KHI Crew Member Spotlight:

Andy Houston Joins KHI as Eye in the Sky for driver Jack Sprague

Former NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Andy Houston joined Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) in late 2007 as the spotter for the No. 2 Chevrolet driven by three-time Truck Series champion Jack Sprague.  Houston has a long history in racing which began in 1988 at his hometown track Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Houston competed for seven seasons in both the street stock and late model divisions recording numerous wins and one late model track championship.

Finding much success at the local level Houston then moved on to the newly formed Goody’s Dash Series in 1996.  Running equipment that was outdated Houston made the most of his opportunity and he was voted fan favorite at season’s end.  Upon completion of his first year in the Goody’s Dash Series Houston’s competitiveness and drive caught the attention of NASCAR Truck Series owner Mike Addington.

The following season Addington offered Houston the opportunity of a lifetime--to move out of the local racing ranks into full-time NASCAR competition.  Driving a full Truck Series schedule for the 1998 season. Houston found success right out of the gate scoring one win, six top-five and nine top-10 finishes.

“The best years that I’ve had in my entire racing career were while I was involved with the Truck Series,” recalled Houston.  “It has always been really competitive and fun. I found all of my success there.  I’m proud to say that I was a part of it during its developmental stage while it was growing.  I feel like I played a small part in where it is today.”  

Houston continued to find success in the Truck Series through the next two seasons that he competed for Addington Racing. Houston had his most dominating season in 2000 as he recorded two wins, 13 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes. 

By the end of 2000 Houston had the desire to try his hand at NASCAR’s top series.  Well-known Cup Series car owner Cal Wells offered Houston the chance to drive his No. 96 McDonalds sponsored Ford.  Houston competed in five Sprint Cup Series events in 2000 and went on to make 17 Sprint Cup Series starts the following season scoring his best finish of 17th at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in 2001. “I really realized after my rookie year in the Sprint Cup Series that I was not having any fun, said Houston. “The Cup Series is just so intense. There is so much pressure from your owner, sponsor, your peers and yourself.”

After loosing his NASCAR Sprint Cup ride in late 2001, Houston went back to the Truck Series, the division he had found most of his success.  However, finding few competitive opportunities Houston only competed in three more Truck Series seasons ending his driving career with four poles, three wins, 27 top-five and 51 top-10 finishes. Making the difficult decision in 2005 to leave the driver’s seat for good, Houston was approached by PPC Racing to become spotter for newcomer Michele Jourdan. 

Houston had now found a new role in the world of NASCAR, becoming an eye in the sky for drivers Michele Jourdan, John Andretti and Kraig Kinser. Houston felt the transition to spotter was a natural one.  “When I’m up in the spotter’s stand there are a lot of guys just like me up there; David Green, Tim Fedewa and Rick Carelli, just to name a few,” said Houston.  “I think that by being former drivers, we know what is going through the guys’ minds sitting in the seat. You also have the distinct advantage knowing when to speak and knowing when to shut up.”

Houston joined KHI in late November 2007, accepting the challenge of becoming the spotter for the No. 2 American Commercial Lines/RVs.com Chevrolet driven by veteran Truck Series driver Jack Sprague.  “Racing is really a mental game, said Houston when asked about his new role for the No. 2 team.  “I feel like as a spotter it is our job to tell what needs to be told, but keep some essentials to ourselves.  I think that my experience and Jack’s will overlap and create a good combination.  We should be traveling to victory lane a few times this year.”

Houston currently resides in his hometown of Hickory, N.C. with wife Lori and two boys Collin, 10 and Clark, 6.