Career
He started racing midget cars in 1953 at the Saint Louis Auto Racing Association. Wente is second on the list of all-time Universal Service Administrative Company National winners behind Mel Kenyon. Wente used his midget car experiences to earn a ride in the Universal Service Administrative Company series.
He raced in the 1963-1965 and 1967 seasons, with 11 career starts, including the 1964 Indianapolis 500.
He finished in the top ten 5 times, with his best finish in 3rd position in 1965 at Trenton. Despite witnessing the tragic events in front of him on the opening lap of the 1964 Indianapolis 500 that claimed the lives of Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald, Wente charged from his 32nd starting spot to take ninth place at the checkers in his number 68, Trevis/Offenhauser.
Wente attempted to qualify the next two seasons in 1965 and 1966, but failed to make the field Wente remained in the racing business long after his driving career ended.
He stayed busy by owning and operating a restaurant named Wente"s O & West (Open Wheel) in Chesterfield, Missouri up until his death.
