Jan Qualkenbush, owner of a major towing company and stock car racing team, is a 2026 recipient of the Citrus College Distinguished Alumni Award.
Since the late 1970s, Qualkenbush has assisted thousands of San Gabriel Valley residents through his role as owner and operator of Jan's Towing.
In addition to helping stranded motorists by providing tows, jump starts and battery replacements, Jan's Towing also assists with mountain and race recoveries.
As the owner of Jan's Racing Team, which has two cars competing in the ARCA Menards Series West, Qualkenbush also plays a significant role in giving young drivers an opportunity to chase their dreams.
Qualkenbush, who was born and raised in Glendora, has loved cars for as long as he can remember.
"It was a wonderful childhood," he said. "I was like the 'American Graffiti' child of Glendora."
After graduating from Glendora High School in 1976, Qualkenbush decided to attend Citrus College and study automotive technology.
"Citrus College was in my neighborhood," he said. "Everybody in my family went there."
Qualkenbush enjoyed taking many different courses in the automotive technology program. One of his favorite instructors was Thomas C. Cox, who would trust Qualkenbush with various tasks and projects. Beyond learning technical skills, Qualkenbush learned from Cox about the importance of being responsible and showing up on time.
While attending Citrus College, Qualkenbush worked several jobs to make ends meet.
Beyond doing auto body work, Qualkenbush began towing for himself and friends. Within a few years, the towing business grew so much that he started focusing on Jan's Towing full time.
As of 2026, Jan's Towing employs more than a dozen employees and serves as the official police tow for several San Gabriel Valley cities, including Arcadia, Azusa, Covina, Glendora and Irwindale.
Even though Qualkenbush focuses mostly on Jan's Towing, he has also found time to race cars, from dragsters to stock cars, and run his racing team.
The inspiration behind establishing Jan's Racing Team in 2024, he said, was a desire to support young drivers who might not ordinarily be able to afford to race at such a high level. In just a few years on the circuit, Qualkenbush's team has excelled, notching several wins and impressing many in the racing community.
In 2026 alone, the team has competed at the historic Daytona, Kansas and Talladega speedways.
Looking back on his career, Qualkenbush is thankful for all the support and encouragement he has received.
"I've had a fun ride," he said.
Mr. Qualkenbush's story was originally featured in the program for the 110th Citrus College commencement ceremony.