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For our October 2025 Gauge Girl, we’re bringing you someone who’s more than just a pretty face in front of the camera. Meet Jonnette McGowen—a 36-year-old vehicle wrapper from Indianapolis who’s just as comfortable with a roll of vinyl in her hands as she is posing with a custom ride.
With her red hair, blue eyes, tattoos, and piercings galore, Jonnette’s got a look that’s all her own. But what really stands out is how much she cares about the car community. This shoot wasn’t just about modeling for her—it was about being part of a build she actually helped bring to life with the crew at RPM Performance.
Not a Model… and That’s the Point
Jonnette will be the first to tell you—she’s not a professional model. She’s a hard-working business owner who spends her days wrapping vehicles and helping people bring their dream designs to reality. But when she was asked to step in front of the camera for this build, she didn’t hesitate.
“Getting to model with a car I actually helped design and wrap? That was an honor,” she says. “It wasn’t about me—it was about tying us all in together.”
That authenticity is what makes her shoot stand out. She’s not pretending. She’s just being herself, and it works.
Car Shows and Community
Ask Jonnette where you’ll usually find her, and the answer’s easy: at car shows. She loves the vibe, especially at classic shows where every ride comes with a story. Her must-attend event every year? The James Dean Run every September.
“For me, the best part of shows is the people and the history,” she explains. “I love seeing what these cars mean to their owners.”
When she’s not at shows or working, she’s all about family life. Chasing after her kids, hanging with close friends, and enjoying downtime whenever she gets the chance.
Tattoos, Rock, and Foodie Life
If you spot Jonnette at a show, you’ll notice her tattoos and piercings right away—she’s covered in ink and still adding more. It’s part of her story, and she wears it proudly.
Music? Depends on the mood, but her playlists are heavy on ’80s through 2000s rock. Food? She’s not picky. “All of them,” she laughs. “I’m a huge foodie.”
Dream Rides and Rev Limits
When it comes to her dream garage, Jonnette keeps it classic: a black-on-black ’67 GT 500. “I know, I know, I’ll get the eyerolls,” she says. “But I don’t care—it’s timeless.”
So what gets her motor going? Easy: the smell of race fuel, the sound of a built muscle car, and maybe a quiet night next to a fire. What makes her hit the brakes? “Lack of common sense, morality, and drive.”
Love, Lessons, and Life Goals
Married and happy, Jonnette says she’s already found everything she could ever ask for in a partner. Her idea of a perfect date? Simple—good food, good conversation, and thoughtful gestures. “Little things mean the most to me,” she says.
Her best advice? Stand your ground, keep your independence, and don’t let outside noise drown you out.
Looking ahead, she plans to keep growing her wrapping business, stay active in the Indy car scene, and watch her kids grow. In ten years, she sees herself traveling, hitting shows, and enjoying the next chapter of life.
Why We Love Jonnette
What makes Jonnette such a perfect Gauge Girl is her authenticity. She’s not out here chasing a modeling career—she’s living her passion, raising her kids, and putting her stamp on the car culture she loves. Whether it’s wrapping cars, showing up at events like Slamology, or just hanging with her family, she’s always giving her all.
We’re proud to have her as our October 2025 Gauge Girl—and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.
Photos by: John Mumaw
