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.