RACE TEAM
Meet the crew behind the speed. From drivers to mechanics, every member plays a vital role.
WAKA Endurance Racing Program
The Slowes endurance Race team represents the grassroots foundation of WAKA Motorsports — built in the garage, refined through competition, and driven by teamwork. Competing in endurance racing demands preparation, discipline, and resilience. Every member of the team plays a defined role in ensuring performance, reliability, and growth both on and off the track.
Leadership & Drivers
Rich Russo
Team Principal l Co-Owner l Driver
As Team Principal of WAKA Motorsports and co-owner of the Slowes race car, Rich oversees the competitive direction and long-term vision of the program. From vehicle development and race strategy to branding and team leadership, he guides the team both on and off the track.
On race weekends, Rich balances strategic decision-making with driving duties, ensuring execution matches preparation. His leadership sets the tone for Slowes: disciplined, competitive, and built with purpose.
Rich Russo Sr.
Primary Engineer | Lead Mechanic
Rich Russo Sr. is the technical backbone of the Slowes program. As primary engineer and lead mechanic, he built the car and has designed many of its mechanical and electrical systems.
From drivetrain setup and suspension development to custom wiring and race-prep reliability solutions, Rich Sr. ensures the car is engineered to endure. His preparation, experience, and problem-solving ability form the foundation of the team’s competitiveness.
Nick Russo
Driver
Nick Russo is the newest driver to join the Slowes racing team, recently making his race debut behind the wheel in his first endurance event with the team. Despite being new to the program, Nick quickly showed impressive pace and confidence in the car, proving he has the raw speed needed to compete at a high level.
With strong potential and a natural feel for the car, Nick is already becoming a valuable part of the team’s driver lineup. As he continues to gain experience in endurance racing, the team expects to see him develop into a consistently fast and reliable driver for future events.
Justin Rollings
Logistics & Communications | Co-Owner l Driver
Justin Rollings serves as co-owner of the Slowes race car and plays a vital operational role within the endurance program. He manages team finances, ensuring the season remains structured and sustainable.
Justin also coordinates team logistics, arranging accommodations and travel to keep the crew prepared and focused heading into race weekends. During competition, he oversees radio communications — acting as the critical link between driver and pit to maintain strategy and composure under pressure.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Justin competes behind the wheel, embodying the hands-on, all-in spirit that defines WAKA.
Gallo Echinique
Secondary Mechanic | Team Technical Assistant
Gallo Echinique supports the engineering program as Secondary Mechanic and Technical Assistant. He assists with race preparation, maintenance, and trackside support — ensuring the car remains reliable throughout demanding endurance events.
His flexibility and team-first mindset strengthen the technical depth of the Slowes operation
Michael Debari
Hospitality Coordinator
Mike Debari plays an important behind-the-scenes role for the Slowes team, making sure everyone is fueled and ready to go during long race weekends. Known as the team’s unofficial chef, Mike keeps the crew well fed during endurance events—something that becomes just as important as fuel for the car when races stretch for hours.
When he’s not manning the grill or keeping the team organized, Mike is always ready to lend a hand in the garage, helping wherever an extra set of hands is needed. His reliability, positive attitude, and willingness to jump in make him a valuable part of the team’s race weekend operation.
ANDREW BAEZ
Co-Owner | Driver
Andrew Baez is a co-owner of the Slowes race car and a key competitive presence within the WAKA Motorsports endurance lineup. As both owner and driver, Andrew brings focus, consistency, and accountability to every event.
Behind the wheel, he delivers disciplined stints that help anchor the team’s endurance strategy. His commitment to both performance and program growth reinforces the team-first mentality that drives Slowes forward.
Johnny Rosario
Race Mechanic | Tuning Support
Johnny Rosario has served as a crucial mechanic during multiple races, providing hands-on race-weekend support and assisting with performance tuning.
His contributions in maintaining system consistency and supporting tuning adjustments have been instrumental in keeping the car competitive during long stints. In endurance racing, reliability is earned — and Johnny plays an important role in that effort.
Our Mission
The Slowes endurance program is built on preparation, accountability, and teamwork. Every lap turned is supported by hours in the garage, disciplined planning, and a shared commitment to growth.
We are a hands-on program — owners who drive, engineers who build, mechanics who adapt, and a team that shows up ready to compete.
Built in the garage. Proven in endurance.
Street Team
Rich Russo
2002 RSX Turbo Build
Richard Russo represents the street side of WAKA Motorsports, where the focus shifts from the race track to building fun, well-sorted street cars. While he spends plenty of time around race cars, he also enjoys working on personal builds that are meant to be driven, enjoyed, and constantly improved in the garage.
From wrenching on his own projects to planning future street builds, Richard brings the same passion for cars and performance that defines the team. Not every project has to be a race car—sometimes the goal is simply building something unique, fast, and fun to drive.
John Rubino
2020 Infinity Q50
John Rubino is a key member of the WAKA Motorsports street team and is currently working toward becoming a certified mechanic. With a growing knowledge of automotive systems and hands-on experience in the garage, John is quickly building the skills to back up his passion for cars.
His current project, a heavily modified Infiniti build, has the kind of power and presence that would turn heads both on the street and at the drag strip. As his mechanical knowledge continues to grow, John is shaping up to be someone who can both build and drive serious performance machines.
Karting Team
JUSTIN ROLLINGS
Team Principal.
As Team Principal of WAKA Motorsports and co-owner of the Slowes race car, Richard oversees the competitive direction and long-term vision of the program. From vehicle development and race strategy to branding and team leadership, he guides the team both on and off the track.
