Paul Nienhiser just missed grabbing his first career win at Badlands Motor Speedway in just his second ever start there this weekend after leading 10 of the 25 feature laps.
It all started with a decent qualifying lap, Paul was not satisfied with his run but still times 11th quick out of the 32 car field. After the heat race invert he would line up front row outside in his heat. He didn't get a great start at the drop of the green flag, but would eventually battle up to the lead and win, securing a spot in the 8 car feature redraw.
Paul managed to pull the #1 pill, lining him up on the pole for the 25 lap $5,000-to-win main event. He jumped out to the early lead, recording the fastest lap of the field at 11.442 seconds and worked into lapped traffic just a couple of laps in. Around lap 10, Paul was diving to the inside to put another car a lap down when a softball-sized chunk of mud pierced through the arm guard, completely tearing it apart and slamming into his right arm. He thought for sure it was broken, but elected to finish the last 15 laps driving left handed, and thanks to a late race red flag the crew was able to secure the side panel back on the car. Paul did a great job and would cross the finish line second.
X-rays were done and there were no fractures, just severe swelling.
The team's next scheduled event will be June 11th at Badlands Motor Speedway.
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!
If you are interested in becoming a part of the team with Paul and all of PNR, contact Paul at paul@nienhiser.com or John at john.a@nienhiser.com for marketing and sponsorship opportunities.
- Paul Nienhiser on Jun 11, 2016
- Article Date: 6/6/2016