Paul Harraka

Paul Harraka, 18, has a racing resume that extends from go-karts to NASCAR Camping World Series cars. Harraka, who began racing at age seven, has won a total of 158 races in all types of cars, a World Karting Association Triple Crown, the Holley Future Star Award, 13 National Championships, and 6 World Championships in go-karts. In 2008, he will compete in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series with Bill McAnally Racing as part of the Drive for Diversity program.

During his last season of karting in 2005, an invitation from H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, President of Lowe's Motor Speedway, gave Harraka the opportunity to race a Legends car. Harraka capitalized by winning his first race at the Lowe's Motor Speedway Summer Shootout. He went on to win the Winter Heat Final.

The triumph at Lowe's Motor Speedway paved the way for Harraka, who is of Syrian descent, to participate in the Drive for Diversity program, which provides opportunities to women and minorities in racing. In 2007 Harraka finished second in the point standings at All American Speedway, as driver of the No. 16 Briggs and Stratton/Domino's Pizza NASCAR Late Model Stock Car for Bill McAnally Racing. He was also named All-American Speedway's NASCAR Late Model Rookie of the Year.

Harraka, a New Jersey native who now resides in Durham, N.C., has been equally successful in the classroom. He is currently finishing his freshman year at Duke University where he is studying Mechanical Engineering and Public Policy.