Paul Lewis (racing driver)
American racecar driver (1932–2025)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul Lewis (September 28, 1932 – April 27, 2025) was an American NASCAR Grand National Series race car driver whose career spanned from 1960 to 1968[1] while primarily driving a No. 2 Dodge vehicle owned by Bobby Allison.[2]
Johnson City, Tennessee, U.S.
| Paul Lewis | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born | September 28, 1932 Johnson City, Tennessee, U.S. | ||||||
| Died | April 27, 2025 (aged 92) | ||||||
| Awards | 1960 NASCAR Rookie of the Year Runner-up | ||||||
| NASCAR Cup Series career | |||||||
| 114 races run over 9 years | |||||||
| Best finish | 14th (1965) | ||||||
| First race | 1960 Gwyn Staley 160 (North Wilkesboro) | ||||||
| Last race | 1968 World 600 (Charlotte) | ||||||
| First win | 1966 Smoky Mountain 200 (Smoky Mountain) | ||||||
| |||||||
Career
Driver
Lewis made his debut into top-level professional stock car racing in 1960 at the age of 27. He originally drove a Chevrolet. but also raced Ford, Dodge, and Plymouth cars.[3] During his ten-season career, Lewis made 114 Grand National starts, with one career pole in a May 1965 event at North Carolina's Harris Speedway, and scored his only career win at the 1966 Smoky Mountain 200 in Maryville, Tennessee. He led a total of 71 laps in his career as well.[4]
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.[5] He started his career at the age of 27 and ended it at 35 years of age; a latecomer compared to today's NASCAR drivers who generally start their career at the top level between the ages of 18 and 21.[1]
Lewis managed to earn a grand total of $52,867 from all the racing events that he participated in ($489,462.42 when adjusted for inflation).[1] Dirt tracks helped to contribute to Lewis' best career finishes; with him finishing in an average of tenth place. His shortcoming would be restrictor plate tracks; where Lewis would finish a mediocre 30th place on average.[6]
Owner
Like many NASCAR drivers of his time, Lewis also drove his own car during some of his career; his ownership career spanned from 1962 to 1968. In addition to himself, Buddy Arrington and Tiny Lund also each drove one race apiece for Lewis. Total earnings as a NASCAR owner for Lewis were $29,060 ($269,048.33 when adjusted for inflation).[7]
Post-NASCAR career
Lewis offered advice to stock car racers who live in the vicinity of Johnson City, Tennessee.[8]
Death
Lewis died on April 27, 2025, at the age of 92.[9]