On race weekends, Richard balances strategic decision-making with driving duties, ensuring execution matches preparation. His leadership sets the tone for Slowes: disciplined, competitive, and built with purpose.
Rich Russo Sr.
Primary Engineer | Lead Mechanic
Rich Russo Sr. is the technical backbone of the Slowes program. As primary engineer and lead mechanic, he built the car and has designed many of its mechanical and electrical systems.
From drivetrain setup and suspension development to custom wiring and race-prep reliability solutions, Rich ensures the car is engineered to endure. His preparation, experience, and problem-solving ability form the foundation of the team’s competitiveness.
Gallo Echinique
Secondary Mechanic | Team Technical Assistant
Gallo Echinique supports the engineering program as Secondary Mechanic and Technical Assistant. He assists with race preparation, maintenance, and trackside support — ensuring the car remains reliable throughout demanding endurance events.
His flexibility and team-first mindset strengthen the technical depth of the Slowes operation
Justin Rollings
Co-Owner | Finance, Logistics & Communications | Driver
Justin Rollings serves as co-owner of the Slowes race car and plays a vital operational role within the endurance program. He manages team finances, ensuring the season remains structured and sustainable.
Justin also coordinates team logistics, arranging accommodations and travel to keep the crew prepared and focused heading into race weekends. During competition, he oversees radio communications — acting as the critical link between driver and pit to maintain strategy and composure under pressure.
In addition to his operational responsibilities, Justin competes behind the wheel, embodying the hands-on, all-in spirit that defines Slowes.
Rich Russo Sr.
Primary Engineer | Lead Mechanic
Rich Russo Sr. is the technical backbone of the Slowes program. As primary engineer and lead mechanic, he built the car and has designed many of its mechanical and electrical systems.
From drivetrain setup and suspension development to custom wiring and race-prep reliability solutions, Rich ensures the car is engineered to endure. His preparation, experience, and problem-solving ability form the foundation of the team’s competitiveness.
Johnny Rosario
Race Mechanic | Tuning Support
Johnny Rosario has served as a crucial mechanic during multiple races, providing hands-on race-weekend support and assisting with performance tuning.
His contributions in maintaining system consistency and supporting tuning adjustments have been instrumental in keeping the car competitive during long stints. In endurance racing, reliability is earned — and Johnny plays an important role in that effort.
ANDREW BAEZ
Co-Owner | Driver
Andrew Baez is a co-owner of the Slowes race car and a key competitive presence within the WAKA Motorsports endurance lineup. As both owner and driver, Andrew brings focus, consistency, and accountability to every event.
Behind the wheel, he delivers disciplined stints that help anchor the team’s endurance strategy. His commitment to both performance and program growth reinforces the team-first mentality that drives Slowes forward.
Gallo Echinique
Secondary Mechanic | Team Technical Assistant
Gallo Echinique supports the engineering program as Secondary Mechanic and Technical Assistant. He assists with race preparation, maintenance, and trackside support — ensuring the car remains reliable throughout demanding endurance events.
His flexibility and team-first mindset strengthen the technical depth of the Slowes operation
Johnny Rosario
Race Mechanic | Tuning Support
Johnny Rosario has served as a crucial mechanic during multiple races, providing hands-on race-weekend support and assisting with performance tuning.
His contributions in maintaining system consistency and supporting tuning adjustments have been instrumental in keeping the car competitive during long stints. In endurance racing, reliability is earned — and Johnny plays an important role in that effort.
Sim Team
Rich Russo
Sim Driver
Richard Russo is one of the newest additions to the WAKA Motorsports sim racing lineup. While relatively new to competitive sim racing, he has spent years racing on consoles growing up, building a strong foundation in racing games and developing a natural feel for virtual driving.
Now transitioning into more serious sim racing, Richard is focused on learning the craft, improving his pace, and growing within the sport. As with everything in WAKA Motorsports, the goal is simple: keep pushing, keep improving, and have fun racing.
Nick Russo
Sim Driver
Nick Russo is the most experienced sim driver within WAKA Motorsports and plays a key role in the team’s growing presence in sim racing. With a strong understanding of competitive racing sims and racecraft in the virtual environment, Nick brings valuable knowledge and pace to the program.
As WAKA Motorsports continues to expand into sim racing, Nick will help lead the team’s efforts to enter and compete in events moving forward. His experience and leadership will be instrumental in helping the team develop, improve, and establish itself in the sim racing world.
Jhan Mesa
Sim Driver
Jhan Mesa is one of the rising drivers in the WAKA Motorsports sim racing lineup. Although newer to the world of sim racing, he has already shown a natural ability to learn quickly and adapt to the competitive environment.
With a strong passion for racing and a drive to improve, Jhan continues to develop his skills each time he gets behind the wheel. As the team grows its presence in sim racing, he is expected to be an important part of the program moving forward.
OUR GOALS
Milestones we're proud of.
12+
RACE WINS
3
CHAMPIONSHIPS
50K+
YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS
100+
RACE ENTERD
BEHIND THE SCENES
What happens when the cameras are off.
TRACK DAY PREP
From 5 AM wake-ups to trailer loading — race day starts long before the green flag drops.
FILM & EDIT
Hours of footage become minutes of content. Our editing process is as detailed as our builds.
GARAGE SESSIONS
Late-night wrenching, engine builds, and the occasional pizza run. This is where the magic happens.
COMMUNITY MEETUPS
We regularly meet fans at car shows, karting events, and local tracks. Come say hi!