By Ben Deatherage
ABILENE, Texas (Oct. 28, 2025) — At just 15 years old, Jaxon McGaha turned his rookie campaign in the Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds into a season of growth, grit, and steady progress. The second-generation racer from Abilene captured GRT Race Cars South Central Region Rookie of the Year honors, finishing third in both the South Central Region and Texas State standings — just one spot behind his father, longtime standout Josh McGaha.
“We had a lot of ups and downs this year,” McGaha said. “The beginning wasn’t too hot because I was learning — and I’m still learning — but toward the end it got a lot better.”
Behind the wheel of the All Pro Clutch and Driveline/Stephenville Starter & Electric/Dirt Defender no. 8 IRP, McGaha rolled out for 27 starts, collecting three top-five finishes, 14 top-tens, and multiple podium runs over the course of his rookie campaign.
The early months were difficult, marked by a string of DNFs at Grayson County, Heart O’ Texas, and Kennedale, including his first career rollover. But the young driver rebounded with maturity well beyond his years. A five-race stretch at Abilene Speedway from May 31 through June 28 proved to be a turning point — producing two top-fives, five straight top-tens, and building momentum for the rest of the summer.
August brought another solid run of three consecutive top-tens back at Abilene, capped by a standout runner-up finish at Southern Oklahoma Speedway on Sept. 20, where he chased veteran Jeff Taylor across the line. That result became a personal highlight for the rookie.
“Going to Ardmore for the first time and running second to Jeff Taylor was a big moment for me,” McGaha said. “Racing with my dad and making him proud was awesome, too. Another highlight was finishing fourth at the Southern Challenge at Abilene in October, right behind him.”
The season also included a milestone trip to the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, where McGaha experienced Boone Speedway for the first time.
“Super Nationals was a lot of fun and a lot of work,” he said. “It was really cool having my car there and being part of that week.”
Starting his racing career in 2021, McGaha spent one season competing in Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods before making the jump to the Modified division — a move that showcased both his adaptability and determination. Since the region’s creation in 1993, the South Central crown has been held by a Texan every year except 1993 and 2011
Feature Wins 0
Total Top Five’s 3
Total Starts 27
His Pit Crew: Jay Grimes, Jonathan Campbell, Gavin Faulks, mom Mandi
His Sponsors: All Pro Clutch and Driveline, Stephenville Starter & Electric, Dirt Defender, Jay Grimes Chassis Tuning, IRP Racecars, McGaha Fabrication, McGaha Commercial Properties, Darkhorse Shocks, Hitman Graphics, Fletcher’s Custom Engines, Abilene Race Rads, The Muffler Shoppe, Mr. Happy Paint and Body