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Josh Highbaugh never believed in all the superstition behind a green race-car.  The 28 year old nicknamed " The Rooster ", is only in his second full year of racing, but has grown into a great talent on the track.  Josh runs in the Pure Stock division every Friday night at the M40 Speedway.

" I like the tight competition in the Pure Stock class, our goal is a top five finish in the points ", said Highbaugh.  This is a goal that is well in reach.  Highbaugh has already picked up his first ever feature win in the Pure Stocks earlier this season and is a regular in the top five finishing.  Josh's father, Tuck,  is a huge support in his racing as he does all the hard work and helps with the financial part of the racing.  Josh also has a brother, Chris, who was into racing .

" He ran No. 52, and I run the No. 51 ", said Highbaugh.

Josh receives help from Late Model driver, Jeff Ganus as well.

" Jeff's a good friend, we went to Constantine High School together.  He helps out with driving tips ", explained Highbaugh.

Outside of racing, Josh enjoys time with his 4 year old son Jordan, explaining, " I don't see him as much as I would like ".

One of Highbaugh's favorite moments in racing came in 2008 when running at New Paris.

" My first feature win, it was mid-season, I went three wide on the inside to win.  I waited 9 laps and made it stick ", said Highbaugh.  This was his best moment in racing until a few weeks ago when he held off some of the best drivers ( Tim Thurston, and Cindy Stremme ) M40 has to offer, to get his first ever " A " feature win.

" This was a huge confidence builder for our race team, words cant say how happy I am," said Highbaugh.

The flip side of the coin also came in the '09 racing campaign.  " My worst moment in racing came this season in week one.  There was a pile-up that I feel could have been avoided if I would have just waited a lap or two," recalls Highbaugh.

Highbaugh thinks that racing would be perfect if they could just limit the motor sizes in each class.  His advice to the young drivers just starting out, " Be patient, take one step at a time ".

Although Josh Highbaugh has only been racing for two full seasons, he says he would get out of racing if he was not competitive anymore, but his love of the sport is high.  Josh likes the M40 Speedway.

" Its has a fast outside groove, I just love it ", said Highbaugh.  During the season, Josh and his dad scale the car twice a month, and are always looking to improve on the car.  Josh explains, " you are fast one week, and the set-up has to change, the other cars out there change ".

Highbaugh plans on being competitive for years to come.  " Dad helps with the hard work, Jordan ( son ) is my motivation, and Amanda ( ex-wife ) is real supportive.  We can only continue to improve ".

Highbaugh plans to run the Frank Kimmel Street Stock race in October, down at Kentucky Speedway.  You can catch Josh every Friday night at the M40 Speedway or Saturdays at New Paris Speedway throughout the summer.  Come down and meet one of M40's young and up-coming drivers.