10 to Go with Tommy Barrett Jr.

This week’s 10 to Go is with the 19-year-old rookie driver of the No. 22 on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Tommy Barrett Jr.

When did you get started in racing?

Tommy Barrett Jr: When I was five years old in quarter-midgets at Little T at Thompson.

How many types of cars have you raced?

Barrett: I’ve done go-karts, quarter-midgets, late models, SKs, Allison Legacies and tour modifieds, so about six.

Which car is your favorite?

Barrett: Tour modifieds, definitely. A lot of tire. A lot of power. Plus they’re fun to drive.

What track do you want to race at the most that you haven’t gotten to yet?

Barrett: Bristol, definitely! I’m excited to go to Bristol. It’s a half-mile, but it’s real banked and it’s real fast. Almost all of them guys love it. It’s on TV. So I can’t wait to go there.

Do you have any superstitions or routines that you do each week? Or any lucky charms?

Barrett: I wear my pit band on my right arm every week no matter what and I don’t know why. I just do.

What’s your favorite racing moment?

Barrett: Probably my first Modified Racing Series win. It came at Stafford. That’s where I got my first SK Light win, Whelen Modified Tour pole, so probably that.

What’s your most embarrassing moment?

Barrett: Last year in an open practice the week before the season opener at Waterford, I balled it up in the fence by myself. Destroyed the rear clip. So that’s pretty embarrassing.

Ever suffer any injuries racing?

Barrett: Yeah, when I was little. I think I sprained both my ankles or whatever but not anything recently.

Do you have a nickname? If so, how did you earn that nickname?

Barrett: I know Ben Dodge calls me The Real Deal. I mean that’s the only nickname I’ve ever heard him call me and I don’t know why. I know (Matt) Buckler is trying to think of one for me, but I don’t think I have one that’s stuck really yet.

What is your ultimate goal in racing?

Barrett: Just make it to the top. That’s what we are aiming for. That’s what we want to do. Try to make a living at this. That’s where I want to be at the end of my career.

Source: Rob Blount/LongIslandJam.com