Wayne Weaver

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"Got any Diet Dew?"

Some people just can't escape the Green and Gold. No, I'm not totally talking about the Packers - I'm talking about the colors of the Weaver Stable of Harvard, Illinois. Despite just being across the border, the Weaver clan are honorary Sconnies.

The prodigal son of Wisconsin Hall of Famer O.L. "Buck" Weaver is the one and only Wayne "Meat" Weaver. Wayne began his driving career almost twenty years ago at the Wisconsin and Illinois fairs where he has been a staple ever since.

Wayne couldn't help but develop a love of harness horses as it is in his pedigree. Growing up, he admired one of the greatest drivers in the country, the late and great Daryl Busse. (For those who don't know, Daryl was the leading dash winning driver in America back in 1975.) Although he looked up to Daryl, he doesn't try to copy his driving style (outside of the hankerchief of course). When asked what driver's style he models himself after, he simply responded, "No one's, I kick it Wayne style!"

Wayne has driven all over the Midwest fair circuit, and is never afraid to fill his trailer to help fill races. Last year, the Weaver stable raced more horses in the State of Wisconsin than any other stable. Although he's raced all over, when Autumn strikes, he may fancy a trip to Ironwood, MI or his favorite track, the Vernon County Fair in Viroqua. (When he's at Viroqua, he gives up Diet Dew for the love of a bright red Coke machine.) He does however; miss the tracks of yesteryear - especially Amherst.

In 1999, Wayne was named Wisconsin's Runner-Up Driver of the Year and also trained/drove Runner-Up Pacer of the Year, Masqued Smoothie.

Since then, Wayne has been a seven time top ten driver and continues to bring it Wayne style each weekend.

Looking back through the years, Wayne has some fond memories. He remembers his first win very vividly... He piloted Doctorsfirstfilly to victory during the Stephenson County Fair in Freeport, IL. The dust must have gotten into Wayne's eyes in the winner's circle because the tears of joy couldn't be because none of his family came down for his first official Winner's Circle picture.

By day Wayne works for a solid waste hauling agency, and by night he jogs horses with his sister, Sara and father, Buck. How does one Wayne Weaver make it through the long grueling work day? "Extremely high, almost sickening levels of caffeine," he replied. If you're sauntering through the barn area after the races, be on the lookout for a few bottles of Diet Mt. Dew!

"There are a lot of homely people in this world,
and I'm glad I'm not one of them!"
Wayne Weaver

Click HERE for the printable version.