Written by Doug Wright

Racing has certainly been in my blood since birth.  I was raised around my dad's mechanic/speed shop, race cars, and race tracks.  My dad, Rex, was a successful drag racer and engine builder.   While dad raced ovals, most of his triumphs were in the drag racing arena.

I began my racing career at Bunker Hill Drag Strip, driving my 1966 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88.  The car was a 4-door, and many folks laughed when I arrived at the track.  These folks were unaware of the work my dad had done to the big 425 cu in powerplant.  The laughter was short lived, and later that day I drove off with first place cash ($50) in hand!  I had won my first race and I had just met my first love...auto racing.

During my career, I've raced in 27 states and provinces (US and Canada).  I have won over 80 races, logged more than 15 fast qualifier awards, and established 3 track records.  My career has taken me to bull-ring dirt tracks, paved ovals, twisty road race courses, and fast super speedways.  I've raced in torrential rains, relentless heat, and on slippery salt.  I was fortunate to race in the USAC and IMSA series during their glory days.  My peers included Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kenny Schrader, Kasey Kahne, Kenny Irwin, John Andretti, Rich Vogler, Stan Fox, and Ryan Newman.  I also raced alongside Paul Newman, David Hobbs, Tony George, Sammy Swindell, Bryan Herta, Andy Michner, Mark Dismore, Mike Bliss, Sarah Fisher, and many other drivers who have competed in the Indy 500, Daytona, 500, and 24 Hours of LeMans.

I have ran first in races and last in races.  I have completed spectacular passes and I have endured spectacular crashes.  But through it all, it's been a great ride.  I have raced hard and clean, and I have made many friends during my time behind the wheel.

Today, Terri (my wife) and I enjoy building our motorsports business, Doug Wright Racing & Promotions.  At our shop, we build hot rods, restore antique cars, and provide race preparation services.  I enjoy working with customers who share my passion for the automobile (and motorcycles).  Nearly every weekend, you'll find me (and Terri) at a race track, classic car auction, or automotive trade show.

Here are a few photographs to (briefly) summarize my racing career.  I hope to keep adding photos to this site...and I plan to add a photo of my dad and I breaking the C/GALT land speed record at Bonneville very soon.  Thanks for visiting our web site!

Double click on any image to enlarge

Here's where it all begins...my dad racing his 1940 Ford Coupe at Bunker Hill Dragstrip in the late 50's

Here I am (circa 1964) at US 30 Dragstrip.  That's my mom, Jan, holding my newborn sister, Colleen.  Dad is busy getting ready for another round of drag racing.

Standing (on crutches) with my mini-bike in dad's shop (circa 1969). 

Racing the '66 Olds Dynamic 88 4-door at Bunker Hill Dragstrip (circa 1978)

Racing go-karts (McCollough engines) at Camden Raceway (circa 1980).

Racing a Modified Midget at Lake Cicott, US 24 Speedway (Circa 1982)

Racing at Skip Barber Racing School, 1984, at Sebring, Florida

Winning the 1985 Purdue Grand Prix

My first USAC Midget ride, driving for Paul Leffler at the Indy Speedrome (1986)

  Driving a midget at the Springfield (IL) mile and Lawrenceburg (IN), 1987

The crew in 1988, Dick Oberlander, myself, Jody Wagner, and Rex Wright 

Racing on the high banks of Salem (IN) Speedway, 1988

Racing at I-96 Speedway in Michigan, 1989

Finishing 2nd in the AAMS National Championship in 1988 and 1989

Practice laps for the 1990 Night Before The 500 at Indianapolis Raceway Park

Winning for Brey Racing at Lansing Speedway, 1991

Victory Circle photo for Brey Racing at Detroit's Flat Rock Speedway

Winning the feature at Berlin Speedway (Marne, MI), Brey Racing's home track

Driving for car owners Dave & Linda Cont in the Super Vee Series, 1991

Racing the Conti-Liebengood "On The Pole" Special at Nazareth, PA, before the '91 CART Marlboro 500

Winning at Owosso (MI) Speedway & Grundy County (Morris, IL) for Brey Racing

  Winning in Dick Alberts' Alpine Automotive, Cosworth powered midget - A wonderful race car that carried me to many wins.

Dad kneels next to our Trans Am at the '91 IMSA Firehawk Endurance Series Race at Sebring, FL

Victory Lane with the Dick Alberts Alpine Racing Team after setting pole with a track record, wining the trophy dash, heat and feature race event.  My mother joins me and the crew in this photo from Morris, IL.



 

1992 Driving Gary Brey and Tom Batista's USAC Silver Crown car at Springfield, Illinois.  Interesting side note, I'm pitted next to some guy named Tony Stewart, driving the yelow #20.

  1993 IMSA Firehawk Endurance Series, racing in the rain at Sebring Int'l Raceway (Florida).  Driving a touring division Honda Prelude for the TC Kline Racing Team (Hilliard, Ohio).  The program enjoyed factory support from Honda.  I raced with co-drivers Howie Liebengood, Randy Pobst, Kelly Collins, Kris Wilson, and Peter Schwarzott.

On the gas, qualifying the Brey-Batista champ car in USAC's Silver Crown Series

Co-Driving with Howie Liebengood in the TC Kline Honda at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Driving for Dick Alberts at Kalamazoo - Racing Perry Younce at Lansing

Dick Alberts pushes me out on the track at Owosso, Michigan, as my dad looks on.  Another night where we sat fast time with a track record, won the heat race, and won the feature event.  The feature win secured 2nd place in the ARCA Midget Series National Driver's Championship.

Racing the Beast chassis after setting quick time at Kalamazoo Speedway (circa 1999)

Testing the Rite-Way Racing midget car at Michigan Ideal Speedway

Racing over 228 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats during the SCTA's Speed Weeks