The Racing Legacy of Terry Clattenburg

#2 of Terry Clattenburg celebrating a victory - Photo courtesy of: Ken Bottomley

August 15th, 2024

Introduction:

Terry Clattenburg is a name that will forever be attached to Maritime racing history. From his early beginnings in drag racing to his storied career in stock car racing, Clattenburg’s journey through the racing world is marked by mechanical ingenuity, his work ethic, passion for racing, and skill. As a four-time MASCAR champion and a celebrated figure in Canadian motorsports, his contributions have left an indelible mark.

From Drag Strips to Oval Tracks:

Terry Clattenburg’s love for racing began early. “I hitchhiked to the Maitland Drag Races when I was fourteen, in Maitland, Nova Scotia” Clattenburg recalls, highlighting his dedication and interest from a young age. In 1966, he purchased a brand-new Chevrolet Malibu with a 327 four-speed standard transmission. Just two years later, he upgraded to a 1968 Z28 Camaro and began racing it at Maitland, and mid-way through the season at Drag City International Speed Way, when that opened. “I won all the races at both tracks, also top stock eliminator,” he says, reflecting on his beginning days in the drag racing scene. His success was underscored by setting a national record. "I probably could have set a new record if I had of changed rear end gear ratio from 4:88 to 512," he continued, a testament to his natural talent and understanding of the mechanics of racing in numerous disciplines.

Transitioning to Stock Car Racing:

In 1969, Clattenburg was approached to help build the Hugger stock car due to his skills as a welder. “Part way through, they asked me if I was interested in driving. That was my first stock car ride,” he recalls. Although his initial season saw him replaced by a more experienced driver, this did not deter him. Clattenburg went on to build a Dodge Dart Sportsman Car, which he drove to a championship victory the following season. This early success set the stage for a long and illustrious career in stock car racing.

A Remarkable Day at Halifax Dartmouth International Speedway:

On August 24th, 1970, Clattenburg showcased his extraordinary driving abilities by winning four events in a single day at the Halifax Dartmouth International Speedway. Driving both his 1968 Dodge Dart and a 1969 Javelin, he dominated the competition, winning the 10 and 15-lap Modified class events as well as the 10 and 25-lap Sportsman features. His victories in these races highlighted his versatility and garnered him deserved attention as a wheelman.

Racing at Drag City International Speedway:

Clattenburg’s racing career took him to Drag City International Speedway in Sackville, Nova Scotia, which featured a drag strip and a 1/3rd mile oval track that quickly became one of his favorites. “It was nice and racey. I really enjoyed it,” he fondly remembers. This track, along with others in the Maritimes, provided the perfect proving grounds for Clattenburg’s burgeoning talent.

Dominance in MASCAR and Road Racing:

As stock car racing slowed down in the region, Clattenburg turned his attention to road racing. Competing in the Honda Road Race at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, Clattenburg claimed the championship in 1975, adding yet another accolade to his racing resume. However, as MASCAR (Maritime Association of Stock Car Racers) stepped onto the scene to help align tracks, events, and drivers for a touring series, it was his performances there that truly cemented his legacy. As a four-time MASCAR champion, Clattenburg was a force to be reckoned with in the series, which was a premier stock car racing series in the Maritimes from its inception in 1983, until it was replaced by the Maritime Pro Stock Tour in 2000.

MASCAR hosted some of the most prestigious races in the region, including the Riverside International Speedway 250 (now known as the IWK 250) and the Halifax 300 at Scotia Speedworld (not the same thing as the new Scotia Speedworld track division 300 event at the end of the season). The series even ventured into the Northeastern United States, showcasing the best Maritime talent against a wider field of competitors.

The Moosehead Grand Prix Triumphs:

Clattenburg’s career highlight came with his victories at the Moosehead Grand Prix. “Winning 3 Moose Head Grand Prix' was the highlight of my career,” he says.

Legacy and Recognition:

Terry Clattenburg’s impact on the racing world was officially recognized in 2007 when he was inducted into the Maritime Motorsports Hall of Fame. As the racing community looks back on his career, Clattenburg’s name will always be synonymous with excellence in Maritime racing, and brings attention to just how impactful MASCAR was.

Conclusion:

Terry Clattenburg’s journey from a young drag racing enthusiast to a celebrated stock car champion is a testament to his dedication and talent, and leads as an example of what can be achieved when someone has the hunger and the passion to make a dream into a reality.