![]() ![]() And all I ever wanted to do was be an Outlaw, win Outlaw races, win an Outlaws championship.” “Growing up in central Pennsylvania, all I cared about was winged Sprint Car racing. “I think it would probably mean a little bit more to me than anybody else just because that would be my first,” Wolfgang said. 1-4) it’ll be five straight titles for Sweet, Prutzman, and Bowman – and a meaningful first for Wolfgang. And if they come out on top at the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte (Nov. Half a season remains, but the #49 is in position again to battle for the title until the end. So, it’s just showing up and filling the slot that was left to the best of my abilities.” I don’t want to be the piece that lets this program or these guys down or anything like that. I’m just trying to maintain it for these guys. I don’t feel I’m there yet, but hopefully we’re working towards people feeling that way. And hopefully we continue to progress with what we’re doing and guys will say I’m the best car guy in the country at some point. Andrew is the best tire guy in the country. Brad Sweet is the best Sprint Car driver in the country. Eric, in my opinion, is the best crew chief in the country. That’s what Eric and Brad and Andrew and these guys have built over the last five years just paying off. “The wins this year, that’s not a credit to me,” Wolfgang said. He’s simply trying to pick up where Mooney left off. Working alongside Prutzman and Bowman has made his job easier. Wolfgang credits much of his success to the already established standard by the #49 team. He’s on pace to have more podiums and laps led this year, too. With 36 of 80 races in the books, Sweet leads the standings as he continues his “Drive for Five.” The Grass Valley, CA native has already surpassed his 2022 win total as he’s tallied six victories this season. The results so far illustrate Wolfgang fits right in. There’s a lot of pressure there, but you’re still just racing. You’re walking in to what’s the best program in motorsports, in my opinion. “Obviously, what these guys have done the last four or five years is absolutely incredible. “It’s extremely big shoes to fill,” Wolfgang said of moving to his current role. Wolfgang said he knew if he did his part, there shouldn’t be any disruption in the formula that won the #49 team four straight titles. But with the opportunity also came pressure. His time with the #9 team further highlighted his potential and earned him the spot with the NAPA Auto Parts #49 crew when Mooney departed. The two talked further that weekend at Williams Grove Speedway, and Wolfgang was brought aboard. Kahne gave him a ring to see if he’d be interested in joining KKR. He took a chance on a kid – 16 years old – a high school kid and took me on the road with him full-time and was like ‘This is how we’re going to do it.’ He gave me the structure and kind of showed me what it really took to race on the road.”Īfter an educational stretch with Zearfoss and Bowers, Wolfgang worked in a few different places before another key phone call. “Everybody that’s every given an opportunity to work on their stuff or help me is important, but “Noisey” probably got me further ahead in the shortest amount of time… He really took me under his wing. Would you be interested in coming on board? Let’s try to build this deal to go race on the road.’ “Shane called me up and was like, ‘Hey, I know you want to go do this. “I got talking to Shane Bowers, “Noisey,” who at the time had just gotten hired by Brock Zearfoss to start building a road program,” Wolfgang said. His phone rang and esteemed mechanic – Shane “Noisey” Bowers – was on the other end. Eventually, Wolfgang’s efforts led to what he considers one of his most beneficial opportunities. ![]() With the help of parents who supported his dreams, Wolfgang made the switch to online schooling midway through high school to more heavily focus on racing. “I just kind of started out there when I was probably like 13 or 14, sweeping the floors and doing whatever. “My first job, I guess, in racing was when I went to work for a local guy named Colby Womer,” Wolfgang recalled. ![]()
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