Veteran Stark a consistent competitor in Wissota Midwest Modified ranks

It may be difficult for Todd Stark to ever duplicate the consistency he had on the racetrack in 2025. Or any driver to do it, for that matter.

He won three track championships – at Casino Speedway in Watertown, Brown County Speedway in Aberdeen and Miller Central Speedway. According to myracepass, Stark finished in the top 10 in 31 of his 33 starts.  He had 28 top fives and six feature wins.

“Statistically, it was our best year,” said the Watertown resident. “We were a model of consistency. We had a great year.”

The veteran – approaching 20 years behind the wheel – said a couple of factors contributed to the success of 2025.

“We needed a little racer’s luck a couple of nights, we caught a caution when we needed to and lined up in the right lane and picked off a couple of cars,” Stark said. “The car worked good everywhere we went. We didn’t have to do a lot of adjusting; it just worked.”

The 51-year-old, who sells insurance in Watertown, got his start in the street stock class many years ago. But dirt-track racing wasn’t his first choice – dirt biking and racing quads was. That changed after a broken leg in a dirt bike crash.

“Ever since I was young, I was a need for speed daredevil. I broke my femur in five spots on a dirt bike. Doctor pretty much told me don’t do that again,” Stark said. “We decided to go a little bit safer route and put a roll cage around me.”

After a few years in the street stock class, Stark moved into the Wissota Modifieds, where he has spent a majority of his career. After taking some time off he was offered a chance to drive a Wissota Midwest Modified a few years ago and eventually would purchase that car.

This year, Stark isn’t chasing three track championships – he is looking to hit some bigger-paying shows, such as the $10,000 to win special at Sheridan Speedway in Wyoming in late June. He finished eighth there against a strong field.

“I always put a goal every year of what I want for wins. I have a pretty high goal of what I want to achieve,” Stark said. “Just being consistent helps.”

The season has seen some ups and downs for Stark, who is in a new car this season. He does have one win and seven top fives in 13 starts; he also has four DNFs.

“It’s been a little challenging this year,” Stark said. “We had a few DNFs due to things out of our control. We have been trying to find a balance I like in this new-to-us car. I  think we have gotten close to what I am wanting.”

With no chasing of track championships this year, the focus is on having fun for Stark.

“(It’s) the thrill of being in the car,” Stark said of why he enjoys racing. “I like the people; for the most part everyone gets along and is willing to help each other. The work that comes with the car is sometimes not the most fun, but I honestly don’t mind that either, just being out in the shop. The racing community is a pretty good group of people.”

Driver profile

Todd Stark

Wissota Midwest Modified #33

Age: 51

Residence: Watertown, S.D.

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