Chris Golden Bio
Chris Golden (born November 5, 1990) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He last competed part-time in the ARCA Menards Series, driving the No. 03/86 Ford for Clubb Racing Inc. A late bloomer on the national stock car scene, Golden has built his career through grassroots modified and touring series before stepping into the ARCA Menards Series spotlight in his mid-thirties.
Early Life and Background
Chris Golden was born on November 5, 1990, in Elk City, Oklahoma, in the United States. Growing up in western Oklahoma, he was surrounded by a regional racing culture that has long supported short tracks and dirt ovals. That environment helped shape his early interest in stock car competition and laid the groundwork for his future behind the wheel.
Golden developed his skills on local short tracks, where many successful American racers first learn race craft, car control, and tire management. Working his way up from entry-level divisions, he gained the experience needed to handle higher-powered equipment. His progression through regional series reflects a steady, grassroots approach to a professional racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Before reaching the ARCA Menards Series, Golden raced in the Sooner Limited Modified Series, a regional touring division popular in Oklahoma and surrounding states. He also competed in the United States Racing Association in both the limited modified and tuner divisions, building a versatile résumé across car styles and track types.
Golden first connected with team owner Alex Clubb in 2023, when he was entered in an ARCA Menards Series event at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds dirt track in the No. 03 Ford. Although he did not start the race, Golden practiced and qualified the car, placing seventeenth in both sessions. That partnership ultimately led to his official ARCA debut the following year.
Chris Golden Career
Early Career
Golden’s early career was centered on regional modified and stock car competition. He raced in the Sooner Limited Modified Series, where he faced weekly against experienced short-track veterans and refined his skills on a variety of oval layouts. These races provided crucial seat time and helped him learn the demands of maintaining a competitive car over a full season.
He expanded his experience by joining the United States Racing Association, competing in both the limited modified and tuner divisions. Running multiple classes in a single season sharpened his adaptability and gave him exposure to different car setups. This broad foundation prepared him for the leap to a national touring series later in his career.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough
Golden made his official ARCA Menards Series debut in 2024 at the Zinsser SmartCoat 150 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, driving the No. 86 Ford for Clubb Racing Inc. The road course event marked his first green-flag appearance in a national stock car series, although he was credited with a 25th-place finish after failing to take the rolling start due to mechanical issues. Despite the difficult debut, the run validated years of grassroots preparation.
He continued with the team at Berlin Raceway, where he finished nineteenth before retiring with mechanical problems. At Salem Speedway, Golden again finished 25th and retired due to mechanical issues. Across his 2024 ARCA campaign, he recorded zero wins, zero top tens, and zero poles, with a best series finish of 59th in the final standings.
Golden remained active with Clubb Racing Inc. into 2025, with his most recent recorded ARCA start coming at the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway. His ongoing partnership with team owner Alex Clubb has provided a stable platform for continued national-series competition.
Clubb Racing Inc. Era
Golden’s association with Clubb Racing Inc. began with a one-off 2023 appearance at DuQuoin and grew into a multi-race program in 2024 and 2025. Driving the No. 03 and No. 86 Ford entries, he has represented the team in ARCA Menards Series competition. The relationship has given him opportunities on both paved ovals and road courses.
Although results have been limited by mechanical setbacks, Golden has continued to log valuable laps at the national level. His willingness to race diverse tracks, from Mid-Ohio’s road layout to Salem’s high-banked oval, reflects a driver focused on long-term development rather than short-term results.
Driving Style and Strengths
Golden’s background in limited modified and tuner divisions suggests comfort with cars that demand active driver input and frequent adjustments. His experience across oval and road course layouts, including Mid-Ohio and the DuQuoin dirt mile, points to an adaptable driving style. Continued seat time with Clubb Racing Inc. is expected to refine his race craft further.
Notable Races and Milestones
Golden’s 2024 debut at the Zinsser SmartCoat 150 at Mid-Ohio stands as his first national-series start. His 2023 appearance at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds dirt track, where he practiced and qualified but did not race, marked his earliest link to ARCA-level competition. The Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem in 2025 represents his most recent recorded ARCA start.
Chris Golden Career Wins
Chris Golden has not recorded any wins in the ARCA Menards Series. His national-level career has focused on gaining experience and finishing races, rather than contending for victories. Wins from his earlier regional racing career in the Sooner Limited Modified Series and the United States Racing Association are not documented in available records.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
In the ARCA Menards Series, Golden has made a small number of starts with Clubb Racing Inc., recording zero wins, zero top tens, and zero poles. His best series finish came in 2024, when he placed 59th in the final standings. Each of his documented starts has come while driving a Ford for the team.
Other Wins and Performances
Before reaching ARCA, Golden built his résumé in regional competition, including the Sooner Limited Modified Series and the United States Racing Association’s limited modified and tuner divisions. Specific results from those series are not recorded in available records, but the experience helped prepare him for national-level stock car racing.
2025 Season Performance
Chris Golden’s 2025 ARCA Menards Series activity has been limited, with his most recent appearance coming at the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at Salem Speedway. Driving the No. 03/86 Ford for Clubb Racing Inc., he has continued his part-time presence on the national stock car scene. The 2025 schedule reflects a measured approach focused on gaining additional seat time.
Mechanical issues that affected his 2024 results have remained a factor, limiting his ability to log complete races. Still, his ongoing relationship with team owner Alex Clubb suggests a stable platform for future opportunities. Continued starts would allow Golden to build on the foundation established in his 2024 debut season.