GK Racing Overview
GK Racing, formerly known as Clay Greenfield Motorsports and Alger Motorsports, is an American professional stock car racing team competing part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Founded in 2011 and based in Clarksville, Tennessee, the team fields the No. 95 Chevrolet Silverado primarily for co-owner and driver Clay Greenfield. Other co-owners include Greenfield’s wife Tandra Greenfield, a former NFL cheerleader, and Jordan and Theresa Kiss, owners of Backyard Blues Pools, a key sponsor. The team is known for its persistence in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series despite limited race victories and pole positions.
Founding and Organizational Origins
GK Racing was established in 2011 initially under the name Alger Motorsports. The team was co-owned by Billy Alger, who also competed as a driver in what is now the ARCA Menards Series. The founding aimed to create a competitive part-time racing team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, focusing on building a solid operational base and gaining experience in stock car racing. The team’s early structure included a small but dedicated group of owners and drivers committed to advancing their presence in motorsports.
Growth Into NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Competition
After its debut in 2011, the team evolved through several name changes reflecting shifts in ownership and sponsorship. In 2012, the team fielded entries for multiple drivers, including Clay Greenfield, who would later become the primary driver and co-owner. The team rebranded as Clay Greenfield Motorsports in 2013, marking a new chapter with Greenfield taking a more central role. Early programs focused on part-time schedules, with efforts concentrated on superspeedway events. Technical alliances and sponsorships, such as Backyard Blues Pools, helped sustain the team’s operations and growth within the series.
GK Racing Competitive Journey
GK Racing’s journey in stock car racing has been characterized by part-time participation with a focus on strategic entries in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. The team has competed in 57 Truck Series races and 4 ARCA Racing Series events, steadily building experience and maintaining a presence despite challenges in securing wins or pole positions.
Early Seasons and Development (2011–2013)
In its initial years, the team competed under the Alger Motorsports banner, debuting in the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. The first race attempt was at the spring event in Texas after failing to qualify at Daytona. Wayne Edwards and Clay Greenfield were among the early drivers, with Greenfield taking over the No. 68 truck in 2012. The 2013 season saw the team renamed Clay Greenfield Motorsports, with Greenfield earning the fastest practice time at Daytona International Raceway and delivering a notable performance in the Eldora Speedway qualifier. The team concluded the season with six starts and a best finish of thirteenth, establishing a foundation for future participation.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (2014–2020)
During this period, the team continued to operate on a part-time basis, focusing on races where funding and sponsorship were available. The team also fielded a part-time ARCA Racing Series entry for co-owner Billy Alger in 2015 and 2016. After Alger’s departure, Greenfield became the sole owner, consolidating leadership. In 2020, the team planned to run eight races but expanded to nearly a full season due to changes in field size following the COVID-19 pandemic. The hiring of Jeff Hammond as crew chief brought experienced leadership to the team. Despite challenges, the team maintained its competitive presence and sought to expand its schedule.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2021–Present)
In 2021, GK Racing announced plans to run a full NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season for the first time, although Greenfield himself competed in only a few races while the team sought funded drivers. The departure of primary sponsor Rackley Roofing impacted the schedule, resulting in a limited number of race attempts. The team did not compete in 2022, with Greenfield driving part-time for another team. In 2023, Greenfield relaunched the team as GK Racing with new co-owners Jordan and Theresa Kiss, reflecting a renewed commitment and partnership with Backyard Blues Pools. The team continues to field the No. 95 Chevrolet Silverado, focusing on part-time competition and strategic growth.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
GK Racing emphasizes resilience and adaptability within the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team excels in managing part-time schedules effectively, leveraging sponsorship relationships, and focusing on superspeedway events where their competitive strengths align. Their strategy includes careful race selection and technical partnerships to maximize performance despite limited resources.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments for GK Racing include the team’s debut in the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the rebranding to Clay Greenfield Motorsports in 2013, and the expansion to nearly a full season in 2020. The hiring of veteran crew chief Jeff Hammond and the 2023 relaunch as GK Racing with new co-owners mark significant organizational milestones. Although the team has yet to secure race victories or pole positions, its sustained presence and strategic growth are notable achievements.
GK Racing Achievements and Results
GK Racing has maintained a consistent presence in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since its founding, competing in 57 races and four ARCA Racing Series events. While the team has not recorded race victories or pole positions, its endurance and ability to compete part-time in a highly competitive environment reflect its commitment to the sport.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Achievements
The team’s first race was in 2011 at Texas, and since then, it has participated in numerous events primarily with the No. 95 Chevrolet Silverado. Despite the absence of wins or poles, the team has achieved competitive finishes and has been recognized for its persistence. The 2020 season was a highlight in terms of participation, with the team running nearly a full schedule due to expanded field sizes.
Conference Achievements
Specific conference achievements are not applicable as the team competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which does not have conference divisions.
Divisional Achievements
Divisional achievements are not applicable for GK Racing due to the structure of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Series Achievements
GK Racing’s series-level achievements include consistent participation and development of competitive programs in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team has contributed to the series’ diversity by supporting part-time drivers and maintaining operations through changing sponsorship and ownership dynamics.