This months showcase driver for the Purestock Class is Shawn McIntosh

This months Purestock showcase driver is Lawrenceburg Speedways "2007 Purestock Track Champion", and "2007 Lawrenceburg Sportsman of the Year", Shawn McIntosh.

First off, all I have to say is, this kid is good! I remember the first time I saw him race at Lawrenceburg, the car was lined up in the first heat, with 'tape numbers' on the door of his pure white car. My first thoughts, (no offense Shawn, grin), the car didn't stand out too much. (But it wasn't lettered yet, and I was new to the track and didn't know the drivers there). But, much to my wonder, right off the bat, the car and Shawn lit up the track with his engine blaring, going right into first place! This car was fast, and this driver was good! This action, I found, was a weekly trait of Shawn's. He was a winner, and a good, clean driver, who was always smiling and had time for fans and other drivers. He proved it throughout the year, by winning feature after feature, earning respect from other drivers, and being awarded for this this by earning "Sportsman of the Year". Only the "two feature in a row" rule stopped this kid from winning more of them. He even showed all of the fans during the races where the feature rule started him on the tail, that he could still come from the rear to the front. I remember once, my husband, Greg Owens commented to him, "Hey, you won two in row, so you have to start on the tail next week, maybe I will get a chance to win!", laughing at him, which sparked another chuckle from Shawn. They kind of had a fun rivalry going from week to week which made it interesting to race at Lawrenceburg. Anyway, I just wanted to say, great job Shawn and good luck in 2008! Now, on to the interview.

These questions were answered by Shawn himself.

Dirt Scoops: How did you get in to racing?

Shawn: "I got into racing myself in the early 90's. I'd always went to the races as a fan but never drove. When I was 13 my dad helped me with an old go-kart he had and that's how it got started. It was karts for about 8 years then, I went to Hoosier mini-stocks.

After a couple years in them, I tried drag racing. It was fun but, wasn't "Real dirt in your beer racing"!

In 2004 my brother Kyle went purestock racing and I helped out some. I wanted badly to drive again, so in 2005 I started back at it.

Quote from Shawn: "I tried drag racing. It was fun but, wasn't 'Real dirt in your beer racing'!"

Shawns 2007 Purestock Racecar

Dirt Scoops: Where are you from and where do you currenly reside?

Shawn: "I was born in Madison. I was raised in Versailles and still reside here." 


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

Shawn: "I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Jennifer. We've been together for 11 year, and married for 4. Currently we have no kids, so when I quit coming to the track you'll know why! I won't be able to afford both!"



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

Shawn: "There's more about my race team than just Shawn McIntosh. I'm just the lucky one that gets to drive and also own the car."

" It begins with my wife Jennifer, Dick Schutte, Norman Obermeyer, Jared Obermeyer, Kyle McIntosh and all my friends and family."

Shawn Pictured at right with his Track Championship Award from Lawrenceburg Speedway. (The rest of the top ten purestock drivers of 2007 are pictured with Shawn)

Shawn picture here after last race of the year, after being announce 2007 Purestock Track Champ

Dirt Scoops: Tell us your career high lights.

Shawn: "2007 had to be the highlight of my career so far. We ended the season with a total (6) feature wins and many heat wins.
To top it all we won the points title at Lawrenceburg Speedway. I also recieved co-honors of Sportman of the Year with Greg Owens. That award honestly means more to me than the points championship."


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

Shawn: "This season I plan on attending Brownstown, North Vernon, Lawrenceburg and Moler."



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

Shawn: "If I could choose a track I'd love to race on it would be Eldora! The place is so wide open, it would be awesome."



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

Shawn: "Don't be afraid to ask questions! We all were rookies at one point. Also you have to earn respect."



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

Shawn: "This season we just plan to travel more than in the past. We're going to try to hit Brownstown a few times as well as North Vernon to learn more about other tracks."



Dirt Scoops: Listing of sponsors.

Shawn: "Special thanks to: RLS Engines  (Dick Schutte), B&B Precision Mowing (Bryan Bernhardt), Terry Eaglin Motorsports, Acra Automotive, Dehner's Digging and Hauling. This season we've added a few more Five Star Automotive and The Toby Walsman Family."



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

Shawn:"I shouldn't tell it but I will! During a heat race last season I was battling for second and spun out. So as I catch back up to the field, the leader starts pulling off the track. Then second place follows and well so does Shawn. I assumed the race had been called. Little did I know the leader was overheating and second thought the race was over. Moral of the story, don't pull of the track until the checkered flag waves!"

Dirt Scoops: Who do you thank for your success? Shawn: "For the most part I have to thanks everyone who helps prepare the car. Whether it's cleaning it, changing tires, etc." "Then I have to thank Dick Schutte for building me great engines." " How many of you take your engine builder to the track?"

McIntosh Motorsports Pit Crew (left to right) Norman Obermeyer JR, Kyle McIntosh, Dickie Schutte, Shawn McIntosh & Jared Obermeyer

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

Shawn: "My first win stands out. It's the hardest one to get and they come easier after that one."

" Another win that stands out is I was running third. First and second crashed out due to a lapped car and I was in the right place at the right time."


Dirt Scoops: Closing thoughts.

Shawn: "For anyone who doesn't know who I am don't be afraid to introduce yourself. I'm kinda shy but, you get me talking and I won't shut up. I'm not a people person but, at the races I am. I guess that's my kind of people!"


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

"We have a website it's WWW.SHAWNMCINTOSH.COM.   Look for updates as the 08 Season arrives."

Watch Shawn race in 08 at Brownstown, Twin Cities, Lawrenceburg and Moler!

~Thanks Shawn from Dirt Scoops for the Interview! Good luck in the 08 season!

~Victoria Owens