Todd and Janet Staley, along with the entire staff, officials and drivers of the United States Modified Series are deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Dirt Works Race Cars founder Mike Clark.

Clark was one of the first race car builders to mass-market his chassis to the exploding dirt Modified market nearly 30 years ago. Located in Walker, Mo., Dirt Works Race Cars were, and continue to be, innovative leaders in the sport.

"All of us here are truly saddened by Mike's passing and the loss to the racing community," said USMTS president Todd Staley. "Whether they knew him or not, everybody who loves Modified racing owes a debt of gratitude to Mike for making this sport what it is today."

Dirt Works Race Cars is a past USMTS Mo-Kan Region title sponsor and event sponsor. Clark's son, Gary, runs the Dirt Works business with his father and mother, Phyllis, and is a popular competitor in the dirt Modified ranks.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Clark family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mike.

Mike Clark, 1952-2009

NEVADA, Mo. - Mike Clark, 57, Walker, passed away on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, following a sudden illness. He was born June 24, 1952, in Nevada, to Delbert Lynn Clark and Patricia Lee Spencer Clark. He married Phyllis R. Huff on Nov. 3, 1972, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Mike grew up in Walker and graduated from Walker High School in 1970. He worked for Richardson Motor Company from 1971-1975. He and his father operated Clark's Garage in Walker for many years. Mike owned and operated Dirt Works Race Cars in Walker for the past 25 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge No. 605, Walker.

In addition to his wife Phyllis of the home, survivors include one son, Gary Michael Clark and his wife Kimberly, Walker; three grandchildren, Emme Clark, Springfield, Aidan Sumpter and Abby Sumpter, both of Walker; and one brother, Paul Clark, Leawood, Kan. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the First Baptist Church in Nevada. Dr. William Cox will be officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Walker.

Friends may call now and until noon on Tuesday at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, and the family receives friends 7:30-8:30 p.m. Monday evening, Oct. 12, at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute to the Mt. Vernon Cemetery Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.