SPARTAN SNAPSHOTS
by Michelle Sprague
The following is an interview with the 2006 MMA, Spartan and Springport Motor Speedway MI Modified Champion, Larry Wallace.
Michelle: Tell me a little about the man behind the #55 Modified. Married? Children?
Larry: Diane and I have been married for 3 1/2 years. We are such race fans that we went to Las Vegas, in March of 2003, to see a NASCAR race, then got married on 3/3/03. Of course, #3 was my favorite NASCAR racer. Then, we had our reception that summer at Spartan Speedway. Between us, we have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. I'm a retired AT&T employee who has unfortunately gone back to work. I work for Riechert Engines in Owosso. I've always been passionate about auto racing. I started racing at the young age of 5 in 1/4 midgets. My father and I used to go to the short tracks and watch the old modified hard tops. Modifieds have always been my favorite class. After I got my children raised, and put them through 1/4 midget racing, I decided, in the early 90's, that it was time for me to get back in the seat. I bought a modified and started racing at Owosso Speedway. My hobbies/interests are classic cars, NASCAR, and my grandchildren's sporting events.
Michelle: To what do you owe your great success this season?
Larry: A lot of good luck. A lot of hard work. A lot of determination. I never gave up. I made some changes to my car last winter that seemed to work. My wife bought two horseshoe decals and put them on my car for luck. Maybe it also helped that I'm 55 and drive the #55 modified.
Michelle: We all know that you are sponsored by your own wallet. Is this by choice?
Larry: It's not really by choice. Between working full time and working on my race car, I really don't have the time to go out looking for sponsors. So, we save our money, budget ourselves and try to run good so we can come back next week. My friends and family help in non-financial ways. I really appreciate that.
Michelle: How far into the season did it hit you that you had a shot at a championship at both Spartan and Springport, or did you have an inkling right from the start?
Larry: Probably 3/4's of the way through the season, I realized that I could have a chance at this. That's when I started getting nervous. I've been second many times. That's when I started hoping that my good luck would hold out until the end of the season.
Michelle: You also captured the MMA title. What other tracks are you required to compete at in this division?
Larry: You're not required to compete at other tracks. MMA counts your 20 best finishes at MMA tracks.
Michelle: Do you have a favorite track and why?
Larry: Spartan is my favorite track. It's a bullring. There's always action and you're never just doing laps. You're either trying to protect your position, or trying to gain another one. I love to compete. I also want to say that Spartan has very competent employees. They do an excellent job, from track clean-up, to scoring and keeping the show moving.
Michelle: USA Modified. Good or bad?
Larry: I don't feel I'm qualified to answer this question, but for me personally- I don't like radios and mirrors in race cars, especially modifieds. I'm not a fan of their two tire rule. It's a traveling series. I've traveled the country racing 1/4 midgets with my children, and I got burned out. I don't want to travel every weekend to compete.
Michelle: The 2007 season is just around the corner. What are your plans for next season?
Larry: Defend my title at Spartan and hopefully Springport.
Michelle: Do you have people you'd like to thank? Family, crew, etc.
Larry: Yes. My biggest fan- my wife, Diane. She not only cheers for me, she helps me in the pits, and tells me during the week that I'd better get out there and get that car ready for next weekend. My childhood buddy, Eddie, who came to the track and helped us out most weekends this year. My children for working around my racing addiction for birthday parties, family get togethers, etc. Also, I'd like to thank the Parish's and Dave. They were always there to give my wife a hand if something happened to me at the track. We've been fierce competitors on the track, and over the years have become good friends. Thanks to Poor Paul and his staff for giving me a great place to race.
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