By Ben Deatherage
WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (Feb. 26, 2026) — Mitchell Machine reaches a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 20 years as an official sponsor of IMCA Racing while continuing to supply dependable drivetrain components to racers across the country and beyond.
Founded and operated by Ted Mitchell, the Webster City, Iowa-based company was born from hands-on necessity rather than business ambition. Mitchell’s journey into transmission manufacturing began in 1996 when his brother Jim entered the racing scene.
“My brother Jim started racing in ’96 and I made his transmission for him,” Mitchell recalled. “It worked really good and other drivers noticed a difference in his car. They started asking what he was running and he told them, ‘I don’t know — my brother makes it.’ That’s how it all got started.”
Early production centered around two-speed transmissions, but durability challenges — particularly cracked cases — pushed Mitchell to innovate. Around 2002, he began developing aluminum replacement cases, creating patterns based on the Saginaw stock three-speed transmission widely used in Stock Car competition at the time.
“I decided to make an aluminum case and built a replacement off the Saginaw design,” he said. “Back then most Stock Car drivers ran those transmissions, and some still do today with really good results.”
The aftermarket aluminum case eventually caught IMCA’s attention. After submitting a unit for review, approval soon followed.
“IMCA heard about the case and I sent one to Brett Root,” Mitchell said. “He looked it over and said it should be legal for the Stock Car class. I became a sponsor in 2006 and have been with them ever since.”
Since that approval, Mitchell estimates hundreds of Sunoco IMCA Stock Car transmissions have entered the market, alongside extensive production for Sunoco IMCA Hobby Stock, Karl Kustoms IMCA Northern SportMod, and Smiley’s Racing Products IMCA Southern SportMods racers — now the primary focus of the business.
“I build a high-quality, dependable, cost-effective product,” he said. “Some guys have run my transmissions 15 years with no maintenance other than changing the oil.”
While Mitchell did spend a season behind the wheel in the Hobby Stock division, racing ultimately took a back seat to family and business responsibilities.
“I raced one year, but I had a little kid at home and it was tough balancing everything,” he said. “I stepped away and focused on building quality parts for racers.”
Mitchell Machine products have since powered numerous high-profile competitors to National success, including standouts such as Matt Looft, Doug Smith, Brayton Carter, and Mike Smith, while maintaining a strong customer base throughout Central Iowa and across the United States.
“I’ve got transmissions all over the country — even Australia — so it’s pretty cool to see where they end up,” Mitchell said.
Despite that reach, Mitchell remains grounded in the philosophy that launched the business.
“I’m a small-time outfit building a high-quality piece racers can use for five or six years,” he said. “That makes the cost pretty effective. I want to thank all my customers — I appreciate the support and confidence, especially the repeat business and referrals.”
Through its IMCA sponsorship program, Mitchell Machine awards product certificates to top drivers competing with Mitchell-manufactured transmissions. Top three eligible finishers in both Hobby Stock regions, and national standings for the two SportMod divisions receive certificates valued at $250, $100, and $100.
Additional support includes $50 product certificates awarded to first, fifth, 10th, and 15th-place finishers — plus the top non-qualifier — in IMCA Hobby Stock and IMCA Northern SportMod main events at the Speedway Motors IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s.
To be eligible, drivers must compete with a Mitchell transmission, submit registration to the IMCA home office, provide proof of purchase, and display Mitchell Machine logos on their race cars. Awards are presented at the IMCA National Banquet or mailed shortly thereafter.
Information on Mitchell Machine products and services is available at www.mitchell-machine.com, by phone at (515) 297-3333, by email at mitchellmachine@outlook.com, and through the company’s Facebook presence.
