GALESBURG, Ill. (November 23) – A driver who’s been tossing dirt longer than a lot of his competitors have been alive is the winner of November’s Woody’s Hot Shot of the Month contest.

Dean McGee Sr. of Galesburg, Ill., a regular at 34 Raceway and Lee County Speedway, garnered the final monthly prize and will receive window decals and custom T-shirts.

Nine monthly winners selected since February and four picks from the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals will be pooled in an overall contest, with voting conducted through the IMCA website from Nov. 23 to Dec. 14. That winner earns a 3x5 banner and car number package from contest sponsor Woody’s Signs.

McGee, 58, started his career in 34’s super modified class in 1973.

He piloted a sprint car and a late model before moving to Florida in 1982. Finding the Boca Raton area too crowded for his taste, he returned home to the Midwest and jumped into a Modified beginning in 1985.

“I’ve always enjoyed how competitive the class is, as well as the affordability,” said McGee, who will partner with car owner Mike Horton Sr. for the 20th season in 2010. “I’ve got a lot of good help and good sponsors. We’re looking forward to next season.”

With 10 IMCA career feature wins to his credit, he was seventh in points this season at West Burlington and 12th at Donnellson this year.

Older race fans, and those with an appreciation for the history of the sport, recognize McGee’s father “Fibber” as a long-time shoe at western Illinois and eastern Iowa speedplants.

His son Dean and grandson Michael help on the crew, making for four generations of the family involved in racing on the track or in the pits.

McGee’s crew also includes his wife Pam, Mike Horton Sr., Mike Horton Jr., Jeff Horton, Bob Horton, Dick Walsh and Charles Rosenberg.

His sponsors are Rheinschmidts Carpet Center, Lacky & Sons Monuments and Glass Specialty, all of Galesburg; Gustaf Engines & Machine of Moline; Tiffany’s On Main of Maquon; Aftershock Race Decals of Fairbury; Allen Auto motive of East Peoria; Nelson Auto Salvage of Victoria; Shirts4Dirt.com of Mendota; Roberts Tire Center of Burlington, Iowa; Bob Harris and Race Tech Info of Roland, Iowa; Chris Damitz Photography of Bettendorf, Iowa; Walters Web Design of St. Louis, Mo.; and GRT Race Cars of Greenbriar, Ark.