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Russ Wicks is the only living person to hold world speed records over 200 MPH on land and water. He has been featured on ESPN, Speed TV, National Geographic, the Discovery Channel; included in the Guinness World Records Book; and also appeared on the cover of WIRED Magazine.
Motocross: Russ has over 25 years of experience in the racing world, including competition in over 700 races. At the age of ten, Wicks started racing Motocross and became a fully sponsored professional at the age of 15. He raced 125cc National Motorcross and 250cc Stadium Supercross, and was chosen as a factory support rider for team Honda.
Formula Cars: Wicks headed to France for his first taste of auto racing, where he was one of the first Americans to attend the famous Winfield Racing School and compete in the Pilote Elf Championship in turbocharged Formula Renaults at Circuit Paul Ricard. Wicks then ran Formula 2000 in Canada and Formula Mazda in the United States, before driving for the Dave White Motorsports Team in Formula Super Vee. Niki Lauda, Kevin Cogan, Michael Andretti and Danny Sullivan all were former drivers for White.
Indy Cars: During 1996, Wicks participated in several Indy Car test programs including driving for the Euromotorsport Team. Russ made history in 1997 when Tony George (owner of the Indy Motor Speedway) re-opened the Speedway, after it had been closed for the month in preparation for the 500, to allow Russ to test for the PDM Indy Racing League Team. During 2003, Wicks tested the Sam Schmidt Motorsports Infiniti Pro Series car at the California Speedway.
Unlimited Hydroplanes: Only two weeks after testing an Unlimited Hydroplane for the first time, Russ broke the World Water Speed Record for propeller-driven boats. Wicks averaged 205.494 mph over the measured mile, while hitting a top speed of over 220 mph. During 2000, Russ also tested the Miss Freei at the Evansville, Tri-Cities, and Seafair events. Wicks ultimately qualified as an Unlimited driver while testing the legendary Miss Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane in San Diego.
NHRA Drag Racing: During September 2003, Wicks made his debut on the quarter-mile while attending Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, and has received his NHRA Competition Driver's License for both Super Comp and Top Alcohol Dragster. With the legendary Frank Hawley as coach, Wicks made two of the most consistent 225+ mph passes in history driving the Top Alcohol Dragster.
NASCAR Stock Car: On July 3, 2006 Wicks set a new World Stock Car Speed Record in a NASCAR-spec Ford Taurus of 222.623 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The previous milestone of 216.946 mph was set nearly 35 years ago by Bobby Isaac. Russ also drove the Autodesk Stock Car in a non-spec NASCAR configuration and made a 237 mph one-way pass through the measured mile. Then, on October 9, 2007, he set a new World Stock Car Speed Record in a NASCAR-spec Dodge Charger of 244.9 mph.
Business World: Russ has extensive experience in the business world specializing in strategic partnerships. He is very active in the digital community and is an accomplished spokesperson and public speaker, who frequently receives invitations to speak at various industry events throughout the United States.