After more than 20 years on the road working in NHRA Drag Racing, Richard “J.R.” Clark is finally planting roots in Minnesota to help run the family business, Clark Copper Head Gaskets.
 
“I felt it was time for me stay in one place and help my parents run Clark Copper Head Gaskets. They started the business more than 30 years ago and have worked every day to make it the success it is today. I want to continue producing the best gaskets and grow our business,” said J.R. Clark.
 
J.R. Clark was born into NHRA Drag Racing. His father, Richard Clark Sr., was crew chief on the Forcelle & Clark Top Alcohol Dragster for more than 20 years.

During his long career going back to the 1980’s, J.R. worked on the race cars of Bill Barney, Darrell Gwynn, Randy Anderson, Shelly Anderson, Paul Romine – in which he won an IHRA Championship, and Jerry Toliver. For the past 16 years he worked on the Jay Payne Racing Top Alcohol Funny Car.
 
“Nobody believed me when I said I was going to quit working on the road. They all know how much I love the sport, how hard I work and I loyal I am,” Clark said. “Everyone will still see me at the races, but now I will be a spectator.”