It’s no wonder why Todd Gettel of Mahnomen got into racing, simply based on the environment he grew up in.
His dad raced, and racing and cars were part of his life as a child. Oh, he became a mechanic by trade as well.
“Just being around cars and just being around racing,” Gettel said of what sparked his interest.
He turned that interest into a racing career that has spanned almost half of his life. He’s been a staple in the IMCA Hobby Stock (or Pure Stock) class locally for a quarter century, and also has raced many enduros along the way.
“Enduros, we did a lot of them,” Gettel said.
Gettel races in the IMCA Hobby Stocks at Norman County Raceway in Ada and Buffalo River Speedway near Glyndon and also has made trips to Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo in recent years. And usually you will find his #73 machine finishing in or near the top five if not in contention for a win.
“It’s been pretty good. There’s highs and lows,” Gettel said.
The IMCA Hobby Stocks have proved to be a good fit for Gettel in more ways than one.
“It’s not as expensive,” Gettel said. “You don’t have to do as much to the car as you do some other ones. It’s enough work already the way it is. Just to keep them on the track can be a job.”
They are also a good fit competitively for the 50-year-old. Since 2021, he has raced 61 times, and has three feature wins and 39 top five finishes. He won the 2021 Norman County Raceway point championship.
“I really don’t know the secret; it just happens. Having the right set up is mainly what (works),” Gettel said. “I started doing it, trying different things and stuck with what worked and it seems to work out.”
Gettel has four top five finishes in five starts this season, highlighted by a runner-up finish at Buffalo River Speedway on Sunday. His focus isn’t on points racing anymore – it’s about the fun, he says – but if he keeps running well, he may be in contention again at Buffalo River. He is tied for third in the standings, just four points behind leader Brad Orvedal.
The competition is one thing that has kept the 50-year-old behind the wheel for so long.
“It’s an adrenaline rush,” Gettel said. “When you’re in the car driving against someone and you know the person you’re racing against, it’s just fun to compete.”
Driver profile
Todd Gettel
IMCA Hobby Stock #73
Residence: Mahnomen, Minn.
Age: 50
Sponsors: Dick’s Service, Big Elbow Lake Lodge and Campground, Grease Monkee Automotive, Carrot’s Auto Body, Waubun Steel, Buck’s Wild Things, Lundon Well Drilling
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