By Ben Deatherage
VINTON, Iowa (Feb. 17, 2026) — Long before she became one of the most influential executives in grassroots motorsports, Kathy Root was answering phones, selling advertising, and laying out pages for a fledgling racing publication. Nearly five decades later, her lifelong commitment to affordable dirt track racing was recognized on one of the sport’s biggest industry stages.
Root, of Vinton, Iowa, was announced as the fourth annual recipient of the Jody Deery Award during the RPM Promoters Workshop held February 10 in Daytona, Florida. The honor, named in memory of the late promoter Jody Deery, has quickly become one of the most prestigious recognitions presented within the short-track industry.
Her journey in motorsports leadership traces back to the formation of CarPac (Consolidated American Race Promoters of Automobile Competition) Inc., founded by Keith Knaack in 1967. Built on Knaack’s passion for auto racing, the organization launched Hawkeye Racing News in January of that same year, planting the seeds for what would eventually become a national sanctioning powerhouse.
In 1976, Knaack and two partners purchased the bankrupt International Motor Contest Association. That September, Root joined the staff as the company’s first full-time employee — a role that would evolve far beyond its original scope.
Over the years, she handled nearly every responsibility imaginable. From answering phones and selling ads to page layout, promotion, and industry outreach, Root helped shape the IMCA brand during its formative growth years. The sanction introduced the IMCA Modified division in 1979, and through the 1980s it expanded into the largest class of circle track race car in the United States.
Root was named President of IMCA in 1990, further cementing her leadership role within the organization. Following Knaack’s passing in June of 1992, she continued guiding the company forward before purchasing IMCA outright from the Knaack family on March 1, 1996.
Under her ownership, IMCA experienced transformative growth. Membership expanded from approximately 3,500 to more than 8,000 drivers, while sanctioning grew to nine divisions competing at racetracks across 40 states and one Canadian province. Her steady focus on cost containment and racer accessibility played a critical role in IMCA becoming the largest dirt track sanctioning body in the United States.
Root’s influence extended beyond sanctioning. In 2001, the Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s and Boone Speedway were recognized as “Short Track Event of the Year” at the RPM Workshops. She later became co-owner of Boone Speedway in 2008, strengthening her ties to one of the sport’s most storied venues.
After nearly four decades helping shape IMCA’s direction — including 20 years as owner — Root officially retired from daily operations on March 25, 2015, when she sold the company to her son, Brett Root.
Her decades of service did not go unnoticed. In 2016, RPM Workshops honored her with an Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing more than 40 years of contributions to the racing industry.
Born in Mt. Auburn, Iowa, in 1943, Root built her career alongside her family. She and her husband, Carlton, have been married for 63 years. Together they raised three children — Debbie Madorin, Brett Root, and Jodi Root — all of whom have shared in the family’s deep racing legacy.
From her start as Keith Knaack’s first full-time employee to her ultimate ownership and expansion of the organization, Root’s career has been defined by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to grassroots racers.