Tracking the Short Tracks: Outlaw Modified Competitor Tom Houghton

With 35 years of racing experience and a pair of championships, Tom Houghton is always a driver to watch when he is on the race track. Houghton has proved that with hte Outlaw Modifieds as he’s always fast, scoring a fifth place finish in the opening race of the season.

Check out his answers to the 15 questions as we cap off “Outlaw Modified” week……….

1. How’d you get started in racing?

My dad was a passionate race fan, a designer, builder, tuner, tech inspector, crew chief and finally an owner.  His growth and desire spurred me on in early years so that I formed and promoted Bicycle Races.  From there l learned to drift in my soap box derby car and the family racing had bit me too.

2. First racing memory

My brother Vern put me into a Ford Cortina Mini Stock in 1978 to see how I could do.  Won 3 Track Championships in 2 years driving that car.

3. If you could be sponsored by any beverage, which would you want to be sponsored by?

Brick Brewery – Home of Waterloo Brewery – Ontario’s Original Craft Beer 

4. Story behind your car number

3 is my lucky number and Thomas means twin – so #33

5. If you have a nickname, what is it and why? If not, what do you think should be a good nickname?

Terrible Tom – I believe the most memorable driving performances are done in anger.

6. If you could race against any NASCAR driver, who and why?

Fireball Roberts – I would love to test my skill against a driver I feel to be one of the best in oval track racing.

7. What’s your life like outside of racing? Hobbies?

I have a fine Art diploma from Fanshaw College and enjoy painting and video.  I enjoy tuning and restoring cars like the Porsche I owned.  I worked at Jaguar on fine high performance cars and now enjoy being part of the Outlaw family working on the modifieds.

8. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

Tiger because they’re GGrrreatttt 

9. Favourite pizza topping

Spinach, dark green leafy vegetables supply the blood with iron.

10. Dream vacation spot

Laguna Seca California – one of my favourite racing facilities.

11. If you were stuck on an island, what would you have to have?

Kelly, my woman and my crew chief

12. Favourite book

Best Damn Garage in Town by Smokey Yunick

13. Favourite movie

LeMans – Steve McQueen was a great racer, actor and movie maker

14. Favourite piece of technology

Variable Intake Geometry – like on the Ford Taurus SHO

15. Sponsors/people you’d like to thank