RPW Column: Cody Clark’s Dream Is Finally A Reality; Set For Big Block Mod Competition In ’23 With Hoyenga

Column By: RAY ROGERS / RPW – SALISBURY CENTER, NY – Sportsman young gun Cody Clark will find himself behind the wheel of a Big Block Modified for the 2023 season.

Clark will compete at the Fonda Speedway, chasing NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series points after joining forces with DKM Fabrication and Hoyenga Racing in his familiar #4.

The 26-year-old Clark is no stranger to racing at the historic half-mile, joining the weekly Sportsman field in 2014 after a few years in Slingshots and EXcell Modifieds. He currently sits in the top 5 in all-time wins in the 602 Sportsman division.

Clark’s 2022 season ended on a high note, which included a third place finish in points.  The Salisbury Center, NY driver had a storybook night at the Fonda 200 and that ended up paving the way into his 2023 season.

After having a close call with the wall in turn four and a final lap incident, which ended up bending the rear of his car, Clark had no idea how the night would unfold.

“I remember pulling into the pits thinking the year was over,” Clark said.  “However, Dave (Constantino), Eric (Mack) and Johnny were right there.”

Fellow racer Stewart Friesen loaned the guys a welder and they rebuilt the team’s racer right on pit road.  Clark went back out and turned some laps in the consolation race and, after a good draw, he won the event.

“The Fonda 200 weekend sealed the deal with DKM for us,” he said.  “They went above and beyond to help us.  We’ll probably never buy a car from anyone else.”

Now, fast forward to 2023.  The whole Big Block deal came together quite unexpectedly.

“A few weeks ago, we were at the DKM shop working out the details for my new car when Dave and Eric mentioned the possibility of driving a Big Block for Laudy Hoyenga. I met with Laudy at the DKM shop and, the next thing I knew, I had a new DKM car with a Big Block to run at Fonda.”

Hoyenga is no stranger to the Track of Champions.  He began his career at Fonda in 1973 with a homemade frame and a Ford BOSS 429.  Shortly after, he wanted better results and began hiring drivers.  Some notables pilots of Hoyenga-owned equipment included Bob Rees, CD Coville and Lew Boyd, just to name a few.

In recent years, Hoyenga has providing horsepower and support for drivers like Shaun Pangman, Cody Bleau, Adam McAuliffe and Constantino.

“Dave’s been driving for me for a few years and has a couple of Modified wins,” Hoyenga said.  “Now we’re teaming up with Cody as well. I only know Cody’s driving record and from what people have told me about him, he’ll be good. I’m hoping he adjusts to Modifieds quickly and has a great season.”

Cody also understands there will be a learning curve involved.

“For anyone going into a Modified, there is a lot you need to figure out,” Clark said.  “However, with Dave helping me as my teammate, I think it will come to me.”

He’s keeping it in perspective, though.

“Right now, we just want to go out and turn laps,” he said.  “We just want to get a handle on things.”

You can only put as much pressure on yourself as you let happen and Clark’s always set the bar quite high for himself.

“I am never satisfied with just a top 5,” he said.  “I know what we’re capable of.”

The youngster hopes to have some solid finishes once he gets a handle on piloting the Big Block Modified.  If things go well, he may make some attempts at Utica-Rome Speedway some Friday nights as well.

Running the Big Block for Hoyenga won’t be the only racing action Clark sees this season.  He also has plans to run his family-owned Sportsman car for the Thunder on the Thruway Series events while chasing the Short Track Super Series North Region Sportsman championship.

That car will also carry the familiar #4 just like his Modified for Hoyenga.

Cody Clark certainly has proven to be a top gun in the 602 Sportsman division and there’s no doubt this hungry young driver is ready to join the hunt weekly in the Modifieds as well.

Note: If you are looking forward to seeing Cody turn his first laps in a Modified, or just can’t wait to get back to the Track of Champions, Fonda Speedway will open its gates on Saturday, April 22nd for the Montgomery County Open.

This event will honor the legendary Jumpin’ Jack Johnson with a 40-lap $12,000-to-win Modified season opener along with a full card of racing to kick off the 2023 season.