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[MG Brown]

I received word from friends in NY that Tom (Pumpkin Man) Lowden, a 1/24th and HO pro racer and one of the writers of the East Coast-focused "Somebody's Got to Eat It" slot-car racing fanzine, passed away earlier in 2026.
 

 
IIRC Tom was at one time a member of Team Nutley and was working with Tony P to create a brass and wire anglewinder 'can' HO car using the TycoPro slide-guide and wiper system. Lack of motor torque and lack of brakes were two of the problems.
 
Tom's obituary:
 
"Thomas Lowden
 
Thomas U. Lowden, known affectionately as Tom to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at the age of 73. Born on October 29, 1952, in Westfield, Tom's zest for life and his warm, engaging personality touched everyone he met. While raised in Westfield, he had lived in Old Bridge for over thirty-four years.
 
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Donna (nee Errico) Lowden, who was the cornerstone of his life. His loving family also includes his sister-in-law, Debra Costanza, and her husband, Gary, of Westwood; his brother-in-law, Robert Errico, of Ocala, FL; and he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, John Anthony Errico. Tom's niece, Juliana Costanza, and her fiancé, Sam Franks, who shared his passion for Formula 1 Racing, will miss his enthusiasm and guidance. From the moment Juliana was born, she captured a special place in his heart that no one and nothing could replace. Tom was also predeceased by his beloved mother, Emma Schmidt, and is remembered by his best friend and 'brother,' Izzy, with whom he shared countless memories.
 
For twenty years, Tom dedicated his professional life to Blonder Tongue Laboratories in Old Bridge, where he excelled as a Regional Territory Sales Manager before retiring in 2019. His colleagues knew him as a man of integrity, wit, and boundless energy. He was a member of St. Thomas Church in Old Bridgeand was a true "people person," always ready to strike up a conversation and make a new friend.
 
His passion for Formula 1 Racing was unmatched, and in his younger days, Tom was an avid slot car racer, winning several trophies and awards. His love for cars extended to collecting model cars, especially those he had owned throughout his life. Tom's knowledge of all car models was impressive, and he could often be found sharing this passion with others and sharing his recommendations of the 'right' car for his family and friends.
 
A fan of James Bond movies, Tom could recite entire scripts by heart and enjoyed a Vesper cocktail, just like the iconic character. His love for cooking was another facet of his personality, always eager to try new recipes and pair them with the perfect wine. Tom's time was best enjoyed in the company of his family and friends, or while spending time at the beach, soaking up the sun and the joy of life.

Tom Lowden was a loving, friendly, and passionate man who lived his life to the fullest. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legacy of love, laughter, and the pursuit of his passions will continue to inspire those he left behind. Tom's life was a testament to the beauty of embracing every moment with enthusiasm and grace. He will be dearly missed."
 

As more information is known, I will update this thread.

[Bill from NH]

I didn't know Tom personally, but in the early and mid-'70s he came up to CT to race wing cars as part of 'Team Tony P.' along with Tony, Ernie Provetti, and Fred 'Da Flash' Strauss.