Escanaba Motor Speedway racer Rick Ness poses for a photo on May 24, 2025 at Escanaba Motor Speedway. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

ESCANABA — Saturday night marked the season opener for Escanaba Motor Speedway. A total of 80 cars over seven classes made their season debut. One of them was Super Modified driver Rick Ness. Before the races started Daily Press sports writer Adam Hinch got the opportunity to speak with Ness on a variety of topics.

Adam Hinch: So, Rick, what got you into wanting to race?

Rick Ness: It started as a spectator in the grandstand. Then in 2016 I thought I would help out as a volunteer, then got into doing track prep, then my brother and his nephew started racing sprint cars and they talked me into getting into the 600 sprint class. Last year I had the opportunity to drive Jesse Denome’s super mod ended up buying the car and here I am with the No. 17 Roy Ness sponsored super modified.

AH: What do you like to do outside of racing?

RN: One of my favorite things to do is aviation. That is my passion. Racing is second to flying planes. My 9-year-old son enjoys flying and it gives us something fun to do that we both enjoy.

AH: Are you a grilling guy?

RN: No, my wife does all the cooking at home. She is one of my biggest sponsors and she gets mad when I don’t say that, so I am going to give her a big plus here. She’s the one backing me doing what I love to do.

AH: You a Coke or Pepsi guy?

RN: Coke. I mean they’re our sponsor here, so yeah.

AH: When did you get into aviation?

RN: I would say in my late 30’s, and I’m currently building an aircraft. I built the one I fly now. I have traveled to Alaska and back flown in competitions. It’s just my biggest passion.

AH: What is your favorite football team?

RN: The Green Bay Packers. I spent a lot of time in the 90’s watching the Packers and Brett Farve and I have been to many games at Lambeau Field.

AH: What is your favorite moment in your racing career so far?

RN: I would have to say racing the No. 6 car last year and taking second place in points last season. I gave Scott Degnan a big run last season in my first year in the super modified, so that would be my best moment in racing so far.