SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Long-time modified racer Dick Clark of Munnsville, N.Y., passed away Feb. 28 after battling major health issues for well over two decades.
A member of the New York State Stock Car Ass’n and Fonda Speedway halls of fame, Clark began his career in the overhead late-model class at Utica-Rome Speedway before moving to Hugh Hedger’s No. 16 sportsman, with which he edged long-time friend Jerry Cook for the 1967 N.Y. State NASCAR Sportsman title. His career continued with Hedger’s big-block modified, highlighted by the sharing of the 1968 All-Star League team title with Lou Lazzaro and Ronnie Narducci as the trio represented Fonda Speedway in the far-flung series.
After retiring from racing, Clark continued to operate the family business, Munnsville Limestone Corp., a supplier of crushed stone and agricultural lime, until a few years ago.
He is survived by wife Nancy, sons Duncan and Douglas and daughter Terri.

Boyd Coddington, 63

The West Coast car-building legend died Feb. 28 at the age of 63 following an undisclosed illness.
Coddington started building cars when he was 13 and built some of the most recognizable hot rods in the world. He was also well known for the popular television show “American Hot Rod.”

Jack Hatfield, 77

A former car owner and race track promoter, Jeff Hatfield, 77, died March 1 in Wooster, Ohio.
A minister for 46 years, Hatfield owned race cars that competed at Wayne County and Lakeville speedways in Ohio.