Andy Houston: A science teacher

Professor Houston Makes the Grade:
Team ASE/Carquest Dodge Driver Teaches 8th Grade Science Class at J. N. Fries Middle School

CONCORD, NC- (May 4, 2004) -When Gustavo Garibo, a student at J.N. Fries Middle School, wrote a letter asking for assistance with his eighth grade science class, he certainly didn't expect NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Andy Houston to show up and give a lecture on physics. But that is exactly what happened Tuesday morning when Houston showed up at the Concord, NC school and discussed the properties of momentum, velocity, speed and Newton's three laws of motion. Houston utilized examples of these physics principles as they relate to motorsports and illustrated how his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team uses these scientific principles on a daily basis.

"This was a great group of kids," said Houston, driver of the No. 2 Team ASE/CARQUEST Dodge. "They were very interested in how we use science in motorsports and how we use it to make our truck go faster. They were extremely knowledgeable about our sport and their teacher, Kelly Scott, has done a great job using racing as a motivational and teaching tool."

Mrs. Scott's class listened intently as Houston described how motorsports has developed into a highly technical enterprise dependent upon many applications of a scientific nature. The sport is certainly a far cry from where Houston started as a young teenager working for his father, NASCAR Busch Series legend Tommy Houston.

"NASCAR racing has come so far from a technological standpoint," claimed Houston, a 33 year-old native of Hickory, NC. "Today teams utilize a variety of engineers, shock specialists and highly trained technicians. That is why we continue to stress the importance of getting the best education possible. It is only going to help you no matter what you choose as a profession."

Houston made light of Newton's third law of motion which states: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Houston held up a photograph of his badly damaged and crumpled Team ASE/CARQUEST Dodge at Daytona and said, "This is what happens when you have an opposite and equal reaction."

"Andy did a great job teaching." Kelly Scott stated. "He really identified well with the students. If he ever wants to stop racing he may have a second career. It really means a lot to these kids to have someone express an interest in their future."

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