Veteran NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Crew Chief, Doug Howe, will be returning to his home state on Saturday May 24 for the Ohio 250 at Mansfield (OH) Motorsports Park. Howe grew up less than 70 miles north east of the track in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. As a young boy Doug went to various tracks around Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan as a fan along with his Stepfather and Mother. But getting involved in racing as a career was somewhat of an accident. It began by volunteering to help driver Scott Baker with his cars on nights and weekends.

Howe learned and worked his way up with various teams and drivers like Scott Baker in the ICEMAN Series, Richie Rohrer in Super Late Models and Danny Doeler and Gus Wasson in the former American Speed Association (ASA). What began as a weekend hobby evolved into a tough decision to move with his wife and two young daughters from Ohio to Mooresville, North Carolina, where he pursued racing as a full time career. Howe began working for Bobby Dotter and Green Light Racing over 8-years ago. What started as an employee/owner relationship has developed into a solid working relationship and friendship with Dotter.

"Doug is one of the hardest working and most loyal people in all of racing," said Dotter. "He brings a lot to our team. We have a working relationship, but we've also become great friends. I don't think there is anyone that doesn't like Doug in the garage area."

Howe did part from Green Light Racing on a few occasions. He took a 6-month leave to help Don Arnold start a Cup Series team, which eventually became Germain - Arnold racing. He also took time off from Green Light to support Dale Earnhardt Jr's new start up Busch Series (now Nationwide) team, JR Motorsports. Although he's moved around to different teams and various projects Howe's wife of 20-years (Sheryl) says that Green Light Racing seems to be 'home' for Doug.

"He's worked for various teams, but he always seems to come back to Green Light," said Sheryl, who also works for SS Green Light Racing managing the administrative office. "I think this is a comfortable place for Doug. He and Bobby have a great deal of respect for each other and a solid friendship."

Doug's wife and his two daughters Crystal (21) and Julia (17) all describe him with one word, 'Quiet'. Doug does come across as quiet. But it's not a bad attitude it's just his humble nature and simple yet straight forward personality that gives him that title. He's a pure racer and doesn't feel too comfortable in the media limelight or having his photo taken. He doesn't need to share the spotlight with his race car drivers and his ego is non-existent. But he does like to compete and is passionate about his trade. He studies his racecars and he looks at them almost like fine art. He feels he is creating a new masterpiece each time his race truck hits the track. Doug is consistently searching for just one thing, a perfect race car. But being the perfectionist he is that seems to be a never ending search.

When Doug's not working on race cars for SS Green Light Racing, he spends time fishing and maintaining the yard and pool at his house. But still much of his limited free time away from the Craftsman Truck Series is consumed by helping friends work on their race cars for local and regional races.

Doug always looks forward to returning to his home state and one of his favorite tracks. His best memory so far at Mansfield was in 2005 when both Green Light Racing trucks finished in the top ten. He was the crew chief that day for legendary short track racer Butch Miller. Doug Howe may be a quiet crew chief, but he has a high performing talent in a very loud sport. Look for Doug Howe this coming weekend in his hometown state sitting in his most comfortable position…on top of the pit box for the #08 GunBroker.com Dodge driven by Jason White.