From left to right: Mark Mullen, Owner, Spartan Waste, Ryan Delaney, Owner, Fox Sports Spartanburg 98.3 FM, Jeremy Clements, Mark Nelson, Owner, Spartan Waste
Story provided by USC Upstate Athletics Department
January 22 was a night fueled by horsepower and hometown pride as USC Upstate Athletics, Jeremy Clements Racing, Fox Sports 1400 Spartanburg, and Spartan Waste joined forces to create an unforgettable event. Held during USC Upstate Men’s Basketball’s matchup against High Point University, the third annual Jeremy Clements Night wasn’t just a game—it was a victory lap for Spartanburg, blending the adrenaline of NASCAR with the passion of Upstate athletics.
For many fans, the opportunity to meet a NASCAR driver up close and see a race car in person is a rare thrill. But thanks to this collaboration, USC Upstate supporters got to meet Jeremy Clements. They saw his No. 51 car parked outside the arena—sporting a custom wrap featuring the USC Upstate logo in a prime hood position.
Jeremy, a Spartanburg native, has made a name for himself in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, coming up on his 500th career appearance. Clements, a seasoned driver who has competed at the highest levels, kicked off this season with a top-ten finish at Daytona. His career started early, becoming one of the youngest drivers to qualify for a NASCAR Nationwide Series race at just 18 years old. But no matter where his career takes him, his roots remain firmly planted in Spartanburg.
“You always want the hometown people to support you and have your back,” Jeremy said. “Over the years, I’ve met so many great folks who believe in my race team and in me as a driver. Having them on board has been incredible, and I want to keep that trend going. The more hometown support we can get, the better.”
The annual event has grown each year, drawing more fans and deepening the connection between Upstate Athletics and the motorsports world. Despite being a veteran behind the wheel, Jeremy admitted that standing center court in front of a packed crowd gave him a different kind of nerves.
“I don’t know too many professional drivers who have their own nights at college basketball games,” he said with a laugh. “I was more nervous for the basketball game night than I was for the race! Those guys are so athletic, tall, and talented. Maybe next year, we need to do a game of HORSE.”
Jeremy’s humility and enthusiasm for the event have made it a date to circle on the Upstate sports calendar. The partnership has continued to grow with each passing year, something Jeremy is immensely grateful to be part of the process and event.
“This event has been getting better every year. It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of these great local partnerships,” he said. “Fox Sports, Spartan Waste, and Upstate Athletics have been instrumental in all of this. I appreciate their support and the creative ideas they bring.”
USC Upstate’s Senior Associate A.D. for External Operations, Lenny Mathis, emphasized how much Jeremy means to the community.
“Jeremy is a staple in Spartanburg,” Mathis said. “We appreciate that he takes time out of his busy schedule to get involved with our community, fans, and staff. It’s important for us to keep trying new things and building on successful events like Jeremy Clements Night.”
Ryan Delaney, owner and operator of Fox Sports 1400 Spartanburg, echoed those sentiments, noting how the event was a natural extension of their mission to support local sports.
“We started Fox Sports Spartanburg about seven or eight years ago, and we’ve always been dedicated to covering both USC Upstate Athletics and Jeremy Clements Racing,” Delaney said. “We wanted to make that relationship more formal, and now we’re Upstate’s broadcast partner for basketball and baseball. Bringing the race car out, giving fans a chance to take pictures and get autographs—it’s a fun way to bring all of our brands together and celebrate the great sports culture we have in Spartanburg.”
For Delaney, the partnerships Fox Sports has built with Upstate, Clements Racing, and local businesses like Spartan Waste are all part of a broader goal.
“We want to be involved in everything. When they win, we win. Whether it’s Upstate, Jeremy Clements, or a local high school team, it’s all about supporting Spartanburg County.”
Mark Nelson, owner of Spartan Waste, has been another driving force behind the collaboration. A lifelong motorsports fan and former Dale Earnhardt fan club member, Nelson immediately saw the value in getting involved.
“When this opportunity came up through Ryan, I knew it was a perfect match,” Nelson said. “It’s right up my alley, and more importantly, it’s a great way for us to support the community.”
Spartan Waste has been a leader in local philanthropy, consistently reinvesting in Spartanburg. Their approach to branding and sponsorship is centered around collaboration rather than self-promotion.
“We rotate our logos, find new ways to get others involved, and focus on community impact. It’s not about us—it’s about Spartanburg,” Nelson said. “USC Upstate Athletics is vital to this community, and we want to see them grow.”
The event’s magic isn’t just in the sponsorships or partnerships—it’s in the fans’ reactions, the kids seeing a race car up close for the first time, and the excitement of bringing together different sports in an authentic and engaging way.
As Jeremy Clements continues his NASCAR season and USC Upstate builds on its success, the partnership between motorsports and college athletics in Spartanburg is only growing stronger. Whether it’s basketball, racing, or community events, the goal remains the same: celebrate the passion and pride of Spartanburg.
“I love Spartanburg,” Clements said. “I’ve been here my whole life, and I want to represent this area well. Knowing people are watching you, supporting you, and rooting for you means everything.”
For the fans in attendance, Jeremy Clements Night wasn’t just about basketball or NASCAR—it was about community, connection, and a shared love of sports. And as the event continues to grow, one thing is clear: Spartanburg is racing ahead–together.
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