Mike Magee

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Flyin' Monkey!

Thank you Doug Rand for the great photos!

When someone says "Flyin' Monkey", most people would immediately think of those scary animals in the classic Wizard of OZ. No, driver Mike Magee was not in America's favorite classic (well, at least we don't think he was!) Rather, Mike performs in a band by the name of the Flyin' Monkeys throughout Northern Wisconsin. This local 36 year old is an accomplished musician who has been writing songs for many years and has even locally recorded his own album.

Besides being an aspiring musician, Mike works full time at Pioneer Metal Finishing in Green Bay. In his very little spare time (nights and weekends), Mike helps his father, Gary, out at the Magee Training Center in Shawano, Wisconsin.

He has always had the family passion of racing horses, but it wasn't until recently that Mike took his driver's test and climbed into the sulky. Just four short years ago, Mike piloted his first horse, Master Mirage, during a race meet down in Elkhorn. Mike found the winner's circle with the same horse just two weeks later in Ironwood, Michigan which still lasts as Mike's favorite win.

Mike is a fifth generation horseman and is part of the Magee Family in the Wisconsin Harness Racing Hall of Fame. He looks up to many of the great Magee drivers: Grandfather, Elwood (who piloted the great R Mountain Man to 17 straight victories), and cousins Dean Magee (winner of over 4,000 races) and Dave Magee (see Barn Notes.) His own father, Gary, still lasts as Mike's biggest inspiration. "I have been told I look like my dad in the sulky, but I don't try to copy anyone," Mike tells us.

It's only fitting that we feature Mike today as Weyauwega his favorite track to compete at, which also doubles as his home track. "All my family comes, and we really have a good time." Mike will also get to drive his favorite horse today, two-time Trotter of the Year, Fox Valley Bunns. First stop, Weyauwega, next stop Hambletonian!

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