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John " Torch " Osterhouse, a name known all across Southwest Michigan.  Osterhouse has been racing for some thirty plus years.  " I started racing when I was sixteen...I drove a Rambler ", said Torch.  " My cousins helped me out, they gav me my first car to drive.  After that, I built my own rides ", added Torch.

Although he has had cars of his own, Torch has been driving for car owner Bob Garrett the past three years.  Torch has raced at Galesburg Speedway, Kalamazoo Speedway, New Paris, Angola, Lansing, and everywhere in Ohio, and Indiana.

" There's a lot of people I look up to in racing.  Ive raced with some of the best; Larry Knowlton, Randy Sweet, Dick Bissett, Marty Crawford Sr.,  and Andy Bozzell ", said Torch.  Osterhouse even recalls running against Dale Earnhardt Sr. in Lansing Michigan, in the early 80's.  It was one of the biggest races he'd ever run, a chance to run with someone he looked up to.  Earnhardt was Osterhouse's favorite driver, he respected him.  Torch also respects other racers.  " There's a lot of good guys out there, you have to respect them all.  I really respect Andy Bozzell highly ", said Torch.

Torch admits that one of his favorite moments was winning the Pat Beebe Memorial, the original race, when Pat was still alive.  " Beating Andy, that was tough, it always is.  He always races me clean when we run each other ", said Torch.

Torch also recalls running a three day show at Galesburg, on channel three.  Both nights brought home $3500.

Osterhouse also knows the downside of racing.  In 2003, Osterhouse was involved in a nasty wreck that would end up breaking his leg.  The local tracks however, took up a collection to help out with the medical bills.

" The money helped out a lot.  It really shows how the racing family comes together for one another, people who you don't even know, coming through to help you ", said Osterhouse.  He went on to say, " A lot of people didn't know that my leg was infected for nearly two years.  I was in and out of the hospital for two years after the accident ".

With all of the bad behind him, Torch is back in the saddle and again running strong for Bob Garrett.  " Ive been having a real good time with it, still having fun, still respecting all the other guys.  We can still be competitive ", said Torch.  " When we cant be competitive no longer, that's when I will stop running ", he added.

Torch has over 75 A Feature wins in the Late Models, with three Track Championships under his belt ( Springport in '97, and two at Galesburg, '98, and '00 ).  " I have really done well over the years, I cant complain ", said Torch.  He went on to say, " I will be racing for Bobby ( Garrett ) as long as he'll let me ".

Osterhouse says he enjoys running at Galesburg Speedway, " Its tight, close competition.  This is short track racing at its finest.  Its my home track, I love it here ".

Home track indeed, Torch's farmhouse is located right next door to the track.  " It was in my back yard, I couldn't get away from it ", jokes Osterhouse.

You can come out to th Galesburg Speedway every Saturday night and see this Late Model legend, as he continues to add to his Hall of Fame cridentials.  Come see a true Maverick driver, who is still at the top of his sport.