14 Year Old Takes IMCA Championship from His Dad

Engines have been part of the Howard genetics for generations. They build them, modify them and ultimately race with them. It started with motor cycles.Twenty five years ago, Harvey Howard was building his name into a legend as he raced the desert on his Honda YZ80. 

By the early 1990s, Harvey's love for racing was still alive and he began racing stock cars. Eventually, he purchased Desert Thunder Raceway in Price, Utah and shares his passion for racing with other drivers.

Then, in 2009, Harvey stepped up his game. He crossed finish line after finish line. He appeared on the cover of two high profile racing magazines, Speedway Illustrated (Dec. 2009) and Dirt Modified (March 2010). He completed 77 races. Harvey placed first in three races, in the top five of 23 races and in the Top Ten, 40 times.

Harvey Howard won the 2009 IMCA Utah State Championship. 

At first glance this is an impressive title. The man who won it, Harvey Howard, is paralyzed. On June 2, 1985, while racing motocross at his hometown track in Price, Utah, Harvey's Honda motorcycle's engine seized. Harvey went up and over the handlebars, landing face down on the track. His bike followed, pile driving his spinal cord. Five weeks prior he had just turned 17, his world was in his hand with a sponsorship with Malcolm Smith Racing ready to sign.

After winning the title of 2009 IMCA Utah State Champion, Harvey Howard retired from the sport he loved. It was a selfless act. His son, Wyatt, wanted to race.

Through late winter and early spring, the father and son built a car together. Wyatt would race with the same number as his dad, #72.

Together, father and son traveled to 37 races between five states (Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and Colorado). There were fender benders, black flags and exhaustion. At every track, Wyatt and his car, #72w promoted safe driving and promoted Zero Fatalities. He apologized to drivers he bumped and congratulated those who placed before him. 

It would take until September 14, 2010 before Wyatt would experience the thrill of a first place win (Vernal, Utah).

Wyatt Howard is fourteen. He's too young to have a driver's license. This didn't stop him from earning nine Top Five Finishes and fourteen Top Ten Finishes. He took home Rookie of the Year from both Diamond Mountain Speedway and  Desert Thunder Raceway. 

Wyatt is young and he's fast. He is also taking the title, IMCA Utah State Championship from his Dad, Harvey. Wyatt Howard is the 2010 IMCA Utah State Champion. He is the youngest driver to hold this title...ever.