Dennis Whisman Sr.

Dennis was born on January 9, 1964 and was the last of six siblings. First was John, Teresa, Betty, Joey, David then Dennis. Both Joey and David each had a racing career with David bringing home the first of the championships to the Whisman clan. With brother John doing most of the engine building it was a large family affair, as the sister cheered on.

 

Dennis started his racing career in 1982 and has continued to race in many forms of our sport but his love in the figure “8” division. Dennis married his lovely wife Kim on October 13, 1995 and make Brownstown Township, Michigan his home. They have three children Crystal, Sheila, and Dennis Jr. They also have four grandchildren Lilly, Lila, Jayden and Maleah.

 

Dennis raced mainly at the Flat Rock & Toledo Speedways but had ventured out to other tracks in the tri-state area where the figure “8” division was able to run. In 1990 he was the Flat Rock Speedway Rookie of the Year in the Figure “8” Division. With his brothers at his side he was able to move up in the division and capture his first championship at Flat Rock in 1995. The Michigan Figure “8” Series was in full swing in the mid 90’s and traveling to other tracks was great for Dennis as he honed his skills.

 

As the years moved along Dennis was able to race against both his brothers David who won a few championships at the Toledo Speedway in the figure “8” division. He later worked with a friend and fellow racer Richie Lee who later turned into Dennis car owner and engine builder as well as major sponsor. Together over the years Dennis raked up several championships not only in the figure”8” division but also, the X-Car Division at the Toledo Speedway. Dennis has competed in Street Stocks, School Bus Figure “8’, Sportsman, and X-Class divisions throughout his career.

 

Dennis has represented our state of Michigan many times at the World 3-Hour Figure “8” Series race at the Indianapolis Speedrome in Speedway, Indiana. He has also, made his way down to the Showtime Speedway in Clearwater, Florida over the fast few years and represented out state in the world outlaw class figure “8” class race held in February each year.

 

With the help of these sponsors Dennis had over the years he amassed at total of 15 ARCA Championships. Dennis also, has over 100 Feature wins in his career.

 

Sponsors: Affordable Transmission, Mikes Barber Shop, Leppen Chiropractic, Robert. A. Mucha, STUDZ Powersports, Quality Clutches Racing, WBVS Photo’s Motor Tech Performance, Freedman Equipment Rentals, Stanley’s Market, Subway, and A-1 Transmission.

 

List below is his accomplishments:
1990 ARCA Rookie of the Year
1995, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 Flat Rock Speedway Figure 8 Champion
2004 Flat Rock Speedway Overall Figure 8 Champion
2002, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 Toledo Speedway Figure 8 Champion
2004 Toledo Speedway Overall Figure 8 Champion
1995, 1997 ARCA Auto Value Fig 8 Series Champion
1995, 2004 WBVS Driver of the Year
1995, 1996 WBVS Pole Award Winner

 

 

With 15 ARCA Series Championships puts Dennis in a very prestigious class with the likes of Joy Fair, Bob Studt, Ron Allen, and Dennis Strickland.

 

In 2015 the next generation Whisman started his racing career. Dennis’s son Little Dennis as they call him was given the chance to drive a figure “8” car and with in the next few years picked up his first championship at the Flat Rock Speedway in 2019. Being a proud father Dennis has said competing against his son and beating him and teaching him the ins and outs of racing was priceless but, now that Little Dennis has beaten him the last couple of years retirement my not be to far off after nearly 40 years in the racing sense.