TORONTO – For 30 years Tom Howatt has been working on Indy cars, and for nearly as long has been making an annual visit home for “the Indy.”

Howatt, crew chief for the No. 14 ABC Supply Honda driven by Takuma Sato, grew up in Mississauga, Ontario – 14 miles northwest of the Exhibition Place circuit. Visiting with friends and family even for a few minutes during the busy Honda Indy Toronto weekend is a highlight.

“It’s always fun to come home, though as busy as we are you get to see friends and family for a short time,” he said. “It’s interesting growing up with the Indy cars and it’s still a staple here.

“It’s a really good race for the city and it’s a good race for (the race teams). Ever since we came here (1986) it’s been a good event, the racing is good, people love it.”

Howatt joined the Canadian Tire Team with driver Jacques Villeneuve for the 1985 Indy car season and counts among his fondest memories a victory that season in the Provimi Veal 200 at Road America. Villeneuve, who started fourth in the No. 76 March/Cosworth, led the final 14 laps and held off Michael Andretti on the final lap.

Howatt’s also worked with teams led by Pat Patrick and Vince Granatelli, with Truesports, Panther Racing and Rocketsports. He’s been with AJ Foyt Racing since 2008. The biggest changes over the years have been technology and construction materials, which have led to safety improvements and quicker lap times.

“It’s not a radical change but enough to make it different,” he said. “The times are quicker because the equipment is better, the drivers are a little faster, the shocks are different and the cars are different enough to make a difference.”

What hasn’t changed over the years is his daily approach to optimize the car on the Verizon IndyCar Series’ diverse set of racetracks and friendships developed with equally diverse individuals.

“If it wasn’t fun I wouldn’t be doing it,” Howatt said. “It’s the people. The racing is great, the cities are fun but it’s the people that make this thing up.”