John "JW" Zinter

JW's ex wife got him into racing in 1972 at Duke City Raceway, where he drove the #43 Jalopy, a 1958 Ford with a 332 ci police interceptor engine. In those days, JW remembers racing with 35 cars in a 25 lap main event. Top runner were Bobby Kovack, Ed Everett, Chris Salazar, Hank Chavez, John Balster, Perry Held, and many more.

A fun moment for JW was when he ran a figure 8 race with Cliff Dunn, Johnny Johnson and others. Later, JW switched from a Fords to Chevys, racing what he called the "'57 Banana Boat." In 1979, JW was President of ASCRA (Albuquerque Stock Car Racing Association). At that time, he won the Rookie of the Year award in his #43 '72 camaro with a "pig" 427 ci motor (loaned to him by Bill Drury). That year, JW finished 3rd in the points behine #0 Gaylord Lippert and #65 Rick Means. JW's Vice President at the time was "Old Man" Dan Hunter.

In 1984, JW last raced late models at Duke City Raceway in a '64 Chevelle with Joe Issacks' 327 Stroker motor JW had bought with the Car & Trailer--#43 of course (not a Petty, just born on that year). After that, JW remained active as Chief scorer at 7 Flags/Valley Raceway/Duke City Raceway for a few years.

JW was elected President of NMMRA (New Mexico Motor Racing Association), a position he held from 1995-97. By 1997, the membership helped Duke City average 23 sprinters per night. JW had been convinced by Imogene that the they were worth $500 to win and $50 to show. Not much changed until 2004, when, as NMMRA Treasurer JW helped to pay out over $75,000 at Hollywood Hills, where he remains the NMMRA Secretary/Treasurer.