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On the Ragged Edge with . . . Wayne Modjeski
(July 1, 2006 – Plymouth, WI) He’s the man they call Mojo, and he is
the first person who came to mind when I decided to begin this series of
interviews. Wayne Modjeski is an IRA regular and 1999 IRA Rookie of the
Year and is probably the single most likable guy you will ever meet at the
race track.
It seems that no matter what driver you are discussing, you can find someone
with something negative to say about that person. I don’t think that
theory holds true when it comes to Modjeski. If a person exists that
doesn’t truly like the guy, that person would have to do some serious
convincing to get me to understand why.
Modjeski, a 33-year old truck driver from Oak Creek, Wisconsin, competes with
the IRA and can always be counted on for a smile and a positive attitude,
regardless of how his night is going. His 2006 season has gone into
survival mode after losing a motor at the IRA event at Oshkosh a few weeks
ago, but Modjeski is staying positive and keeping his focus.
When did you start racing?
I started racing mini-sprints in 1996 and after blowing a motor in 1997, I
told my dad, “If I have $5,000 tied up in a mini, why not put $20,000 in a
big sprint car motor?” I told my dad that’s what I was going to do,
and he said I was crazy but that’s what we did. We started racing
sprints in 1998 and won the IRA Rookie of the Year in 1999 and were 10th in
points.
What is your main goal for the season?
After losing the motor at Oshkosh, we have to just wait to get that one back,
and we may not get it until next year, so the Nationals are kind of out the
window until we find a motor or find a ride, so the main goal now is to make
100% of the IRA shows. We’re just taking one race at a time and trying
to get back on track
What is your favorite or most exciting memory in your race career?
Winning the IRA Rookie of the Year in 1999 and finishing 4th at Butler
(Michigan).
What is one memory you would like to forget?
At Antigo a couple years ago, I went into turn three and spun and backed it
into the wall. The fuel fitting broke off the fuel cell and ignited on
the headers. I thought it was the last minute of my life; flames were
coming up into my helmet. When I got out of the car, I wasn’t getting
burned by the flames, I was getting steamed. I had 4 or 5 spots with 2nd
and 3rd degree burns. I was released by the doctor and was back in the
car 13 days later though. That’s one thing I wouldn’t want to go
through again and wouldn’t wish on anyone.
If there was one race you could go back and do over, what would it be?
Running 4th at Butler. I was running 2nd behind Joe Roe. Joe’s
one of those big competition guys that you always want to try and beat.
I should’ve stayed behind him since there wasn’t much passing, but I went
in too hot and heavy, went up and over the back straightaway and back
on. I should have had more patience, but I thought I could get
him. I tried it and it didn’t work, but that’s racing.
Do you have a favorite driver you like to race against?
I don’t really have a favorite. I just like racing with the IRA
regulars because you know what they are going to do. They are going to
give you room and I’ll give them plenty of room. Some of the other
guys, the outsiders, they aren’t as lenient as these guys. The IRA
guys are just more comfortable to run against.
Do you have a favorite track?
I like the small ones, like Plymouth and Butler. We’re more
competitive at the smaller tracks. I like Knoxville – we don’t have
the motor for it, but it’s such a great racing atmosphere.
Are there any tracks you haven’t been to but would like to?
I’d like to go to Pennsylvania and check out those races. I’m not
sure I want to take the car though. The Outlaws go out there, and they
can compete against them, but the Pennsylvania guys are tough! I’d
just like to see Williams Grove and some of the big tracks. I’d like
to go to Florida one of these years. We talk bout trying to do more
races, but when you get done racing each year, you’ve always got catch up on
the bills from last year and get started with next year.
What about working on your car during the week?
Actually I don’t work on the car during the week. I help my dad and
Scott wash it on Sundays and get it into the shop, and they work on it.
It’s hard for me with my job to get started early and work all day, then try
to work on the car too. Those guys take care of it, and they want me to
just concentrate on the racing. I used to do all the paperwork and
everything, but now I’m just focusing on driving. We just moved into a
new shop that my boss bought, AIM Transfer & Storage, so now everything is
in one spot, truck, trailer, and car. It’s great, and I really
have to thank them for that.
If you had some time off and could go anywhere in the world, where would
you go?
I’d like to go to Australia in the wintertime and check out their racing.
What’s your favorite food?
Probably pizza. It’s simple and easy; finger foods. Pizza or
McDonald’s.
What’s the last movie you saw?
That’s a good question. Last in the theater, probably Titanic. I
just don’t have much time to make it to a movie.
Are you a NASCAR fan?
I like Tony Stewart and Dale Jr. I like the open wheel guys, Stewart and
Jeff Gordon, but my buddy likes Gordon so I stick with Stewart and Dale Jr.
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