don’t mind bragging a little, because I’m a fan of military servants and dogs, and I like to do things that help others “

In his long life, he has promoted well over 5,000 races and is considered one of the movers and shakers in the racing industry (though most humble about it.). In 2022, he published a memoir, written in tandem with Bones Bourcier, a noted sportswriter. Sea to Shining See: Racing from the Wild West to Daytona captures vivid moments from the sport and is a wonderful chronicle of Ken Clapp’s many experiences in the industry. It is also an inspiration for generations of racers to come.

Clapp reminisces “I was a kid living a passion, living a dream, and I’m grateful to all who helped me live out that dream.”

Beyond his professional accomplishments, his legacy includes two wives (they each succumbed to challenging diseases) and 11 great-grandchildren. He loves to tell them stories of his life in horse and cattle country, his favorite local restaurants, and his passion for stock cars and short racing. He also shares the lessons he learned about business and what it was like to always keep looking forward.

Close Up Radio recently featured motorsports executive Ken Clapp in an interview with Jim Masters on Monday October 19th at 2pm Eastern

Listen to the Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/close-up-radio-welcomes-back-motorsports-legend-ken-clapp/id1785721253?i=1000797210298
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-close-up-radio-242020413/episode/close-up-radio-welcomes-back-motorsports-legend-ken-clapp-347994754
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Uexbv55eacAyisDWTahCR

For more information about this man’s career, visit www.westcoaststockcarhalloffame.com

Lou Ceparano
Close Up Television & Radio
+1 631-850-3314
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