Ray Wiggers: 1963-2012

I am very saddened to inform the West Michigan Racing Community of Ray Wiggers passing today. Ray succumbed to injuries from a motorcycle accident in Huntsville, Alabama. Ray was a lifelong resident of Muskegon. The recent closing of the Sappi Paper Mill caused him to seek employment out of state.

While many race fans knew Ray as the #49 driver who was the ultimate competitor with no fear.  He was so much more. Ray’s legacy is much more than the checkered flags he took on the racetrack.

I am proud to say he was my friend. I got to see the real Ray Wiggers. The one who had a love for his wife Diane as strong as anyone I have ever seen. “She takes care of me”, “I am so lucky to have married her” were sentiments I heard Ray express many times. He and Diane just glowed when they were in a room together. They were not only spouses they were best friends.

I also got to know Ray the father. His son Zach was part of the 2008 State Championship football team at Oakridge High School where I was blessed to be one of the coaches. During the season his son battled through injuries and competed for playing time. It had to be a tough situation for all of them knowing that he would be a starter for all the teams we played against. They could have been a coach’s and friends worst nightmare, but instead they saw the big picture. I never heard a negative word or complaint from Ray, his son or the Wiggers family entire season. They were proud Zach was playing for coach Schugars and what he represented. I believe children are a reflection of their parents. Zach is one of the finest young men you will ever meet.

Ray’s daughter Barbie and his granddaughter Paige were very much the “Apple of his eye”. Many saw Ray as a rough/tough competitor who was not afraid to speak his mind. It was just the opposite with these two. They melted is heart. Ray became the gentle giant and was a soft touch for whatever they wanted or needed.

Last fall Ray came home to Muskegon after his father (Dave Wiggers) lost his battle with cancer. Dave was also a huge part of the West Michigan Racing Scene. During his stay Ray talked about how much he missed racing at Winston and Thunderbird and how touched he was by the support of the fans, drivers, crews and track owners upon the passing of his father. It meant a lot to him.

I remember a conversation a few years back with Ray like it was yesterday. “As hard as we race each other, people in the stands must think Mike (Wilbern), Derek (Poland) and I hate each other. What they don’t know is we have been friends for close to thirty years” Ray chuckled and added “We all want bragging rights.”

It seems surreal that I am writing this article. I am going to miss Ray’s smile, laughter and friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Abraham Lincoln’s quote.“ In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years” sums up the life of Ray Wiggers. In the 48 years Ray was here on earth he packed in a lot of life. Each day was lived to the fullest. He will be sorely missed but never forgotton. Rest In Peace Ray!