Wednesdays with Wayne – Chili Bowl Time!

(Bill W) January 9, 2012 – Wayne Johnson will take to the track in the City Vending #22x in tonight’s qualifier for the Chili Bowl in the Tulsa Expo Center.  The Knoxville, Iowa driver will start his quest for the “Golden Driller” trophy handed out in Saturday’s finale. 
 
Wayne has partnered with one of his Texas-based sprint car partners.  “We’re driving for Ray Williams of City Vending,” he says.  “He’s had this midget a couple of years.  He wanted me to do it last year and I couldn’t.  He asked me again this year, and I think it’s going to be a good deal.  He helps us a lot with the sprint car during the year.”
 
There has been some seat time this week in preparation.  “We were able to practice in Clermont (Oklahoma) last weekend and the car felt as good as I’ve ever felt in a midget,” says Wayne.  “We did have some motor issues, but we had those solved by Monday’s practice.”
 
Things felt good on Monday as well.  “The car felt better than ever for me, and we’re excited to get rolling tonight,” says Wayne.  “I’ve run midgets a few times, so you know what to expect.  It felt really good.”
 
Wayne is thankful for those making it possible.  “Of course, Ray and City Vending are the main partners,” he says.  “We also have Performance Transmission, Mel-Ray Oil & Gas, The Oil Medics, Hoosier Tire, Super Shox, Payne & Sons Body Shop, 517 Design and Parker Anodizing & Coatings.”
 
After the Chili Bowl, Wayne is headed “Down Under” to run six sprint car events.  “We’re leaving for Australia Monday and we’ll be driving for Brett (Smith),” he says.  “We’re going to run two nights in Sydney, and then run Avalon, Mount Gambier and then we’ll head to the Classic (Warrnambool, Victoria).  It will be my first time driving in Sydney.  I’ve been about everywhere down there except Sydney.”

Category: Driver Updates, Wayne Johnson