Re: Wayne Lewis
 

Like Chris I too was in the barn and was able to talk to Wayne for a while. He had a rough couple of years and even though he had a tough time at Topeka I got the feeling he really wanted to be there to see all of us. Wayne was tough but always fair, he so enjoyed S/SS. He will be Missed and Remembered by many in and out of Div 5. Rest in Peace Wayne.

Dirk

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

I first came to know Wayne when he and partner Dick Heier were racing their Camaro in Modified Production. As you got to know him, you realized that under the gruff exterior was a heart of gold. Later on, as part of the Div. 5 Technical Team, he was devoted to making sure things were right...didn't make any difference what your name was or how big or small your budget.

Everyone has a 'Wayne story'. I'd been out of racing for about 20 years. When I got back into Stock Eliminator, the first NHRA event I went to was the D5 National Open in Pierre, South Dakota. When I went to have the car teched, Wayne was sitting there along with Dick Wassinger. Wayne looked up at me and said dryly: "Al Nyhus. I knew you were too (bleepin') dumb to stay away." ;)

The World is a better place for Wayne having been here.

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

That line is classic Wayne! Thanks for the laugh, Al.
I think the D5 banquet this year needs to include a session where everyone can step up to the mic and tell their favorite Wayne story...we'll be there for hours. Might need to use substitute words, like "flange" instead of the other one.
The first time I won class, I went to the tech building to get my Wally. Went over to Wayne and asked him if he'd take a picture with me. His reply was, "What the flange for?!" I said, "This is the first one of these I've ever gotten and I thought it would be cool to have a picture of you handing it to me." He got a big grin on his face and we took the photo.

https://i.imgur.com/cAaRFj4.jpg

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

When I got back into racing about 6 years ago and went to my first NHRA race in Earlville, John McLeod was riding with us. As soon as we had the trailer parked he said "I have to introduce you to someone". It turns out that someone was Wayne Lewis. He had a few choice comments about the "new cars" but after he learned that we built it ourselves everything was fine.
I have always looked forward to seeing him at the NHRA races. He would always ask if I was going to go to this race or that race and also knew what was going on at the MCR races.
Just the weekend before Topeka he re-certified my car in Marion, SD. I'm glad I was able to visit with him again.

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

Wayne was one of the good guys. A friend for many many years, respected by all. A fixture in NHRA Div 5 as well as many National events. You will be missed, Rest In Peace my friend.




Chuck & Barb Koppien

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

Mr Rink, I believe you covered everything here. Prayers for the Lewis family. Godspeed....

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

We lost a true LEGEND ! I am just thankful I got to call Wayne a friend and learn from all the wisdom he had . Rest In Peace Wayne




Dan Wiese

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

Great guy-A Nhra Legend-when Wayne was in teardown--you could hear Knees Shake--will be missed by many--Bob K.

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

I got to know Wayne somewhat better the last 4 years since I switched from Super Classes to stock. I never will forget our conversation when he was in our town and came over to my garage to recertify my sons dragster.
He asked me who I was going to have do my engine and I told him I was trying to decide between engine builder #1 or engine builder # 2.
He looked at me and said if I went with #2 to bring some gaskets to the first race because he was going to have me tear down. He said it in a nice way but I knew he meant what he said.
So I get to the second race with the car and stop at fuel check and go over the scale all good but Wayne is waiting for me and says pull over.So I have to pull the carb and he and the other tech guys are looking things over. After about 15 minutes he hands me my carb and looks at me and says with a smile, aren't you glad you went with builder #1.
He will certainly be missed at the races.
Chuck Rose

Re: Wayne Lewis
 

Rest in Piece Wayne you were one of the good ones.