Bios

Doug Wright

On a rainy evening in the spring of 1971, Doug’s parents visited the Wolcott High School to inspect instruments for aspiring 3rd grade musicians.  Although his parents were both saxophone players, that night, Doug blew his first notes on a shiny gold Bundy Cornet.

Since that time, Doug has enjoyed playing the trumpet and other brass instruments in marching bands, jazz bands, and orchestras.  Through high school, along with Groove Catz band mates Don and Mark Molter, he played in a dance band named Lotus.  As the members of Lotus headed to college, the band broke up and Doug pursued his other interest; motorsports.

After winning the Purdue Grand Prix in his senior year at Purdue, Doug graduated from college and began racing professionally.  By the end of his driving career, he had won over 80 professional races and challenged several land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.   Doug was a regular on ESPN’s Thursday Night Thunder series, and for many years, was host of The Wright Report, a weekly motorsports radio program.

Today, Doug and his wife Terri enjoy building their business Doug Wright Racing & Promotions (www.wrightrace.com), where they maintain race cars, customize hot rods, and provide antique car restoration services.  Doug still competes annually with his father at the Bonneville Salt Flats, but now has more time to enjoy his musical interests. 

At Riverside Church, Doug provides vocals while playing a variety of instruments in the Worship Team, including guitar, bass, keyboards, and trumpet.  Around town, you’ll occasionally find him sitting in with a local band in need of a trumpet or flugelhorn sound.  He recently joined the Groove Catz, playing once again with his old Lotus band mates, Don and Mark Molter.

Doug is a fan of the Indianapolis Colts and enjoys collecting antique cars and music memorabilia.  He resides in Lafayette with his wife, Terri, and their two dogs, Milo and Maggie.