Destrehan’s Devin Clancy gets front-row seat for one of racing’s most trophied events
For most car-racing junkies, a seven-day trek to some of the premier racetracks the United States sounds like the perfect vacation. And for Devin Clancy of Destrehan, traveling thousands of miles in the 2008 One Lap of America car competition gives him the opportunity to do just that. After all, he just wrapped up this year’s competition.Devin, 21, says that this is the ultimate event for a person who is passionate about cars and racing.
“Within a week, competitors visit some of the country’s finest road courses,” said Devin.
“We have the opportunity to share the road with the fastest street-legal cars and meet automotive personalities from professional drivers to weekend enthusiasts.
One Lap of America is a series of time-trial events held at racetracks across the country where the fastest car and team to survive a week of highway miles and timed competitions wins.
“This event is a true test of car, team and driver,” said Devin. “And is one of the best automotive endurance races available to the general public. It’s addictingly enjoyable.”
Devin’s father, Patrick, says that his son’s interest in cars peaked when he was in high school and points out that Devin’s been tinkering ever since.
“Devin’s first car was a 1999 Honda Accord,” said Patrick. “He began modifying the car which led to all sorts of improvements to the engine and body from both a performance and aesthetics standpoint.”
Patrick says that as his son’s curiosity continued, the scope of his understanding and knowledge dramatically increased.
“One day he passed by the parking lot at Zephyr’s stadium and came upon a motor cross racing event,” said Patrick. “He stopped by to watch and was immediately hooked. He ended up joining a local racing club just so he could compete in races.”
And racing is exactly what Devin’s been doing ever since.
Even with five years of autocrossing with the Sports Car Club of America under his belt along with two years of trackdays with the National Auto Sport Association, Devin says that being behind the wheel during One Lap of America tops most other competitions he’s been in.
“This event is a grueling test of a team and their vehicle,” said Devin. “Sometimes just finishing is an accomplishment.”
On any given day you can find Devin driving his 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution, but for this year’s One Lap of America, it was a 2004 Dodge SRT4 – heavily modified for road racing – that got him to from track to track.
“The type of car I drive depends on the course that lies ahead,” said Devin. “I’ve driven cars that range from a 350 horsepower Honda Civic to a 500 horsepower Ford Mustang.”
Devin is currently a senior at Clemson University majoring in mechanical engineering and plans to also pursue a master’s degree in automotive engineering with an emphasis in vehicle dynamics.
“My career goals are to be a race engineer for a successful professional road racing program in the U.S. or abroad,” said Devin.
And with the support of his family, that shouldn’t be a problem.
“Devin has our full support and encouragement in this endeavor,” said Patrick. “His mother and I even took off from work to see him compete in this year’s Belle Rose competition.”
Patrick says that through this sport his son has met competitors of all ages and all walks of life who have one major thing in common – a passion for and respect of the automobile and its capabilities.
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