MERCED, Calif. – Washington’s Chance Crum will pilot a Clauson/Marshall Racing entry during this weekend’s USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series races at Merced Speedway.

The Nov. 20-21 doubleheader, which awards appearance points only to all licensed teams, marks the final two USAC national midget events of the season.

Crum will drive the No. 39jr, carrying sponsorship from the Indiana Donor Network’s Driven2SaveLives initiative, in his debut with the team co-owned by Tim Clauson and Richard Marshall.

“I appreciate this incredible opportunity so much, and it truly is an honor,” said Crum. “Bryan Clauson has been a big hero and inspiration of mine since I started in dirt racing, and Clauson Marshall Racing is a team that I’ve looked up to since it’s formation. Racing with them is definitely a dream come true.

“This weekend is going to be a ton of fun and a very valuable experience, and I’m excited to try and learn as much as possible.”

While Crum hasn’t made a USAC national midget feature start yet, he did attempt Tuesday’s show at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway in the Beilman No. 31b, and Clauson liked what he saw after previously scouting Crum in the past.

“I got to meet Chance through Garrett Andrews at Competition Suspension Inc. a few years ago during PRI. I was immediately impressed with his professionalism at such a young age,” noted Clauson. “I have followed Chance’s rise up the ranks of open wheel racing and have watched him win some of the Northwest’s biggest events. I looked at Merced as a chance to give him an opportunity with the help of Driven2SaveLives to see what he can do at this stage in his career.

“It’s always exciting to be a part of a young driver’s ascent up the ladder.”