GARY HUNT’S US 131 RACER OF THE WEEK PRESENTED BY AEROQUIP
Third Time’s a Charm for Former Track Champion in 2017 Lane Bracket Series
When Justin Wanamaker announced this season that he would pursue the Modified track championship at US 131 Motorsports Park with a vehicle boasting something other than Dodge power, it sent shock waves rumbling through the Lane Automotive Bracket Series.
After racing Dodges with his dad Rick for just about all of his racing career, the 32-year-old three years ago swapped out his Dodge Dart for a 1927 T-roadster with hemi power. This year, though, he transformed that ride into one unlike any other in Wanamaker Family racing history.
He replaced the Dodge powerplant with a small block Chevy and, surprise, the world according to Justin did not end. In fact, after two final round disappointments,
Wanamaker rode Chevy power into the winners’ circle last week and, as a result, is this week’s Gary Hunt US 131 Racer of the Week.
Justin bested a field of 79 with an average package of .033. In the final, he squeezed out a 12 Pack for the win and put himself in position to contend a track championship he won in 2009 in the same Dart in which his dad won the title in 2003.
A volunteer fireman in Alamo Township, the Kalamazoo native may one day hand the reins of the roadster over to a new generation of Wanamakers insomuch as he currently has two kids involved in US 131’s Jr Dragster program: Kennzie and Jase.
Congratulations, Justin, from Gary Hunt and everyone else at US 131 Motorsports Park.
ABOUT GARY HUNT
Gary Hunt is in his tenth season as the track announcer at US 131 Motorsports Park, a track on which he used to race in the brackets and Stock Eliminator. His experience as a race car driver (he won seven points championships) has served him well behind the mike and while he often misses the thrill of competition, his “desk job” is not without its benefits. “It’s given me the best seat in the house, which is always climate controlled,” he said. “I never break any parts, don’t have to wait in line and I leave with a little bit of money every week.”