As they get ready for the upcoming Ken Scroop Memorial featuring the NDRC’s Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship, Jodie Wagner and her 12 year old son Todd Wagner are well truly proving the old adage of ‘the family that races together, stays together.’
Jodie Wagner will be lining up in the Modified bracket at Mildura’s Sunset Strip for the March 9/10 event in her front engine dragster, while Todd will be strapping into his Junior Dragster – in which he raced through for his first national event win in December.
“Racing alongside him as mother and son is very exciting – although it does make for a very busy race day with the two cars! We couldn’t do it without my husband, Todd’s dad and our crew chief, Steven Wagner,” Jodie said.
“I am very proud with what Todd has achieved in such a short time. I am often asked do I worry, but I don’t – drag racing is an extremely safe sport and I trust he has learnt the skills to drive safely.
“It is a really good sport for children too – it helps with their sportsmanship, the kids learn how to lose very early on, and I love how well all the kids get on and support each other, on and off the track.
“Steven was already involved in the sport when we met, and we both were heavily involved including as President and Race Secretary respectively for the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association back in 2000, before stepping away for a while.
“When Todd showed interest, we were brought back, and it wasn’t long before I wanted to get back in the car too.
“I didn’t choose the Modified bracket, Steven bought me the car and I just jumped in – in truth he bought it for himself but doesn’t fit in it,” she laughed. “But now I wouldn’t want to race in any other bracket, my fellow racers are fantastic, and a dragster is just completely different to drive to anything else out there.
“For me my focus is on improving my race craft and continuing to have fun, while of course going faster. We are really looking forward to the Ken Scroop Memorial. It should be a great event at a great, friendly club-run track – although some may say I am biased as Treasurer and a life member,” she smiled.
Todd says he likes being able to race alongside his mum.
“I think it’s cool that I get to share the experience racing with her and that we can have a mini race team,” he said.
“We really like racing together.”
The grade 7 student is looking forward to the Ken Scroop Memorial in particular.
“I really love the Sunset Strip because it is my home track,” Todd said.
“After winning my first Christmas Tree at the South Coast 660 I have more confidence.
“Hopefully I can win again at Mildura – it would be amazing to win both.
“It would be good for the championship too. I am up in the points after winning at Portland, so we will be trying.
“My goal in drag racing is to win a championship one day.”
The Wagners would like to thank all those who are involved in helping make their racing possible.
“Thank you to Steve for all he does, and also to our crew, Matt Arther and Jorja Arther – it gets quite hectic running two cars, and it would be impossible without them,” Jodie said.
“Thank you also to AD Rogers Vineyard Contracting, Duckmakers, MJM Racing, Mallee Custom Wraps, Mick’s Motorcycles, and Sunraysia Custom Cruisers.”
“Thank you to Mum, Dad and all the people who help me, and also Caroline,” Todd added.
The Ken Scroop Memorial will be held at the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association’s Sunset Strip across March 9/10. For more info, visit www.ndrc.tv
