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Tommy Bawden (Cody Papke Photo)
Bawden takes on new challenge in the Super Stocks, ends season with ROY honors
By Meghan Diemel, Editor
CLEAR LAKE, MN - From multiple WISSOTA Mod Four National Championships to a national Rookie of the Year nod in the WISSOTA Super Stocks, Clear Lake, Minnesota’s Tommy Bawden is never afraid of a challenge.
The 37-year-old was also thrilled to get his first-ever WISSOTA Super Stock feature win in 2025, and then backed it up with four more feature wins throughout the season. His goal, he said, was to get one — so his expectations were not just met, but exceeded.
Bawden, one of WISSOTA’s more colorful characters in the pits and on stage at the national banquet, has been a welder for New Flyer for nearly 15 years. He’s also dad to a son and daughter — and single. He says, “Don’t be shy, ladies!”
All The Dirt! Racing News: What was your favorite racing-related memory from the 2025 season?
Tommy Bawden: I’m not sure what to say for my favorite race memory this year. That’s a hard question with always making some [memories] every week all season.
ATD: What was the low light, racing related, of the 2025 season?
Bawden: My low light for 2025 was when my throttle stuck in Brainerd and I destroyed my car. I'll never forget that one.
ATD: What is your background in racing, and who has helped your racing career along the way, whether family, friends, or other racing mentors?
Bawden: The background with racing started with my great uncle Charlie, then my dad [during] my younger years, and now me, and also my boy races, too. I’ve had a ton of help in my career from my dude Prieve, Team Cinnamon! He’s been a huge part of my success. Thank you, my dude. My dad's the one [who] has been by my side since day one. Can't thank him enough either!
ATD: From a wider perspective, what are a few of your favorite moments from your career to this point?
Bawden: From a wider perspective my favorite moments in my career would have to be knowing my kids see their dad succeed at something we have been grinding so hard at, for so long. They see if you don’t give up, it will eventually come to you.
ATD: You’ve had success in the Mod Fours prior to jumping into the Super Stock division. What made you want to make the switch, and what do you enjoy about the new class?
Bawden: I wanted to make the switch to a Super several years ago. Just wasn't in the budget. We had a lot of success and won every big race multiple times, if not three times with the Mod Four. With two [WISSOTA] National Championships it was just time to move up! I’ve wanted to race a Super since I was a little boy and my dad raced one. They look badass and sound so nice! My favorite part about the switch is obviously the power, ha ha.
ATD: What can be the hardest or most trying part of the racing season for you, and why?
Bawden: The hardest part of any race season would have to be keeping up on the maintenance! Every good front runner knows that’s what wins races. But damn, it is seriously so exhausting if you don’t have help!
ATD: What is your favorite event of the year and why?
Bawden: My favorite event would have to be either the Fall Classic or Topless, not even for the race, but just ’cause so much of my family comes out to show some love and camp for the weekend. Always a great time!
ATD: Is there a race or race track you have never raced in/at, and why do you want to race there?
Bawden: There are a lot of races I have never been to that I would like to attend.
ATD: What will be your favorite part of the offseason, as we head toward late 2025 and early 2026, for you?
Bawden: My favorite part of the offseason is probably just going ice fishing. Other than that, I usually get bored real quick when it’s not race season.
ATD: What are your racing plans for 2026?
Bawden: My plans for ’26 is to just be better than the ’25 season. And also watch my mans get after his new adventures with a wing kart.
ATD: Who are your sponsors you’d like to thank?
Bawden: I have to give a big thank you to all my sponsors. Without the help from all of them the struggles would be so much harder: Dean's Heating and Air Conditioning, WOW, Stoplight Bait and Tackle, Donovan Ent., Randt Masonry, Northern Maintenance Free Exterior, Briggs Lake General Store, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Rascal RC Speedway, GDU, Affordable Chassis, and DK Designs.