FANTASY NASCAR Racin

Johnson City, Tennessee's Paul Lewis, born September 28, 1932, made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Division in 1960 at the age of 27. He originally drove a Chevrolet; but also raced Ford, Dodge, and Plymouth cars. During his career, Lewis never ran a full season, and his best season points finish was 14th in 1965, after competing in just under half that year's events. He made 22 starts driving Jess Potter's #32, and #1 Chevrolets. He recorded a season's best sixth place finish at Asheville-Weaverville Speedway in North Carolina in April, logging a total of four top-10 finishes for the year. In 1961, Lewis finished seventh in the season opener at Charlotte Fairgrounds in Charlotte, North Carolina, and also in the Hickory 250 at Hickory Speedway in April, charting a total of five top-10s for the year. In 1962, Lewis made only six starts in Cup competition, his best was a 12th place finish at Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds in Spartanburg, South Carolina in May. In 1963 he made only one start. Lewis drove his own #53 Ford in the Southern 500 at Darlington, but completed only two laps, because of handling issues and finished 37th; but made $500. In 1964, he again made only one start, and it came in the Wilkes 400 at North Wilkesboro. Again, his Chevrolet had issues as it overheated on the 27th lap, and he finished 26th. This was race number 58, in a grueling 62 race season that year. In 1965, Lewis campaigned his own #27, and #1 Fords in 20 NASCAR Cup races, and drove Curtis Larimer's #56 Ford in four events. He

made a total of 24 starts; the most of any year he raced. His first five starts all resulted in top ten finishes, but a blown motor at Bristol left him in 21st place. He then had finishes of fourth at Hickory motor Speedway, and at Charlotte in the World 600. At Harris Speedway in Harris, North Carolina in May, he qualified on the pole, but finished 19th after dropping out of the event on the 16th lap. He logged three top-5, and 13 top-10s in his 24 starts. In 1966, Lewis competed in 21 NASCAR events, driving his own #1 Plymouth in 20 events, and also got to drive the

Petty Enterprizes's #42 Plymouth in the American 500 at Rockingham. He had a great run at Bristol, finishing second behind winner Dick Hutcherson. In the East Tennessee 200 at Smokey Mountain Raceway in Maryville TN, he started second, but was no match for David Pearson, as the Silver Fox drove off and left the field, winning by two laps over Buck Baker. Lewis finished third. The next race was at Asheville-Weaverville Speedway in Weaverville NC, he started fourth. Richard Petty won the pole, but again Pearson was strong. He and Petty battled the whole event with Pearson leading 124 laps and Petty 176. It was a thrilling conclusion, as at the end, Petty was able to pass Pearson, on the final lap, to get the win by five seconds. Lewis was once again third. Lewis' next start came at Bristol, where he would start eighth. Once again Petty and Pearson were strong, but Paul Goldsmith would pass Petty with five laps to go, and hold him off to get the win by three car lengths. Pearson was third and

Lewis fourth. The next week, the series traveled back to Maryville, and Lewis qualified poorly, starting 27th. Buddy Baker won the pole, but crashed out on lap 134 while leading, and finished 22nd. David Pearson assumed the lead, but only held it for two laps, before Lewis passed him, and led the final 64 laps to get his first and only win. Pearson hounded Lewis the rest of the race, and Lewis just beat Pearson by two seconds. For the season, Lewis had the one win, nine top five finishes, and 14 top ten runs that season. In 1967, Lewis made 14 starts in Cup competition

driving his own car, in the Augusta 300, as the season opened at Augusta Speedway in Georgia. Dick Hutcherson won the pole and led the first 77 laps. He blew a motor and fell out finishing 17th, completing 142 laps. From there, Richard Petty took the lead, and drove away from the field, beating second place finisher Lewis by more than three laps. He drove A.J. King's #1 Dodge in 8 events, and Emory Gilliam's #00 Dodge in four races. He could finish no better than fifth the rest of the races that season. For the year he had three top five, and eight top ten runs. In 1968, Lewis raced in just four events. He finished fifth at Montgomery Speedway in Alabama in a race won by Petty as he beat runner-up driver Bobby Allison. Lewis' final start came at Charlotte in the World 600. He started 22nd, and ran well, but was eight laps behind the leader, when the race ended after only 255 laps due to rain. Buddy Baker got the win, with Donnie Allison second. Lewis finished

13th. In 114 career starts in NASCAR Cup competition, Paul Lewis recorded one win, one pole, 14 top five, and 45 top ten finishes. Nine times he finished in the Top 3. Lewis even drove a race at Rockingham as a teammate to Richard Petty. Another big part of the Lewis legacy was starting Racers Reunion with local artist Jerry Honeycutt who hand-lettered many of the race cars back in the day. It was their goal to make sure the pioneers of the sport were remembered. Paul Lewis’s impact on NASCAR extends beyond his achievements on the track. His journey inspired a new generation of racers, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, dreams could be realized. Lewis’s story resonated with many aspiring drivers who looked up to him as a role model. Moreover, Lewis was actively involved in community outreach and charitable initiatives throughout his life. His commitment to giving back to the community showcased his character and helped raise awareness for various causes. This dedication to philanthropy further solidified his status as a respected figure within the racing community. Lewis passed away at his home on Sunday April 27, 2025, with his loving wife of 36 years by his side.

Fantasy NASCAR Racing

WILLIAM PAUL LEWIS - 9/28/1932 - 04/27/2025