Wolfgang’s early involvement in racing began as a teenager working in the transmission shop of local racer Darryl Dawley. He first drove a race car in 1970, competing in a B-modified at Huset's Speedway.
Wolfgang found a regular sprint car seat with Dave Van Patten in the mid-1970s. In 1976, he began a partnership with car owner Bob Trostle, which yielded 45 wins in 1977, including the Knoxville Nationals. He then teamed with Bill Smith in 1978, winning 24 races and his second Knoxville Nationals.
In 1980, Wolfgang drove for Doug Howells for three seasons, achieving two second-place finishes in the World of Outlaws point standings. The year 1983 saw him driving for C. K. Spurlock in the No. 18 Gambler house car, earning 11 feature victories before being released before the end of the season. His most successful season came in 1985, driving for Bob Weikert, where he amassed 52 wins. This included victories at the Knoxville Nationals and the Kings Royal, alongside three consecutive wins at the Williams Grove National Open.
In 1988, Wolfgang sought a World of Outlaws title, leaving Pennsylvania to drive full-time in the series for Fred Marks and Les Kepler in the Kodiak No. 18. He joined forces with Danny Peace in 1989, earning over $500,000 in prize money, 44 wins, and his final Knoxville Nationals victory, as well as a $50,000-to-win race at Selinsgrove. He secured his final major victory in 1990, winning the Kings Royal in the Ray & Jay Williams owned #8.
On April 3, 1992, Wolfgang suffered severe injuries in a crash during a World of Outlaws event at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, resulting in burns over 30% of his body, a broken vertebrae, and injuries to his right hand. Following his recovery, Wolfgang stated, "I have absolutely zero interest in getting hurt again. I've had all the fun I can handle with that. I also know what it takes to win, and I guarantee you I don't have that anymore." A second serious crash occurred in 1997 in Granite City, Illinois, ultimately leading to his retirement.
Wolfgang retired in 1997 following a second serious crash. While he continued to race after the 1992 injury, he was never again as dominant as he had been.
Beyond sprint car racing, Wolfgang also achieved success in other series, winning one USAC Midget race, two USAC Silver Crown races, and three USAC Sprint car races. He also claimed a victory in the NCRA 100-inch Champ Car division, an ASCS 360 Sprint division triumph, and a MARA midget race victory.
Wolfgang won 481 sprint car races for 17 different car owners across 29 states and 105 tracks. He was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2003, the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, and the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also named National Sprint Car Poll Driver of the Year in 1985 and 1989, and National Motor Press Association Driver of the Year in 1985.
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