This months showcase driver for the UMP Modified Class is Darrell McDowell.

Stats:

Name: Darrell McDowell
Class: U.M.P. Modified
Car Number: 22D

Darrell is one of our Dirt Scoops Members, so fans can post questions in the forum and I am sure Darrell will respond! He is a great asset to Indiana Dirt Scoops, and a great person, and don't miss out on the action when he is on the track! Keep up on his progress at http://www.darrellmcdowell.com/ !

Now, on to the interview!

Dirt Scoops: How did you get in to racing?

Darrell: " From the age of three I have been at the races. My uncle, Johnny Deimel, ran Street Stocks and then Modifieds throughout my childhood. He raced weekly at Mt. Vernon and Tri State Speedway. He also raced at many other tracks throughout Indiana and Illinois. In 2005, my uncle, Al McDowell, gave me the opportunity to drive his 4 Cylinder and I instantly got the driving bug. We had pretty decent success in a short time span. In 5 races in 2006, we were able to win four heats, have three third place feature finishes, a second place feature finish, and my first career feature win."

Dirt Scoops: Wow, great job! We look forward to seeing you in 2008!
Where are you from and where do you currently reside?

Darrell: " I am from Olney, IL and I currently reside in Charleston, IL."

Dirt Scoops: Tell us about your family. (i.e. married, kids, etc.)

Darrell: "My family contains my parents (John and Cathy) and a younger brother (Charlie). My girlfriend (Andrea) has been with me for 2 ½ years. I have a fantastic family that has been very supportive in everything I do. I don’t know where I would be without them".

Dirt Scoops: Tell us about the race team (who owns the car, etc).

Darrell: "My current race team consists of myself, Brent Moore, Matt Huddleston, Tim Huddleston and many other who have helped out along the way (My Dad, Johnny Deimel, Denny Schwartz, Cody Hood, Gabe Menser and many others). The team is composed of the #22 and the #18M that is driven by Matt Huddleston. The owner of the cars is Tim Huddleston. I owe the Huddleston’s a ton for giving us the opportunity to be on the track in 2008."

Dirt Scoops: Tell us your career highlights.

Darrell: "I don’t have many career highlights as I have only ran a modified for a short time and before that I ran a 4 Cylinder a short time. I currently have 4 heat wins and a feature win in the 4 cylinder. As far as the modified goes, I have not got the first win of any kind yet, but we look forward to some success in the upcoming season. My career highlight is coming from 18th to 5th at Tri State Speedway last season. It has been a huge learning experience and a lot of fun along the way though".

Dirt Scoops: What tracks do you race at and where can fans go to see you race?

Darrell: "In ’07 I raced mainly at Tri State Speedway (Haubstadt, IN) and Clay County Speedway (Flora, IL) but the ’08 race campaign looks to be a traveling show. The Huddleston’s are planning on traveling to the money shows in ’08 so it looks like we will be found anywhere in the tri state area."

Dirt Scoops: What tracks would you like to race at?

Darrell: "I would love to have the opportunity to race at Eldora, Macon, I-55, Gas City, Boone Iowa, Deer Creek, and many others. I love running the cushion so anywhere I can go to do that is always fun."

Dirt Scoops: What advice would you pass on to a rookie driver?

Darrell: "Be patient. That is the biggest thing that I learned in my short driving career. If you are patient, you are more likely to have solid finishes. My first few nights out, I tried to pass the entire field in the first few laps and it did nothing but get me into trouble. Also, put the time in to get the car ready in the shop. One of the things that I was taught early on, was to make sure the car was ready to race before it was put on the trailer."

Dirt Scoops: Any events in 2008 or news to share about your plans in racing?

Darrell: "We are very happy to be on board with the Huddleston Racing Team. Also, we were glad to welcome back HWP Rigging as a sponsor. It should be a very exciting 2008 race season. We will be opening our season at Billy Egeler’s $6000 to win Bluegrass Bash at Western Kentucky Speedway. After that, it is pretty much a toss up on where we will be running. Check my website for updates."

Dirt Scoops: Listing of sponsors.

Darrell:

Tim Huddleston Trucking, HWP Rigging, Toyota Tsusho America, and Hancock Carriers.

Dirt Scoops: Any funny stories you would like to share with Dirt Scoops?

Darrell: "I have to many funny stories to share. Just hang around our team this season and you will find out. Everyone involved with the Huddleston Team are great people and a joy to be around."

Dirt Scoops: Who do you thank for your success?

Darrell: "I have to thank my parents (John and Cathy) and my uncles Johnny Deimel and Al McDowell. My girlfriend, Andrea Lockley, has also been with me from day one and has been very supportive. Without them, none of this would be possible. I also have to thank the Huddleston’s for giving me a chance this season."

Dirt Scoops: What win stands out most in your mind and why?

Darrell: "My one and only feature win, which came in a 4 cylinder. Hopefully we will be able to talk about our modified win after the 2008 season."

Dirt Scoops: Closing thoughts?

Darrell: Thank you very much Indiana Dirt Scoops. You guys have a fantastic website!! Thank you to everyone that helps and has helped my racing along the way. Without you guys, it would not be possible.

Dirt Scoops: You are very welcome Darrell. We all hope to follow your succes and wish you the best of luck in the 08 season and seasons to come. Guys with personality as well as talent on the track go far in this business, we know you will do well!

Do you have a website we can add a link to so fans can keep up on your progress?

Darrell: Yes I do, for all of the updates check www.DarrellMcDowell.com

Keep up on Darrell's Progress at: http://www.darrellmcdowell.com/

Thanks for the interview Darrell, and good luck from all of us at Indiana Dirt Scoops!