| Wild Bill Devine Interview Page |
MM.com: When did you first become interested in Mustangs (or cars in general)? Did anybody influence you or did you come upon Mustang yourself?
Bill: My 1st car was a 66 Mustang w/289 4-speed. A friend had given it to me.
MM.com: Of all hobbies, what made you decide to get into drag racing?
Bill: I like action and have to have it. No boring sports for me. If it does not make your heart pound out of your chest, its boring and I'll just fall asleep! I grew up around cars. I was always very mechanical. All my cars were always fast; it just came natural.
MM.com: I remember you saying Racin` Jason contributed alot to your previous drag machine. What was your relationship with Jason?
Bill: We were close friends, we talked on the phone everyday, we went to Vegas, PRI and SEMA, auto shows. I pitted for his team for a number of years. When I ran Dayton Motorsport I sponsored his cars. In the early 90's Jason had given me several parts from the white convertible for my white car. He was a great friend. There was never a dull moment. Lots of laughs. I miss him.
MM.com: Are you close friends with any other Pro 5.0 drivers? Also, are there any Pro 5.0 drivers who you don't particularly care for?
Bill: I am not as close to anyone as I was Jason, however I am good friends with Micheal Hauf, Joe Morgan, Don Walsh , Vic Williams, Tom Jacobs, David Hance. Pretty much most of my competitors. I believe it takes a certain type of individual to maintain the respect required as well as keeping your ego intact to maintain a freindship with a competitor. If I do not like someone, they will know it.
MM.com: Who is/was your toughest competitor (if you could pick out one)?
Bill: I would have to say the toughest in the class would be Don Walsh! He is one bad mutha! None of the other guys are slouches. For example: almost every NMRA race has had a different winner. I also must say that between our program being screwed up and different track conditions, anyone in the other lane!
MM.com: I remember reading in 5.0 Magazine or Muscle Mustangs Magazine that you were driving for Jon Yates for a while in the same machine Craig Radovich was at one point. What happened with that?
Bill: John lost interest in racing and moved on. The car required a maintenance program that I would not be able to perform, because the car was kept at another location. Craig was better suited for that job. He and his crew chief Rob knew their stuff.
MM.com: Do you have any odd or supersticious things you do before racing?
Bill: No none!
MM.com: What has been your scariest experience in drag racing?
Bill: With everything I have been through as well as others and their problems, I have to say it is all relative. If you strap in the seat anything can happen at anytime. That's just the way it is.
MM.com: What track is your favorite? Which is your least favorite?
Bill: I dont have a favorite. Least favorite is Englishtown.
MM.com: In all of Mustang history, which Mustang would you consider the "Best"?
Bill: Right now I would say the 03/04 Cobras.
MM.com: Do you subscribe to any Mustang magazines? Is any certain one your favorite?
Bill: No I get `em at work. No favorite.
MM.com: Do you watch NHRA drag racing at all on ESPN2? If so, who do you root for more than everyone else?
Bill: I watch very often. I'm no particular fan of any single team.
MM.com: Is there any form of racing, besides drag racing, that you enjoy?
Bill: NO.
MM.com: Why did you choose to buy Brandon Switzer's last "ride"?
Bill: I knew the chassis builder and his reputation. I knew Brandon and that he took good care of the car. I did not want to go through the pain or expense and time of building a new one.
MM.com: If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost to get the new car to where it is?
Bill: I would rather not look back to add it all up!
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