Paul Harraka, 20, has a racing resume that extends from go-karts to NASCAR K&N Pro Series cars. Harraka, who began racing at age seven, has won over 175 races in all types of cars, beginning with a World Karting Association Triple Crown, the Holley Future Star Award, 13 National Championships, and 6 World Championships in go-karts.
During his last season of karting in 2005, an invitation from H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, then 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 NASCAR Late Model Stock Car for Bill McAnally Racing. He was also named All-American Speedway’s NASCAR Late Model Rookie of the Year.
In 2008, Harraka and McAnally continued their relationship, winning the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Championship with 11 race wins. Last season, after moving into the K&N Pro Series in the No. 12 NAPA AutoCare Camry, Harraka and McAnally continued their success. Harraka won two races, including the season finale at All American Speedway, and earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Harraka, a New Jersey native who now resides in Durham, N.C., has been equally successful in the classroom. He is currently a sophomore at Duke University and will continue to travel across the country on weekends to race, just as he has for the last three years.
Career Highlights
• Competed in the NASCAR Camping World Series West; two wins and seven top fives and earned rookie of the year honors.
• Became the first member of the D4D program to win a track championship in 2008; tallied 11 wins.
• Finished the 2007 season second in the late model point standings at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. Member of the 2007 Drive for Diversity class.
• Recorded numerous WKA feature wins and championships between 1999 ‐ 2005.
• Became the youngest Triple Crown winner in WKA history with four National titles in 2000.
• Began karting in 1997; won first race ever entered at Flemington (N.J.) Speedway and won two state championships.