(Bill W) October 13, 2010 – After what has seemed an eternity to Wayne Johnson, he will finally be returning home to the cockpit of a sprint car this weekend at the Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas. The Knoxville, Iowa driver’s leg and ankle were severely injured in an accident in Elma, Washington in July. It has been a long road back, and Wayne is ready for action at the ½ mile that plays host to the Lucas Oil ASCS National Series on Friday and Saturday.
Wayne has done everything the doctors have asked. “I’ve been doing everything they’ve told me to do,” he says. “I’ve been pounding vitamins. I’ve stayed away from alcohol and away from sugar as much as possible. That has helped the healing.”
The recovery is not totally complete, but Wayne has clearance to give it a try in his #77x. “Dallas is one of my good tracks, so I’m looking forward to going down there and testing the leg out,” he says. “It’s definitely not 100%, but I don’t know if it will get to that level. I need to go and see how it does.”
There are adjustments that need to be made. Extensive surgery was needed to repair his lower leg and ankle. “It’s definitely a different feeling,” says Wayne of the foot he will be using on the gas pedal. “The foot was almost amputated, so it’s never going to feel the same. I’m looking forward to getting in the car though. I just can’t wait. I’m just anxious as hell to see how it’s going to work.”
After many laps in the car in his shop in Knoxville, Wayne is ready. “It’s going to be good therapy for me,” he says. “More than anything, I’ve just got to know for myself how it operates. The reason I’m going to Devil’s Bowl is because it is one of my good tracks, and I want to see if it’s going to be good enough to run Little Rock at the end of the month.”
Wayne has been challenged by the physical therapists at Sterling Physical Therapy in Pella, Iowa, and feels he’s ready. “I feel well enough to do it,” he says. “Therapy has been going well, and I’ve been pushing it hard in the gym. The therapists think I’m ready. I still have some issues with swelling on long days in the shop, but overall it’s good.”
Originally, when doctors said he was not to put weight on the leg until October 17, it looked like Florida in January would be a realistic goal. As therapy progressed, and Wayne was able to start walking around in September, Charlotte in November was the goal. Now things have gone so well, that this weekend looks like a good spot for a trial.
A number of people have helped Wayne put things together. “I have to thank Miles Hill with Iroquois Poker and Townline Variety,” he says. “Also, Glenn Styres with Ohsweken Speedway, Russell with Outlaw Wings, Al with FattFro, and Scott with Stone Mountain…they’re the ones who are making this all possible.”
Wayne is still looking for a permanent home in a sprint car. If you would like to inquire about a partnership with Wayne, you can e-mail him at waynejohnsonracing@yahoo.com.
Buy Your Outlaw Wings from Wayne
Wayne is an Outlaw Wings dealer located in the Knoxville, Iowa area. Wayne credits the new Outlaw top wing for his 2009 wins at Little Rock and Cowtown. Contact Wayne for your Outlaw Wing, as he has some special Holiday deals going! Outlaw Wings – “When Downforce Matters”!
Wayne’s Website
To learn more about Wayne and the team, log on to www.WayneJohnsonRacing.com!
Wayne’s World
Reggie Larsen asks: What will your biggest obstacle be heading into your first race back?
Wayne answers: I think the biggest obstacle will be the flexibility in my leg. It’s not like before. I have a heel riser that I can push the throttle with. It will work, but it will be different because I’ve never used one before. I don’t think it’s anything other than that. I’ve been in the gym three or four days a week the last month when I’ve been putting weight on it, so I’m in pretty good shape right now.
Got a question for Wayne? Each week, Wayne will answer your questions about “Tech Tips”, or anything that’s on your mind. If you ever wondered what a part on a sprint car is all about, send an e-mail to us at sprntcar@iowatelecom.net, and we may answer it in this section! Put "? for Wayne" in your subject line. He’ll try to keep it clean if you do!
Wayne’s Fast Facts
Wayne has defeated the ASCS National series four times at the Devil’s Bowl Speedway. Two have come in Speedweek events. His last came on March 16, 2007 when he drove the Hammers #94 to a win over Gary Wright, Mike Peters, Chuck Swenson and Larry Neighbors.
“Wednesday’s with Wayne”
“Wednesday’s With Wayne” is an up close look at the past, present and future of colorful and talented sprint car driver Wayne Johnson. You’ll never know what to expect next with Wayne, so don’t miss us on Wednesdays!
To receive "Wednesday’s with Wayne", send an e-mail to sprntcar@iowatelecom.net with "Wayne" in the subject line.
Wayne would like to thank the following for making this possible: E-Rate Complete, Iroquois Poker, Townline Variety, Ohsweken Speedway, Brett Smith Motorsports, FattFro Motorsports, Outlaw Wings, Stone Mountain, Butlerbuilt, Hoosier, Schoenfeld Headers and Cooper Racing Enterprises.
(Photo) After what seems an eternity, Wayne will again be running wheel to wheel with his friend Shane Stewart this weekend (John’s Racing Photos)
- Bill Wright on Oct 14, 2010
- Article Date: 10/13/2010