Shane Howell

My name is Shane Howell. I have been given the nickname “Cowboy” and since there are definitely worse nicknames to be given, it works for me!! I have been back into racing, for 5 years, after taking a couple of decades to attempt to take over the world. I started racing at the age of 15, in an IMCA Hobby stock, taking my first laps, at the track in Arlington, MN. I got into it, because my Dad, has been a hardcore race fan and when possible, driver. We grew up in the pits of Raceway Park and Elko Speedways, back in a time, when you could send your kids to the stands, knowing that you had 9 surrogate moms, any of whom, weren’t afraid to distribute a spanking, if you had it coming! White pants were still required in the pits and pit lane still had trophy girls and no one thought that was strange… I learned sportsmanship, and what bad sportsmanship looks like. I had a place to learn what pride looks like and the cost of shame. Men taught me the value of hard work and the cost of apathy. I learned that all whom stand close to you, aren’t your friends and all those who are critical of you, aren’t your enemy. Those and the many many other life lessons I learned, left an indelible mark on me. As I wandered into life, away from the track, to find my place in the world, those lessons have been tested again and again. It became clear, that “There is No place like home” doesn’t always refer to a house. Now, in 2019, I am walking the challenging, frustrating, humbling, sublime, chaotic, validating journey, that is, the pursuit of auto racing goals, constantly trying to remind my self, “Comparison, is the enemy of happiness”. I roll weekly with “The SSG” Jessie P. She is the crew chief and chief caretaker! I am blessed to have the support at the track of Jessie, Austin (who loves his truck) and when he can make it, my dad. Accomplishments to this point are smattering of wins, top 5’s in track points, a continuous progression up, in national points and a fine for throwing down, with someone that had it coming. 2019 we are going to be running Gondik Law, Ogilvie, KRA and Granite City Speedways regular schedules and whatever specials feel right. Each person’s journey in racing is different, but in the end, racing will take everything you have. What you take from it, is up to you. I do not know where my journey in racing ends, but I do know I am blessed to have had a way to connect, with some of the finest people, the world has to offer! Special thanks to Derek Kivi and Curt Anderson, for there part in my journey!