Mike McCluney of La Selva Beach, Calif. has been named USAC's Western Developmental Series Coordinator. His duties will include working directly with USAC VP/Racing Director Jason Smith, USAC Developmental Series Director James Spink and USAC VP/Western Operations Tommy Hunt in developing programs associated with USAC's existing Ford Focus and new .25 Midget Series in the western United States.

"We already have announced 2009 plans for the Las Vegas Quarter Midget Association, Kings Speedway (Hanford) Quarter Midget Racing Association and the Orange Show (San Bernardino) Quarter Midget Racing Association and expect additional expansion as we continue to grow," said McCluney. "I'm honored to have been asked to join the USAC team developing the Ford Focus and .25 Midget programs. I truly believe that USAC management is headed in exactly the right direction with the Developmental Series concept and that a structured minor league of motorsports will greatly benefit all American motorsports. There is a place in this for everyone, from the part time hobby racer to the career minded drivers and teams, including the sponsors, the promoters and the sanctioning groups. This is a win/win program that I'm excited to be a part of."

McCluney brings a wealth of experience to the table, including 45 years of involvement in the sport of auto racing. He competed in go-karts in his early teens, then in 1966 built and raced an SCCA Trans-Am Mustang. He spent a dozen years as an owner, manager and crew chief for NASCAR and USAC stock car teams on the west coast and was involved with drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Ricky Rudd and Bobby Allison. He also has fielded quarter midgets for his daughter Megan.

From 1996 to 2000 he served as a quarter midget Region Director, responsible for an area covering Northern California and Nevada. That position included overseeing some 120 events per year, including the high-profile Winternatonals in Las Vegas.

Mike was the event coordinator for Watsonville Speedway from 2003-2005 which included some involvement with USAC racing events held at the California track.

His management roles have included a rock and roll entertainment and promotion business, a job shop fabrication and millwright company and a currently-active wholesale specialty produce business.

"We are truly fortunate to have Mike's expertise on our team," says Spink. "He is a great addition to what we believe is a stellar management program on the west coast."