5/5/2020
Ransomville Speedway
Ransomville Speedway Profile: Derek Wagner
That 61 didn’t come from nowhere, it was chosen by combining the numbers of PJ Allen (21a) and BJ Bowman (36)! With three wins and placing second place in the Sportsman points, the driver of the 61 car was on fire in the 2019 race season at Ransomville Speedway. Derek Wagner of Middleport is looking to “move forward” in the 2020 racing season! Last season, Wagner was a top contender every week, having 14 top ten finishes and 13 of those being in the top 5. This season, Wagner will be rocking a whole new color scheme compared to the neon blue and green from last year. The new orange, blue, and black will look great in victory lane and we can’t wait to see it there! Everyone has a story on how they got hooked on racing. For Wagner, it was when the Herriven’s, his neighbors, dog got loose. He met the son and quickly became friends with him (Nick Herriven) and followed them to the races, immediately getting hooked on the sport. Wagner is a family and team oriented driver, never being the center spotlight and is grateful for everyone’s help and support. He would like to thank Nickel City Funding, Villani's Lawn and Landscape, Performance MFG., Fur Babes Rabbitry, CB Crane Service, Milne MFG., Harris Beach Attorneys at Law, Pudgie's Veggies, Drum Oil and Propane, No Class Rats Garage, Middleport Tractor, Metlife Auto and Home, MG (Meg and Gary), Hydro Fabrication, Middleport Tractor, The Bailey Family, and Performance Video for their generous support for the upcoming 2020 racing season. Other than his sponsors, Wagner would also like to thank Shannyn Botsford, Lyle Demmin, Dave "The Legend" Botsford, Scot Neuman, Jesse Cotriss, Dad and the entire Cotriss Crew for their assistance and support throughout his racing career thus far.
Q&A with Derek Wagner:
What ice cream flavor would you be and why?
“Cookies and Cream, Keep it simple.”
If you got the chance to compete with one NASCAR driver, who would it be and why?
“Richard Petty, he is the one of the greatest when racing was really racing.”
Who is a driver that you look up to for inspiration?
“Mat Williamson, he is clean and smooth on track but is always respectful and humble to everyone around him.”
What is the first thing you look forward to after your feature is over?
“Studying the Modified race, always something to learn from the best in the business.”
What is the car that you have had the most fun driving? (race car or street car)
“Mod lite, in order to be fast you are on the edge of out of control”.
Fans are encouraged to watch Wagner’s racing journey on Facebook at Wagner/Demon Racing 61 and Instagram @wagner_demonracing.
“This team is more than just about me, I do this for all the people around me and those watching from above, Donna Bailey, Kevin Vendetta and Avery Pearl Falker. I just drive the car.”
-Derek Wagner
Article Credit: Keirstan Farina
Submitted By: Jeff Anstett
