5/27/2016
Paul Nienhiser
Top 10 for Paul Nienhiser at the $100k Silver Shootout!
Paul Nienhiser made his debut with the All Star Circuit of Champions last Friday night at Lincoln Speedway in Lincoln, IL. A strong field of cars meant he would need to earn his way to the front. The night ended nearly as quickly as it started, as Paul posted the 3rd quickest time in hot laps but bent an exhaust valve in the engine at the same time.
The only racing plans for the team all weekend were in Lincoln, but the team took the car and hauler back to the shop that night, dropped a new Rider Engine in the car and set off on the 9 hour trip to Brandon, SD to compete in the $100k Silver Shootout at Badlands Motor Speedway. This was the first time the team had ever seen the track, and on this night South Dakota saw its largest field of sprint cars ever recorded in one place at one time. 47 of the fastest cars in the midwest were on hand to do battle. Paul went out and laid down a very solid qualifying lap, timing in fourth quickest amongst this stout field. That put him starting outside the second row in his heat race, and he moved into third and was passing for second across the finish line, ultimately finishing third. Paul just missed the top 8 car redraw, being the 9th highest car in points going into the feature, so he would start inside the fifth row.
Unfortunately, the team experienced an overheating and fueling issue in the engine during the feature, but after being as high as 7th, Paul would hang on for a 10th place finish at Badlands' inaugural event.
Next on the slate for PNR will be Saturday May 28th at Federated Auto Parts Raceway in Pevely, MO and Sunday May 29th at Quincy Raceways in Quincy, IL both with the MOWA series.
A big thank you goes out to the pit crew helping week in and week out: John Nienhiser, Roger Staake, Ralph Willhite, Drake Willhite, Greg Ford, Craig Grimsley, and Bob Hawks.
Paul and the entire team would like to thank the following partners and friends for their continued support in 2015: Cam2 Blue Blood Racing Motor Oil, Mason Sound, Fierce Herbicide, Wessler Bros. Agency, Bradshaw Custom Pumping, Byers International, Engler Machine & Tool, Factory Kahne Indy, Bob Hawks Autobody, Rider Racing Engines, Kaeding Performance, Steve Thomas Racing, and Butlerbuilt seats!
Submitted By: Paul Nienhiser
