Belleville, IL. (10/25/2020) Racing side-by-side since the start of their career, Lone Jack Missouri brothers Jack and Samuel Wagner continue to rise through the ranks of Midwest open-wheel talents all the while maintaining a common set of family values. Though different in styles, both on and off the track, the Wagner Brothers are quickly and individually making a name for themselves within the POWRi Lucas Oil Wingless Auto Racing Sprint League.
Beginning their racing career in flat track go-karts in 2008, with Jack age eight and Sam age five, the Wagner boys would find potential early in Karts, eventually leading them moving up to micro sprints in 2013. As both young drivers were showing successes in micro’s, the brothers wanted to move up to full-size sprint cars, and the family set off to purchase a chassis for both to run together, alternating seat-time.
Fate would intervene at the iconic Double-X Speedway in California, Missouri when “pit-talk” between families would become interesting when Jack gained the attention of Jack Hockett and was asked to run the Jesse Hockett Racing #77 non-wing sprinter. Going back to his own racing adventure’s, Jack and Samuel’s father, Ed Wagner remains the ring-leader of the close-knit team, having raced with Jack and Jesse that lead to the relationship between the Wagner and Hockett families that continues to this date. Proving his wheel-work merit, Jack would earn the well-known seat and form a two-car-two-driver team.
With both drivers climbing the standings this season, Jack in his own self-motivated ways would have a newly formed fire within, after finishing sixth in points last season, the elder Wagner racer would stay close to the top spot all season yet finish one position shy of his ultimate quest. Never one to hang his head or rest his laurels on previous accomplishment, Jack remains ready for championship performance moving forward from 2020. This past season would see “The Gentlemen” Jack gain four top-five finishes with seven top-ten performances in his fourteen feature starts. Perhaps the best runs of the season would see Jack place second in back-to-back events at Valley Speedway and Adams County Raceway, while also winning a heat race.
Cracking into the top-ten in points this season, the usual care-free Samuel, who finished eleventh in 2019 points, would fly up the rankings this year with a solid seventh-place display in the championship. Showing strides of major improvements this season, nicknamed “The Hammer”, Samuel would be within the podium placements of the standings early in the year after his career-best fifth-place finish at Valley Speedway in June. Late season woes would see the younger Wagner slip a bit in the standings, gaining a pair of top-ten runs in nine feature events Sam remains stoic and steadfast moving forward.
Continuing to put in the work required to compete on the top levels, both drivers are always seeking to improve and enjoy themselves while also making sure to always have quality cars on the track. Proudly representing the Jesse Hockett Racing/Wagner Brothers Racing, Lucas Oil, Akers Tire Service, S&S Electrical, Bennett County Tire, Impact Signs Awnings and Wraps, Nathan Benson Motorsports, Rod End Supply, KC Platinum Contracting, WBR 410 Maxim Chassis; with Jack in the #77 and Samuel in the #73. Keep an eye on both drivers in 2021 and beyond with the POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League as the Wagner’s continue to grow their talents on the track and solidifying the brotherly bond that has already been forged.
Top Ten in Season Standings with the POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League:
- #91 Riley Kreisel Warsaw, MO 4 Wins (3540 Points)
- #77 Jack Wagner Lone Jack, MO (-790)
- #6 Mario Clouser Auburn, IL 3 Wins (-1120)
- #11W Wyatt Burks Topeka, KS (-1450)
- #16 Anthony Nicholson Bartlett, TN (-1620)
- #2 Jason Billups Holt, MO (-1660)
- #73 Samuel Wagner Lone Jack, MO (-1820)
- #28 Kory Schudy Battlefield, MO (-1920)
- #27 Steve Thomas Ludlow, IL (-2290)
10 #22s Slater Helt Harrisonville, MO (-2300)
POWRi Season Points Championship Banquet and Awards Ceremony will be announced later, stay tuned to the website and social media platforms for further updates.
Follow along for more information such as race recaps, updates, full results, and press releases online at www.powri.com, or on Twitter & Instagram at @POWRi_Racing or on Facebook at POWRi. POWRi League rules, contingencies, forms, and payouts can be found under the info tab at the top of the POWRi website.
Photo Credit: John Lee (High Fly'n Photos)