Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

[Peter H.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

I First Met Dennis At The Ontario Chapters First Regional In 1990 I Was The Judging Chairman And Had The Honour Of Picking Dennis Up At Pearson International Airport In My Lemans His Infectious Smile And Unique Sense Of Humour Were Memorable
He And President Mike McCagh Made Running The Event So Effortless I Think Dennis Chose A Cobra Car Model As His Door Prize
As Been Said He Was One Of The Best In NCRS We Will All Miss His Kind. Rest Well Dennis Condolences To The Family
Peter Hannigan Ontario Judging Chairman 89/91 🇨🇦

[Mike E.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Dennis and I spent considerable time studying 62 race cars and comparing notes, SCCA magazines, and the like. We also interacted many times when I was 61-62 team leader. He was very competent and a true piece of work. Dennis, I miss you! RIP

[Tom B.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

The NCRS would not have been able to be what it is without Dennis. He worked hard for all of us.

[John M.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

My first meeting with Dennis Clark exemplifies what a gentleman he was. I met Dennis in 1994 at the Bonneville Chapter’s judging meet. I was a very inexperienced novice about NCRS judging requirements and very nervous having my 62 judged. The day’s plan was to have the operations judging completed with the cars parked in the hotel’s covered garage. Once operations were completed, the cars were to be driven outside to the open air parking lot to complete the judging process. Worried and nervous I went to the garage early in the morning bringing my chair and small tool bag to check on the car. I wanted to make sure the car would start so I could drive to the judging field. I started the car, it fired right up, and for good measure I let it run for a minute or two. Satisfied I went into the hotel for breakfast. I was at the car on time for operations and here comes Dennis, my ops judge. I freaked out, the NJC who obviously knows everything is going to judge this rookie’s car. Dennis introduced himself and slowly walked around the car. He asked me if I started it that morning. The engine was not stone cold, he knew I started it. I told him I did. He gently explained that was not appropriate due to the cold start choke test. He calmly said don’t worry, we will first test all the other areas we can giving the engine more time to cool saving the start and other tests for last. After he quietly explained why I should not have started the car we had a successful friendly experience. I never forgot how kind he was that day and I try to emulate his demeanor with every owner I meet as I judge their car. RIP Dennis.

[John A.]

Dad and Dennis NCM HOF.jpg

The Corvette Restorer - Vol 14 #1 - Summer 1987.jpg

[Tom S.]

[Terry M.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Since we are reminiscing about Dennis I have to share a special kindness he showed to me.

When my C6 Z06 was much newer John Studts and I drove much of I-90 to a Regional in Oregon. That was an adventure of its own, and a story for another time. Dennis was kind enough to store the C6 for me. Not only did he store the car, but he delivered John and I to the Portland airport after the Regional in May. In July he picked up my daughter and me so we could drive the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) to the National in San Diego. His help allowed us to check off a bucket list drive.

When we picked up the car he admitted he was fascinated by the operation of the side windows that lowered to clear the weatherstrip before the door opened. With his usual grin he admitted to exercising the door operation while the car was in his custody. I assured him that ws no problem and that the C6 was a long way from his beloved C1s. I played Captain obvious there. He then showed me the yellow Metropolitan with the train horn mounted on the top. The force of that horn had cracked the rear window. I challenged him to show me, but he insisted his neighbors wouldn't appreciate that. I think the distance to the nearest neighbor was measured in miles, even on the other side of the mountain from his home.

What I owe Dennis on a personal level pales in comparison to what NCRS as an organization owes him. Others have enumerated some of the judging changes he instituted. He shaped what we are today, and those judging programs will be his legacy. Dennis laid the foundation of the judges training program. Others have massaged and enhansed it, but today's judging point system was his baby.

I have to stop thiss. My keyboard is getting wet.

[Lou C.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Very sad news.
A 62 guy for sure.
RIP my friend.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Memorial Arrangements are as follows, for those of you who were not aware, Sondra passed away in her sleep last July...

A Celebration of Life for Dennis & Sondra Clark will be held Friday, May 10th at 5:30 pm at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum in The Dalles, Oregon.

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

Announcement for the Celebration of LifeClark Celebration of Life Announcement.jpgClark Celebration of Life Announcement.pdf

[Daniel J.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

I am posting on behalf of two long time NW Chapter members that do not post on the TDB. Dan Johnson

Rememberances from Bert Lukins & Mary Reid (long time NCRS & NW Chapter Members)

From Mary Reid (widow of Rick Reid, past NCRS President)
Dennis and Sondra were our friends since the summer of 1984 when we decided to do a road tour to the national meet in Colorado. They were wonderful friends and we spent so many good times together; road tours to Monterey, chapter meets and weekends in Lyle, WA or at our home in Beaverton, then at our home in Sherwood.
Actually, they came down from Lyle in 1984 to sign that we were okay to get married which we did 10/27/84.
Dennis had a good sense of humor and loved the Corvettes. Both of them will be sorely missed.
Mary Reid

[Dave F.]

Re: Dennis Clark, Former National Judging Chairman and Lifetime Achievement Recipient

I'm way late to this. Been out of the hobby (even though I still own and love my Corvette). I met Dennis at a Leavenworth WA regional event. I had made a little plaque to put in front of my car, which went over well at car shows, but not loved so much at NCRS events. Dennis kicked it under the car. To get back at him for this snub, I had to outbid him on the original artwork for the event.

He seemed to have the room laughing most of the evening, so you have to like a guy like that.

Rest in Peace Dennis!