brad wildes wisconsin car racer

Remembering the Tenacity and Passion of Race Car Driver Brad Wildes
The Wisconsin racing community is mourning the loss of veteran race car driver Brad Wildes of Tomah, who passed away last week at age 50 after a long battle with cancer. Wildes was a fixture on local dirt tracks for over two decades, making his mark with his aggressive, unyielding driving style. Beyond racing, he inspired with his perseverance while fighting the disease.
Undeterred By Adversity on the Track
Brad Wildes first caught the racing bug watching his father compete on dirt tracks across Wisconsin in his youth. After earning his own entry into the sport in his late 20s, Wildes became known for his stubborn refusal to back down and penchant for bold moves that made him a fan favorite.
Wildes raced regularly at tracks like Tri-County Speedway and Missippi Thunder Speedway, racking up dozens of podium finishes and feature wins over his long career. His aggressive racing earned him the nickname “Bam Bam.” Even cancer could not force Wildes to hang up his helmet until the very end.
Persevering Through His Health Battle
Racing was about more than trophies and glory for Brad Wildes - it was his passion and means of self-expression. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, he bravely raced week in and week out, living life on his terms.
Though the disease and treatments ravaged his body, Wildes pushed forward, showing that one's spirit remains intact even when the body falters. His steely perseverance inspired others facing their own health crises. He proved life is what you make of it, regardless of the hand you are dealt.
Leaving His Mark on the Next Generation
In addition to his own accomplished career, Brad Wildes also contributed to the future of Wisconsin racing by mentoring and supporting promising young drivers coming up through the amateur ranks.
Wildes provided guidance to dozens of teens and young adults over the years, both at the track and in his professional garage business. By passing on hard-won knowledge, he played a key role in cultivating the next generation.
A Tenacious Spirit Lives On
While the local racing community deeply mourns the passing of one of its most admired veterans, Brad Wildes' defiant perseverance in the face of adversity remains an inspiration. The man known as "Bam Bam" for his aggressive racing style never backed down from one's battles on and off the track.
Though cancer claimed his life, Wildes refused to let it stop him from pursuing his passion to the very end. As long as race cars roar around the county's dirt ovals, his steadfast spirit carries on.
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