10/14/2025
Donald McIntosh
McIntosh Shatters Dixie Speedway Record, Wins $10,053 Southern Nationals Feature with Buick
WOODSTOCK, Ga. — In a night that will be remembered in Georgia dirt track history, Donald McIntosh delivered one of the most dramatic performances of his career at Dixie Speedway, breaking the track record in qualifying and then holding off adversity in the 53-lap, $10,053 Southern Nationals / Southern All Star “Dixie Shootout” feature to take the win.
Record-setting run, built by father and son.
During FK Rod Ends qualifying, McIntosh laid down a lap of 13.397 seconds, a blistering time that reset the mark at the 3/8-mile clay oval, besting the previous benchmark. What makes the feat all the more compelling is that the engine under the hood was no off-the-shelf powerhouse — it was a Buick engine built by David McIntosh, Donald's father, as well as Donald himself. He remarked afterward, “This engine dad and I built, it’s a Buick … so to get a track record here (in qualifying) with a Buick, I think that’s really cool.” That added a narrative of homegrown horsepower and mechanical pride to what would become an unforgettable night.
The 53-lap feature: flag-to-flag, with drama
McIntosh’s mastery extended beyond the time trials. In the feature, he took command early and led all 53 laps to claim the victory.
However, it was not without friction. On lap 37, McIntosh and fellow Georgian Garrett Smith tangled. McIntosh came off the cushion exiting turn two and clipped Smith, sending Smith spinning into the inside wall on the backstretch. The contact drew ire from Smith, who later flung his steering wheel in frustration.
Still, McIntosh held firm. He said in postrace remarks, “I was just trying too hard… got a little over my head and then over the cushion,” apologizing for the on-track contact.
Payton Stevenson, pushing hard, crossed the line about 1.738 seconds behind McIntosh to secure his first-ever podium finish in just his fourth Super Late Model start. Tyler Millwood completed the top three.
The victory was all the more meaningful in McIntosh’s home state, topping off a night where everything seemed to align. "It was just the confidence boost needed too as we head into the final Lucas Oil Late Model Series race at Eldora this coming week".
Coming up for the 79 team will be the final Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race at Eldora Speedway for the Dirt Track World Championship Oct. 17th-18th.
Submitted By: Shelby Cooper