Paul Lewis (racing driver)

Paul Lewis (born September 28, 1932) is a retired NASCAR Grand National Series race car driver whose career spanned from 1960 to 1968^[1] while primarily driving a #2 Dodge vehicle owned by Bobby Allison.^[2]

Career

Driver

Lewis made his debut into top-level professional stock car racing in 1960 at the age of 27. He originally drove in Chevrolet vehicles but eventually diversified to other manufacturers.^[3] One of the Lewis' major racing accomplishments was to lead 71 laps out of a grand total distance of 24,090 laps as a professional stock car driver; the equivalent of 19,356.3 miles or 31,150.9 kilometres of constant highway driving.^[1] Lewis has started an average of 19th and finished an average of 17th with one DNQ at the 1962 Southeastern 500.^[1]

The worst season for this driver was the 1964 NASCAR Grand National season where he finished in 142nd place for championship points.^[1] All of the laps that Lewis had led were in the 1966 and 1967 NASCAR Cup Series seasons.^[1] This driver started his career at the age of 27 and ended it at 35 years of age; a latecomer compared today's to NASCAR drivers who generally start their career at the top level between the ages of 18 and 21.^[1]

Lewis has managed to earn a grand total of $52,867 from all the racing events that he participated in ($360,355.64 when adjusted for inflation).^[1] Dirt tracks helped to contribute to Lewis' best career finishes; with him finishing an average of tenth place. His shortcoming would be restrictor plate tracks; where Lewis would finish a mediocre 30th place on average.^[4] The only pole position start for Lewis came at a 1965 untitled race at Harris Speedway in Harris, North Carolina.^[5]

Owner

Lewis also managed to own a NASCAR team during his career; his ownership career spanned from 1962 to 1968. His primary drivers were himself, Buddy Arrington and Tiny Lund. Total earnings as a NASCAR owner for Lewis was $29,060 ($198,080.75 when adjusted for inflation).^[6]

Post-NASCAR career

Lewis still offers advice to stock car racers who live in the vicinity of Johnson City, Tennessee.^[7]

References