Column By: JIM CLARKE / LANCE WILLIX RACING – THERESA, NY – Changing layout and weather conditions can throw a curve to even the most skilled dirt track racers.
With experience in a variety of divisions – including Economy Stock, Asphalt Street Stock and Sportsman-Modifieds – Lance Willix is ready for almost any challenge the sport can offer.
The 49-year-old father of 2 from Theresa, New York has approached the 2023 schedule just as he’s done with the others throughout the 35 years of his career. Whether running with the Small Block Modifieds or as part of a Big Block tour show, the driver of the No. 31 Bicknell Racing Products ride arrives well-prepared and ready for battle. While many racers can accurately quote their career stats from memory, Lance Willix admits that he’s never really kept track of the qualifying event or feature race wins during his career.
“I know I finished 4th in the 2022 standings at Can Am and 3rd at Thunder Mountain, but not much more than that,” explained the driver. “My stats were strong enough to get to 2nd place in the overall Small Block Super DIRTcar Series and 3rd in the Hoosier Weekly Series. During the year, I usually travel around to different tracks on either side of the border and race when I can, where I can.”
After starting the year with an opening night win Friday, April 29th at Can Am Speedway, Willix added another checkered flag to this year’s stats with a Saturday, May 6th victory at Airborne, as well as May 14th and 21st trips to the winner’s circle at Glen Ridge. Other ventures this year have included Brockville Ontario Speedway, Mohawk International Raceway and Orange County Fair Speedway. Like many weekly racers, Willix says he enjoys the chance to make some new friends and spend time with his fans.
“Geographically speaking, I feel like we’re perfectly situated to get to several different tracks on a regular basis,” Lance Willix said. “Both Can Am and MIR are practically in our backyard. Even Canadian stops like Brockville and Cornwall are only about an hour away. I miss the shows at the New York State Fairgrounds and Rolling Wheels, but I think everyone says that.”
Carrying No. 31 – the same number that his father used during a career that saw him run events at Evans Mills, Can Am and Kingston Speedways – Lance Willix thanks the support of a crew that includes his wife Raechelle, Anthony Lockman and P.J. Rasmussen for the time they spend helping to keep the car on the road and in the show.
He also appreciates the sponsorship backing from Theresa Redemption Company, Zero 3 Motorsports, Dig Race Products, Watertown Boxing Club, Nut-N-Fanci – Myrtle and Punky Conger, Nor-Shir Construction, Dorr Marine & Fabrication, Watertown Eagles Club, The Big Guy & His Bride, All-Pro Siding, Vahlco Wheels and Morrison Performance throughout the season.