3/11/2005

FIVE FOR NUMBER FIVE

Q&A with Dave Wollaber by Andy Ticco

Dave Wollaber pulled double duty once again in the 2004 season driving both a Modified and a Midget for Englewood Collision. Last year Lancaster crowned one less champion than its usual six because Dave Wollaber managed to capture the titles in both divisions. It was the first Modified and third Midget title in the Ransomville native’s young career. Repeating as a champion is an enormous task for any driver but as many race fans have already heard, Dave plans to take on another challenge this year across the state line at Lake Erie Speedway in yet another division. Below is a quick interview Dave was nice enough to give us at NYRaceZone.com while getting the cars ready for the fast approaching season.

Q) Are there any big changes to the engine builder, sponsorship, or crew for this coming season?

A) I will be racing a Late Model at Lake Erie this season. The car is the #51 that Bill Adamczyk drove at Lancaster. I have to thank Bill Adamczyk, Bill Adamczyk Sr., and Mike Casullo for giving me this opportunity to drive a Late Model (it should be great experience).

We are very pressed for time as we try to get all the details worked out and the car ready to go. We are trying to finalize sponsorship deals and we are looking for anyone interested in climbing aboard. We have a very solid crew (mostly the crew from Saturday nights for the Modified) so we won't have to worry much about chemistry. The engine was done by Al Tarnowski so I know we won't have to worry about power under the hood. Depending on sponsorship, we would like to run as many tracks and races as our budget and schedule allow.

As far as the Modified goes, we plan on running Lancaster the entire season, and also as many ROC tour shows as possible for owners Dick Stone and Vinny Christiano. The sponsorship and crew will remain similar to last season with Al Tarnowski doing the engine work as we try to win another championship at Lancaster. Supposedly there is no longer a Midget series at Lancaster, but now Lancaster is part of a larger series consisting of other tracks (including Lancaster). Unfortunately, I will not be able to run the entire series for a championship, but we will try to make as many shows as we can for owner Vinny Christiano.

Q) Who has been the biggest influence on your racing?

A) It would have to be my father. He has believed in me from day one and keeps pushing me every day to become better. Without a doubt I have to thank Vinny, Dick and others for giving me the opportunity to race, but my dad is the one who made it all happen.

Q) Is there a single event that stands out from last season?

A) The highlight so far in my career has to be when we won the Midget and Modified features on the same night in consecutive weeks last year. Lancaster is very competitive every week so to win both divisions for two straight weeks is a great accomplishment for us.

Q) Which driver do you enjoy racing against most?

A) My biggest competitor I would have to say is Chuck Hossfeld. He has obviously accomplished a lot in his career and every time we compete he gives me an extra drive to beat him. Also, there are not many guys you can race hard with side by side and not have to worry about them taking you out. Chuck is one of them. I would love to some day step up to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and compete with Chuck as well as other great drivers to see how competitive I would be.

Q) Who is your biggest fan?

A) Lastly, my girlfriend Nikki deserves a big thank you for putting up with me while I'm focusing a lot of time on the race car during the season. She is very supportive and one of my biggest fans.

Source:  Andy Ticco/NYRaceZone.com
Posted:  April 25, 2005