McGowan takes IMCA Late Model director post

VINTON, IA (March 9, 2007) – IMCA’s new Late Model director won’t need many introductions when he gets to the track this season.

Josh McGowan, a former Late Model driver and the Deery Brothers Summer Series rookie of the year in 2004, takes over as director for the division. He’ll oversee rules enforcement and race procedures at tracks sanctioning the class at weekly programs, as well as head pre- and post-race tech inspection at all Deery events.

“When I was racing, I thought IMCA had the best Late Model program going for the grassroots-type driver, and I still feel that way,” said McGowan, who built engines for White’s Engine and Machine in Vinton for six years. “Late Models were the premier class and what I set my sights on when I started racing a pro stock. Late Models are still some of the best racing around.”

McGowan’s career spanned 11 seasons, the last seven of them in a Late Model.

He won pro stock titles at Benton County Speedway in Vinton, Independence Motor Speedway and at Fayette County Raceway in West Union before moving into late model fields at Farley Speedway, where he won the 2002 track champi­onship, and West Liberty Raceway.

McGowan returned to weekly action at Independence before venturing into the Deery Series ranks.

“I jumped into that with both feet, never having raced the series before, and found out how tough it was,” he said. “It was a real eye opener. The drivers were top notch and I really enjoyed it.”

His first night on the job will be April 7 when the 21st annual Deery Series opens at Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City.

“When I retired from racing, my goal was to tech at a race track or promote,” said McGowan. “My goals as Late Model director are to be fair and open minded, and try to keep everyone on the same even playing field.”

McGowan will bring a crew of his own to weekly and series shows throughout the season, traveling with his wife Joy and their sons Jared, 8, and Jackson, 3.

“Josh brings several key components to this position, primarily his experience as an engine builder and as a driver. There will be an easy transition with a short learning curve,” said IMCA Vice President of Operations Brett Root. “He’ll work very well with Late Model drivers and promoters.”