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I have been around motorsports since I can remember. I grew
up 2 blocks from the shop of Roger Swenson and then hired
driver Jim Haney. My parents would always take me to races
at Casino, Husets and of course State Fair races. I started
to compete myself at the age of 11, drag racing and oval ice
racing snowmobiles with Jim Haney for a few years. ( We
didn't drag race on grass like they do now) - still can't
get used to that. During these years I was always at the
pits helping drivers like Larry Phipps, Tommy Harrington,
Roland Small and whoever else would put up with me.
At the age of 16 I started to race motocross which led into
short track and flat track with motorcycles and 3 wheelers
on ice and dirt. The 4 wheelers were just becoming popular
when I got into car racing in 1986. In the fall of '86 I
bought a street stocker from Tom Harrington and raced it at
Casino one night and then at Miller Speedway at the then
Winter Nationals. It was the last race on that track till it
was reopened with the new promoters. 1987 brought the
Wissota Modifieds and I had to have one. I raced on my own
budget with Fegers and Cobra chassis from 1987 till end of
1992. My son was one year old and I realized there were more
important things to do with my money and decided to get out.
I had to stay away from the tracks for several years to
avoid the urge. During these years I learned to golf with my
father and family-poorly-but I did learn to enjoy it. My
family was young, so we camped and spent time together as
much as my work would allow.
In 2002, a good friend who helped me years prior on my cars
approached me with the idea of driving again and of course I
was interested. 2003 was my return to modifieds racing with
Shane Weber in an Arrow chassis. It was like starting all
over and since, I am still learning and readjusting to the
changes and technology after an eleven year sit. Shane and I
won half a dozen features or so and was track champion in
2004 at Renegade speedway in Canby MN. Winning season
features and Mid season features at both Casino and
Renegade. Shane decided to get out of the racing one more
time and I followed suit after 3 years. Realizing that I had
{time} again, I decided to have another motorcycle. Thirty
days after that I was approached by Todd Good wondering if
I wanted to drive again. Of course, I said yes and have been
teamed with Todd going on our third year now.
Late last year we moved into the Late Model in which I am
anxious to learn. We will be racing still the 2005 J-car and
the 2005 Mastersbuilt as much as time and funding allow. I
would like to thank my family as they have learned to deal
with me being gone once again. Maybe they like it that way?
ha-ha Also, I want to thank Todd and Vicki Good of course as
I'm sure without there help I would be still riding my
motorcycle. My crew consists of Todd, Nathan Constant, Bobby
Nichols and my old partner Shane Weber. This year with the 2
car program we have recruited Todd's brother Pat and Dana
Beavers to help with the extra chores. I am lucky to have
this crew as they have all got a connection with racing in
their lives and enjoy it also.
- Joe Waba, 2009 DSFS Modified Champion |
