Paul Shooting For SK Glory in ’08
The well-spoken Paul is part of an emerging new “youth group” at the Bowl along with 19-year old Tyler Chadwick and 2007 Rookie of the Year Glenn Pressel III.
The Speedbowl opens the 2008 campaign on April 12-13 with the 11th annual Modified Nationals. Highlighted by the lucrative SK-150, the weekend also includes the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Late Models, Sportsman, and Mini Stocks. The NEMA Midgets, Legends, AllStar Race Trucks, Pro4 Modifieds, and Allison Legacy Cars are part of a busy agenda as well.
“Last year we placed fifth in the final standings, and it left us with a really positive outlook,” said Paul. “We struggled with handling issues after wrecking early in the season and it slowed our program a bit. Had that not been the case, I think our showing would have been better.”
Seventeenth in last year’s SK-150, Paul understands the importance of a quick start in the points war. In addition to Speedbowl regulars like 2007 150 winner Jeff Pearl, defending champion Rob Janovic, all-time SK winner Dennis Gada and Dennis Charette, 2006 winner Ron Yuhas, Frank Ruocco, Kenny Horton, Rob Summers and Doug Coby are all 150 probables.
Paul spent his “formative” years in quarter midgets before finding considerable success in the Speedbowl Legends class.
“I found it more difficult going to the SK Modifieds than I did advancing from quarter midgets to the Legends,” Paul says. “Everybody is so equal. You have to be on the top of your game all the time. There’s no slacking-off in the division, especially at
Paul was a consistent performer in both the Legends and Wild n’ Wacky Wednesday X-Modifieds, actually winning 11 overall features and the Saturday night Legends title in 2005. Paul won his first SK feature on the way to he 2006 Rookie of the Year trophy. He won again in 2007.
Paul maintains a busy schedule outside of racing. A sophomore at
“I’m very fortunate that I have such a dedicated and knowledgeable crew. If it were not for their efforts each and every week, I’d not be competing at this level,” he points out. “I never have to worry about how the car is prepared, because I know it’s going to right each time. That in itself instills a lot of confidence in a driver.“
For 2008, the team will maintain a two-car stable, again carrying Paul’s TV of Groton as their primary sponsor.
“Both cars are nearly identical which helps on the technical-side of things, and both are powered by Larry’s Auto Machine,” Paul says. “Consistency is a huge part of it, and we’re going to put a great deal of effort into being there at the end of each event. We managed to win twice last year, and with a little luck, I’m confident we can better that record.”
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