INDIANAPOLIS – Emerson Axsom and Clauson Marshall Newman Racing will contend for the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car championship in 2022, the team confirmed Thursday morning.
The 17-year-old will pilot the No. 47BC Driven2SaveLives sprint car, as well as the team’s No. 39BC midget in addition to a winged sprint car in select events. Axsom drove for Clauson Marshall Newman in seven USAC National Sprint Car events this year, notching three top 10 finishes and 26 laps led.
Axsom will also compete for USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year honors.
“I am really excited to chase not only the Rookie of the Year, but also the USAC National Sprint Car championship with Emerson,” co-owner Tim Clauson said in a statement. “We were fortunate to get to audition Emerson during the latter part of 2021, and I was really impressed with the speed we had right away out of the gate with no previous sprint car experience.
“As much as I was impressed with his speed, I was more impressed with the way he represented himself, our company and especially our partners out of the race car,” Clauson added. “Getting an opportunity is the first step, but taking full advantage of that opportunity is what leads to where we are today. One of the values we have as a company is to help grow the next generation of the sport, and there is little doubt in my mind that Emerson is going to be a big part of  not only CMR’s future but the sport’s future as well.”
Axsom finished fourth in his full season with the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series this year, going for two wins and 20 top five finishes in 40 events.
“I’m super excited to be working with Clauson Marshall racing again and excited about the schedule we have put together,” Axsom said. “I have been working to be exactly where I am for a while now, so it feels great to have it finally pay off. I can’t thank Tim, Diana, Richard, Jennifer, Taylor and everyone at CMR and Driven2SaveLives enough for continuing to believe in me.
“I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to live my dream while spreading awareness for organ and tissue donation in honor of Bryan Clauson,” Axsom added.