Interview with Wayne Raqueno

If you’ve been in the Texas import car scene, there’s a chance you’ve heard the name Wayne Raqueno.  Wayne took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his life and his thoughts on the passion that we share.  He’s considered a role model to many, a great visionary, and a great friend to me.

Tuned Perception: Can you tell us a little background on yourself and how you came into the aftermarket automotive industry?

Wayne: I’ve always been into cars. When I first started driving, I was doing car audio shows and events…then I started doing aftermarket car shows and when the Hot Import Nights show series came into Texas, I was a night club promoter and asked to help the show! After that, they asked me to come on the tour with them…and the rest was history!

Tuned Perception: You’ve worked with several car show circuits in your career, what was your favorite part of each organization?

Wayne Raqueno & Joe Ninobla

Wayne: With the Hot Import Nights show series…I enjoyed going to events everywhere. I was one of the few that went to every event, so that helped me meet people from all over the country. As far as the organization, at first, the people cared about the cars and the people…but when the NCCA was introduced, I knew the end was near. With Traxion, the best part was learning not to trust everything you are promised. That event was a lesson waiting to be learned. Indy Racing League was amazing…never realized how much money could go into motorsports. They people I met were all business and were absolutely into cars.

Tuned Perception: Do you think the nations economic downturn has affected the aftermarket industry?

Wayne: Definitely…there are so many shops and stores that have closed their doors due to lack of business. With the fewer events going on…people aren’t as motivated to do as much to their cars…which in turn hurts the shops. Only the strong survive…

Tuned Perception: How many cars have you customized in your lifetime?

Wayne: I couldn’t even tell you how many cars I have customized…I’ve been involved with a large number of builds, some being showcased at the SEMA trade show and many being featured in magazines and booths at various events.

Tuned Perception: Your green 240SX is a well recognized icon in the Southwest region, what are your plans for it in 2010?

Wayne Raqueno's Nissan 240SX - Photo by Vinh Diep

Wayne: The green 240sx has accomplished a lot for the amount of time it has been out to events. For 2010, I’m looking into a somewhat new paint scheme, different graphics, and some new Venaci wheels! I’d like to hit up a few west coast events with the car again…the experience out there is the best!

Tuned Perception: Looking back from that first initiation into cars, did you ever expect to reach the point you’re at today?

Wayne: No…I started out just like anyone else out there. I wanted to be the guy with the cool car…the one people would talk about in awe. Today…its nice to have a flashy car, but the attention is sometimes not wanted…

Tuned Perception: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment when it comes to cars?

Wayne: With cars…my greatest accomplishment has been being a part of Team 16NiSS and knowing that the crew is recognized throughout the country as one of the elite teams out. With over 10 years of experience and traveling coast to coast…the team is my family away from family!

Tuned Perception: For the car show enthusiasts, what kind of advice do you have to offer to become successful?

Wayne: Don’t rush into things! Get advice from people who breed success in everything they do…those people usually research whatever they are getting into in order to make the best possible decisions. Alot of times…one decision can be a deal breaker between you being a new phenomenon or you being a wannabe. Be smart with your choices!

Tuned Perception: What do you think about the rise of these mega car meets with hundreds of cars in a parking lot?

Wayne: The mega car meets are amazing! There are so many going on though that it will eventually tire out. Maybe not in the next year or two…but everyone is trying to do them and they will soon be just a fad. I like going to them…it shows the car scene evolving…

Tuned Perception: Do you think car shows are dying when it comes to attendance and participation?

Wayne: The car show scene is slowly dying out due to poor dollar value compared to what the spectators and competitors are paying. With the poor economic status that we are in…people just do not have that extra income to afford to pay outrageous fees for entry…which shows with attendance numbers at all of the events.

Tuned Perception: How does a person get their car sponsored?

Wayne: This is probably one of the most hated questions for me. I get this one alot and it boggles my mind. Most people think its a breeze to get sponsorships and that all they have to do is show products. Alot goes into it though…like building a winning vehicle! The easiest way to get sponsors…do your time. Earn them…go to events…meet the companies that attend the events. Strive for success…and it will be yours.

Wayne Raqueno

Tuned Perception: Who would you name as the top 5 most influential people in your life and why?

Wayne: In no particular order:
Sam Walton – He started Walmart…his story is amazing. He started with a small store…and grew an empire of discount stores. Shows that if you want to succeed…you can if you try. He wasn’t necessarily in my life, but his story is an inspiration.

King Leonidas – He was the Spartan King that was made more famous from the movie 300. He stood with 300 men against millions. His drive is a reason I’m always in for any test. Again…he wasn’t in my life…but he is a legend!

Mike Munar – He was one of the original members of the Hot Import Nights show series. He introduced me to alot of influential people in the sport compact scene. His success motivated me to want to succeed in the automotive industry.

David Gonzalez – He worked with me for Hot Import Nights. He is one person that always had an opinion and advice on anything. He is very goal oriented and does alot of research before he jumps into a project. Very intelligent guy!

My Dad – He wasn’t into cars at all…but he always supported whatever I wanted to do. He would always tell me to be the best at what I want to do. I always try to show him what I do in the car industry even though he doesn’t know what all I am doing.

Tuned Perception: Any last words for our readers?

Wayne: Thank you to everyone that has supported me with everything I have done in life. There are so many people that have been there for me in the past and that have helped me with everything. People say I have a lot of success, but it’s the people that I surround myself with that drive that success. Thank you.