Morgan McDonough Returns as King of the Hill Champion

At the conclusion of the 2024 racing season, Morgan McDonough found himself in familiar territory.  Much like his 2023 racing venture, the young driver out of Lonsdale MN earned the ‘crown’ in the King of the Hill category.

With a couple of seasons under his belt, McDonough has enjoyed much success on the quarter mile. A well rounded driver who regularly competes in multiple categories found himself one round out of the lead going into the final event.  When incoming points leader Darren Anderson bowed out in round one, McDonough turned on the most important win light of the season to leap into first place.  He ended the season with one win across 21 round victories.  While McDonough enjoys the win lights, he finds value in all parts of being at the track. “Without a doubt the culture of being at the track is amazing,” he said, “Even though we’re competing on the track, the culture of comradery is phenomenal amongst everyone the rest of the time.  Everyone is so quick to help and support you when something happens, and makes it feel like one big family.”

“If I had to narrow down the season to one moment, it’s winning in the Pro ET category during the NHRA Wisconsin State Championship event.  Not only was it my first time winning in Pro ET, but it was a lot of work getting there! The truck was having a lot of issues, and my entire family was hauling butt to make sure I made it up to the lanes in time.  At one point we borrowed Lindberg’s stacker trailer to get a look under the truck, and it was amazing to see how many other racers came by to lend a hand or offer help.  I can’t even describe the gratitude and feelings I had looking back at it.”

Outside of turning on win lights at the track, McDonough is currently attending the University of Minnesota to study Mathematics.  In addition to that, he competes on the baseball team as well.  In all his OTHER spare time, you could find young Morgan taking part in music groups to study the history and different styles of the arts. 

When we asked Morgan about his dream competition category, he also claimed the NHRA Pro Stock competition as where he’d like to see himself. “Watching those drivers row through the gears while going down track, and seeing how competitive the category is, makes me all the more excited to hopefully get into one some day!” We’ll keep our fingers crossed for ya Morgan!!  

Morgan was quick to thank a lot of the people that help him get to the track every weekend.  He first thanked Grandma’s Kitchen (if you don’t know the story, you should ask him!), his amazing parents, sister, and grandparents; who are all as dedicated to drag racing as he is.  He also thanked everyone throughout the season that lent a hand, an idea, or an ear, for helping make his continued racing venture as enjoyable as it has been so far.  

Congratulations to your 2024 Rock Falls Raceway King of the Hill Champion, Morgan McDonough!