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 5311 Jameswood Lane | Birmingham, AL 35244 | (205) 541-6872 | speeder@aol.com July 14, 2005 Contact: Pioneer Racing (205) 541-6872 Birmingham, AL- Ray Paprota, the first and only paraplegic driver to compete in a NASCAR Touring Series is slated to appear in the July 23, ISCARS racing event at the new Shenandoah Speedway. This barrier breaking competitor uses state of the art hand controls that enable him to operate the throttle, brakes and clutch with both hands on the steering wheel. Paralyzed in a motor vehicle accident at the age of 21; Paprota, who is unable to use his legs, began racing Legends Series race cars in 1996 before moving up to the larger, faster and more competitive ISCARS touring series. He credits NASCAR and ISCARS (formerly known as the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series) with providing an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in a race car rather than focusing on his limitations in a wheelchair. Ray finished second in last seasons "Rookie of the Year" competition and ninth overall in the series points championship. He is in good company as he is teamed up 2004 championship runner-up Danny Bagwell, and has veteran NASCAR crew chief George White as crew chief. Together he and George designed the controls that enable him to go toe-to-toe with his able bodied competitors. "You can't just buy these controls off the shelve, we have been refining this unit for several years now. I first tested them in a NASCAR Craftsmen Truck and later in an ARCA car before adapting them over to my ISCARS stock car. We worked closely with NASCAR to receive my NASCAR drivers' credentials and gain approval of the modifications for the controls" says Ray. The system utilizes pneumatic cylinders to actuate the brake and clutch peddles and a cable operated throttle for the gas. Ray pushes a button on the transmission shifter knob that dictates how quickly the clutch peddle is released, allowing a smooth acceleration in the pits or fast gear changes in the race. The entire system received close scrutiny before Paprota made motor sports history when he competed in his first NASCAR Goody's Dash Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 25, 2002. "We wanted nothing handed to us, I wanted to be allowed to compete because I'm a good race car driver and for no other reason" His team has STOPS Inc. and Fast Track on board as primary sponsors. "STOPS is a transportation and interpretation company that serves the workmen's comp industry and Fast Track specializes in van conversions and home modifications for the disabled. These two companies are a perfect fit for me and my team" exclaims Ray. When he is not racing around the track, he travels the country sharing his inspirational story as a spokesman for his sponsors. For more information, go to Pioneer Racing or contact Ray at speedar@aol.com or 205 541-6872 5311 Jameswood Lane | Birmingham, AL 35244 | (205) 541-6872 | speeder@aol.com August 12, 2003 Contact: Pioneer Racing (205) 541-6872 Birmingham, AL- Ray Paprota, the first and only paraplegic driver to compete in a NASCAR Touring Series recently completed filming an episode of the popular Discovery Channel TV show Monster Garage. The reality based series revolves around custom motorcycle builder Jesse James and an assembled team of experts, designers, engineers and fabricators as they transform ordinary vehicles into extraordinary motorized creations. Filming took place in the new Monster Garage facility in Long Beach, CA. This fully functioning and well equipped work space would be the envy of any professional mechanic. Typically, the project begins on day one with a four man "Design Team" that meets with fabrication guru Jesse James and together they create an outline or framework for the conversion. That's when a five man "Build Team" takes over. They have five days to implement the concept from paper to twisted steel. With Jesse James assistance and guidance, the team must complete the project by midnight of the fifth build day to receive its reward. And how better to motivate a bunch or gear heads than to dangle a set of MAC tools in front of them! Jesse is the judge and jury and determines if the goals of the project have been achieved and if the team receives its booty. The episode centered on transforming a Mercedes-Benz SL sport utility vehicle into a custom, high performance street cruiser that was adapted for use by a person who uses a wheelchair. Ray, a wheelchair user himself, was asked to contribute his life experience as a member of the "Design Team" and his expertise in custom fabrication and modifications on the "Build Team" phase of the project. The team worked twelve and fourteen hour days in order to complete the project in the five days that is allotted for the build phase of the show. "It was an interesting experience. You don't know what capabilities your teammates have and you have to really pull together to get the job done. I was impressed with how hard the team worked to accomplish our goal. It reminded me of the effort that a race team endures in preparing for competition" says Ray. "I have to give Jesse and Monster Garage a lot of credit for tackling such a unique project. I think it demonstrates how remarkably mainstream an adapted vehicle can appear and how one should never under estimate the abilities of an individual, regardless of appearance." You'll have to watch the episode to see if the team completed the mission and received its reward. The episode is currently in post production and is scheduled to air on the Discovery Channel Monday, September 29 at 9:00 p.m. E.S.T. |
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Ray Paprota | 5311 Jameswood Lane | Birmingham, Alabama 35244 Phone: (205) 541-6872 | speedar@aol.com Copyright © Pioneer Racing  |