This past weekend's IHRA Summit Racing Equipment Pro Am event in Thompson Ohio saw southern Ontario
racer Wayne Sipos make his way to the winner's circle to win his first Ironman in the Hot Rod
class. "The car was just awesome all day," said Wayne. "The sixty-foot times were deadly
consistent."
Qualifying 37th, the Binbrook, Ontario racer's driving skills took him through the field. Wayne
didn't have a light worse than .026 all day. Meeting up with Nick Karas (Stow, Ohio) and his 1973
Duster in the final, Wayne had the advantage off the line with an .011 to an .057. At the big end,
Wayne took the win light on a double-breakout, running a 6.960 to Nick's 6.922. But getting to the
final was no easy task. Not only did he face the likes of Vicky Novotny (Maybee, Michigan) and
Doug Lynden (Fredonia, New York) during eliminations, the first round saw Wayne defeat Saturday's
event winner, Ron Cannatti (Warren, Michigan) and his 1966 Chevy II.
Wayne attributes his success at Thompson in a large part to his experience in the Joe's
Transmission TNT Super Series. "This local series gives me the data I need to dial my car in all
sorts of conditions," added Wayne. "We are really lucky to have a series like this in our area."
Starting his racing career back in the 60's, Wayne took a break for a while during the 70's and
then got back in it during the mid 80's. Recent accomplishments include winning his first Ironman
in Super Pro bracket competition a few years ago at Dunn Tire Raceway Park in Lancaster, New York
and achieving both the 2002 and 2006 Top ET track championships at Toronto Motorsports Park.
For 37 years, Wayne has owned his 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. Powered by a 377cid small block, he's
run a best ET of 9.15 @ 147mph although he's de-tuned it a bit to gain consistency in Hot Rod. In
current trim, it would run mid 9.30's at around 143mph.
Wayne wants to thank Just ATV's and Performance Cellar for their support of his efforts. "Of
course, thanks to my wife Pat who monitors the weather, checks the tires and makes sure the car is
ready." Wayne also wanted to thank everyone who was there on Sunday and helped as the rounds
dwindled down, including Joe & Moe Passero, Jamie Tupper, Kerry Kershaw, Keith McKellar and Chuck
Nagy. "Hats off to everyone for pitching in and congratulations to my friend Joe Passero who
finished runner-up in Top Sportsman as well!"
