We at InsideDirtRacing.com recognize the contributions made to the sport of dirt racing by those who race in the support classes each week at our local tracks. Their work, dedication and sacrifice are just as great as those who compete in the Late Model divisions. As a result, we hope to shine a spotlight on one of those unsung heroes each week of this season by having them answer eight questions as well as provide other information.
Tony Horton celebrates this past Saturday night with son Jordon after both won features in Tazewell.
Tony Horton loves racing, and he enjoys being involved in the sport he loves with his sons. The 52 year-old Sneedville resident races primarily in the Modified Street class at the Tazewell Speedway. And the proprietor of the Greasy Rock Auto Shop plans to continue racing in that class for the time being.
“I about too old to change now,” Horton said. “I might drive a Late Model for a friend of mine once in a while but I’ll mostly run the Modified Streets.”
As far as racing with sons Jordon and Jody goes, Horton declared, “When I’m racing with them, I don’t think about it so much. But when I’m just down there watching, I get more nervous than when I’m racing myself.”
1. How long have you been in racing?
“I’ve been in racing since the mid 90’s. We started dirt racing in the 90’s. I used to drag race some before that, nothing too serious. Tazewell went out of business for a few years but when they started back up we went to dirt trackin’. We started out in the Pure Street division. I was the track champion a couple of times in that and I’ve been the track champ a couple of times in Modified Street.”
2. Why the Modified Street class?
“Everybody wants to go big, but you’ve got to stay within your economic boundaries. And the Modified Street class is actually their most popular class there. It’s a well known class and we’ve always enjoyed it.”
3. The best thing about being a race car driver is____.
“I’m living a childhood dream. When I was growing up I had a cousin who raced against Dale Earnhardt so I was drawn to it as a small child. I’ve been going to races pretty much all my life. I actually took my cousin’s number, that where the 56 came from.”
4. Your best moment in racing came when ____.
“I’d say racing with my boys. I have two sons who race so my most memorable times come from racing with them. It’s a family thing. It keeps us close together.”
5. My biggest dream in racing would be _____.
“I’m getting about too old to dream much, but I guess my biggest dream now would be to see my sons succeed.”
6. What other racer do you admire?
“I’m a big Tony Stewart fan. I like him because he’s so versatile. He can drive about anything you put him in.”
7. What’s your favorite thing to do away from the track?
“Spend time with my grandkids.”
8. If I wasn’t racing I would be ____.
“I’d be helping somebody race. Me and my wife have talked about when I’d retire from racing and she said, ‘You’ll never retire as long as you have sons and grandsons.’ I’ll always be around it. It’s what I love.”
Tony Horton
