Part I: The Wagner's
By Ray Cunningham
Springfield, Mo: Saturday Night, April 25, the inaugural campaign of the Wholesale Batteries Inc. Midwest Racing Association sprint car series kicks off with the Aubren Dudley Memorial at Springfield Raceway.
This new USAC series will race primarily in Missouri, and Kansas, while featuring many of the top non winged sprint car drivers in the Heartland.
Two Missouri families are fired up. and ready to roll for the 2026 race season, the Wagner’s of Lone Jack, and the Smith’s of greater Springfield.
The Wagner’s
Jack Wagner, aka “Gentleman Jack,” is the elder of the two Wagner Brothers who race the Jesse Hockett/Wagner Boys Racing sprint cars, numbers 77 and 73 respectively.
Anyone who has ever met Jack knows he has a big personality to match his driving style, and in victory lane, nobody will ever forget how boisterous his yelling and screaming is after a big win!
Younger brother Samuel, aka “The Hammer” has a different personality all together. His calm and friendly demeanor, definitely separates him from his brother in that regard.
But, put either brother behind the wheel of a fire breathing sprint car, and they are definitely cut out of much the same cloth.
Last season both brothers had outstanding performances in non winged and winged sprints. Jack, a former champion in both divisions starred in the Wholesale Batteries. Challenge Series for non winged sprints winning three races, and narrowly, losing the championship to Wyatt Burks, of Topeka, Kansas. Leaving Jack very excited for 2026.
“ I’m ready like you can’t believe. These early rainouts have made me antsy, nothing would make me happier than to get in the car and go!”
Meanwhile, brother Samuel had his best season to date in non winged sprints last year, winning the Weld Memorial at Lakeside, for his first ever sprint car win, and a third place overall finish in the Wholesale Batteries Inc. Challenge Series with six top five results.
Samuel is also very fired up for a new season and the challenges it brings. “ Fired up is an understatement! I can’t wait to get back on the track!”
Join us April 25th at Springfield Raceway for the Aubren Dudley Memorial featuring the Wholesale Batteries Inc. MRA Non Winged Sprints.
Photos by John Lee and Mike Guilinger
