By Doc Lehman
A number of years ago, after starting his dirt Late Model career in Ohio, Clint Coffman relocated to Florida and raced in the southeast until deciding to return to WCS and for several years flew from Florida to Ohio each weekend to race. After returning to Ohio to reside and relocate the family business, Coffman Corvette with his father, Ernie Coffman, the friendly driver is not only racing his sleek black #2c but is now also helping the family operate Wayne County Speedway. The Coffman's purchased WCS four years ago.
Coffman utilizes one of the few Barry Wright Race Car chassis in north central Ohio but he wouldn't have it any other way. "I think Barry's stuff is the best on the market," commented Coffman. "The craftsmanship is second to none and Barry is a great guy to work with. The cars are safe. I tested it out when I got upside down in Florida and they are the best."
"I think I've been with Barry since 1998. I like Barry, he is really good to work with, an excellent guy and you can talk to him. And I think he builds the nicest car, workmanship wise. A good guy and I get feedback from him all the time. I talk to him often."
"We run a Malcuit engine and I like them. Brad (Malcuit) is a good guy. Brad also helps a lot especially down in Florida, he checked the motor and the car." Coffman will be running a Mopar engine this season out of the Malcuit shop.
Another thing Coffman is looking forward to is the competition at WCS. "I think they are the best guys in the area," said Coffman. "You've got 35-40 Late Models there and I'd say all of them can win. When you go there on Saturday night with the first reason being just to make the feature. One mistake and your in the B Main and maybe not making the feature."
In addition to his duties at Coffman Corvette and keeping his race team going Coffman also assists his father at WCS during the week in addition to being called upon on race nights. "Whatever needs done, whatever we have to do to get the show on Saturday night," explained Coffman. "From helping Tim (Myers) run the water truck or running the grader, whatever it is. Cooking hamburgers, hot dogs, whatever needs done."
And as far as Coffman is concerned, the main thing to get done is win some races and perhaps take a run at the title. Regardless, Coffman will be in attendance each and every night in 2008 at WCS trying to make that very thing happen.
One 2007 season highlight was Coffman winning his career first feature event this year. "You can't wipe the smile off my face," stated Coffman of Ashland, OH when talking about his career first dirt Late Model feature win at Attica Raceway Park. "And you sure can't wipe it off Dad's face either. It was something else to get that win with my Dad and one of my son's here, too."
Coffman's father, Ernie, and his oldest son, Chase, were on hand to witness the triumph. "It was very special to have them here to see this. They were a big part of it," continued Coffman. "The whole night went well, the Hoosier Tires worked well, the chassis felt good, everything came in. I don't know, I just don't know what to say (laughs)! I'd like to make this a habit."
And Coffman earned it. He started tenth in the main event and took the lead with just two laps remaining.
"I'll take a win from the pole but anytime you can start towards the back and come up through it makes it a little more special," said Coffman. "That was some awesome racing those final five or six laps and the fans should have enjoyed that."
Coffman has been racing for 18 years. He and his wife, Rhonda, have two sons and a daughter. In addition to his duties at the family business, Coffman Corvette in Mansfield, OH, Coffman is also a big part in the management and ownership with his father in Federated Auto Parts Wayne County Speedway. He races the Federated Auto Parts/Coffman Corvette sponsored Barry Wright Race Cars/Malcuit Racing Engines #2c.
-Prepared by Lehman Motorsports Services
