Jayson Clunie (right) prepares his helmet for a race. (Jayson Clunie/Submitted photo)

By Logan Lehmann

Rev'd up in the Music City

P.A. racer ready for battle in GT America Music City Grand Prix

Aug 7, 2022 | 8:00 AM

Veteran racer Jayson Clunie is set to take on the GT America doubleheader this weekend, racing in the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville for the first time in his career.

Not only is this his first race in Nashville, but this is his first race since 2019 after competing in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge in Atlanta.

Having never competed at this track and being out of racing for nearly three years, Clunie said that he’s confident about his abilities, but admits he needs to get back into the swing of things.

“It takes a little bit to knock the rust off,” he said. “(I’m) racing against guys who all they do is race. They’re in the cars on a regular basis whereas I have some catching up to do.”

Clunie got into racing 25 years ago, starting off in the karting ranks, and eventually finding his way into open-wheel racing by competing in the F2000 and US F2000 series.

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Over the course of his racing career, he’s racked up multiple race wins and podium finishes, including a second-place finish in the IMSA Pilot event at Sebring in 2018.

As for this event, Clunie’s expectations have altered slightly since his last outing on the track.

“I just need to get comfortable in the car again,” he said. “I’m hoping to be in the top 10. That would be like a win for me.”

The vehicles used in the races aren’t stock cars or Formula 1 either, as the cars are just like the ones you can buy at dealerships or see on the street.

Clunie’s BMW M4 GT4 that will be driven in the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, TN. (Jayson Clunie/Submitted photo)

Clunie has previously raced in all sorts of different cars, like the Mazdaspeed 3 and Audi S3, but on this go around, the P.A. hopeful will be driving his No. 11 Sewell Automotive Companies BMW M4 GT4, a car he hasn’t raced in since 2018.

And although it may seem like he’s a career racer, he does racing on the side.

“I’m actually an engineer and construction worker,” he said. “That’s my day job and (racing) is just a hobby.”

The first race of the doubleheader weekend wrapped up on Saturday night while the second race takes off on Sunday Morning.

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logan.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @lloganlehmann