Rowdy Briggs: Scoring A Lifetime of Racing Passion
For Rowdy Briggs, racing isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. Growing up in the sport, Rowdy’s love for racing began long before he officially entered the industry. From his early days riding in the water truck at Mohave Valley Raceway to managing some of the biggest events in motorsports, Rowdy’s story is one of passion, dedication, and an unbreakable bond with the sport he loves.
Rowdy’s racing journey began as a kid, watching his dad and his dad’s friend, Jim Perkins, tear up the tracks. By the time Mohave Valley Raceway opened in 1993, 12-year-old Rowdy was already part of the action, working in the scoring tower and helping the announcer.
“I wasn’t allowed in the pits back then, you had to be 13. So, I spent my afternoons riding in the water truck with the promoter. It was my first taste of being part of a racetrack team, and I was hooked.”
Since then, Rowdy has worked at over 30 tracks across six states; Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. While he occasionally stepped away to try crewing and even racing himself, he always found his way back to the scoring tower, or flagstand.
Although Rowdy has been in and out of the scoring tower throughout his career, it wasn’t until 2020 that he fully embraced the role. “When COVID shut down Canyon Speedway, I came to Cocopah full-time to work with Brad Whitfield as an honorable score keeper. That’s when the ‘Dream Team’ was formed, and the fun began.”
For Rowdy, the scoring tower isn’t just a place to work, it’s where he gets to be part of the action while building relationships with drivers. “I love everything about what I do,” Rowdy says. “Driver Check-In is where I get to make friendships, and then I get to watch the show unfold from one of the best views on the track. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
His favorite event? Without hesitation: the IMCA Winter Nationals. “I look forward to it every year because I get to confirm registrations and know who’s coming before anyone else.”
Rowdy has another reason to look forward to Winter Nationals. “Brad Whitfield and I have a running joke that if we ever get 500 entries for Winter Nationals, he’s running away in January. Someday it’s going to happen, and I’ll be ready to see it!”
Like any career, Rowdy’s journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Reflecting on his time as a racer, he says, “I wish I hadn’t taken those years off to race and crew. The memories are great, but they don’t compare to the experiences I’ve had in the tower. My last race was in 2015, and after planting the car headfirst into the wall at I-76 Speedway, I think someone was telling me to stick to flagging and scoring!”
Despite those moments, Rowdy’s love for the sport remains as strong as ever. “I’d love to score the Super Nationals in Boone one day; that’s my ultimate bucket-list event. But for now, Winter Nationals will always hold a special place in my heart.”
When asked which driver he’d love to score all night, Rowdy’s answer is quick and heartfelt: his dad. “He retired in 2000, but his last race was in December 2020. He won the race, lit up the track with a burnout, won the championship, and then announced his retirement. I’d give anything to see him race again.”
As for current racers, Rowdy admires Kenny Schrader. “I love his attitude and dedication to the sport. He’s down to earth, always willing to answer questions, and his passion is contagious.”
Of course, Rowdy is quick to credit his biggest supporter: his wife, Erin. “Whether it’s watching racing on TV or being at the track, she’s always right there with me. I couldn’t do this without her.”
For those who dream of following in Rowdy’s footsteps, his advice is simple but powerful: “Don’t give up. Show interest and always ask questions. It takes a special person to do what we do, and I’m always happy to see new people step up.”
Rowdy’s journey is proof that with passion, hard work, and a deep love for the sport, anything is possible. Whether it’s behind the scenes at Driver Check-In or in the scoring tower, Rowdy Briggs is living his dream and he’s just getting started.
The excitement is building as Rowdy Briggs kicks off the 2025 racing season this January at the IMCA.TV Winter Nationals! Don’t miss your chance to catch all the action. For more information, click here.
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