Billy Pauch is one of the greatest race car drivers I have ever seen in my life. I have been lucky enough to not only see him on the dirt, where he has had his most success, but also on the asphalt. The Frenchtown driver may in fact be the most versatile competitor I have seen, locally, as well. While many drivers have tried their hands at racing on both dirt and asphalt, Pauch has far exceeded them all.
When Flemington Speedway made the change from dirt to asphalt, Pauch didn't change tracks, he accepted the challenge. He didn't just run in the converted dirt cars, either, he climbed inside a Nascar Tour-Type Modified as well. It was in this division where I saw his most impressive performance in my eyes. Billy Pauch started last, 43rd, in the Race of Champions, against the best asphalt modified drivers in the Northeast, and won.
He also competed in a Nascar Craftsman Truck race, at the track. Although his finish didn't show it, the Nascar boys knew he was there, and would have to be respected.
Despite my incredible respect for Pauch, even I cannot help but see how much he is stinking up the racing at New Egypt. The legendary driver, scored his sixth win of the early season in such a dominant fashion last Saturday, it seemed he was driving a car from another division. He made the rest of the field look like they were driving Sportsman cars, maybe even Street Stocks.
What's even more amazing is the field of drivers he is doing this against. Rick Laubach, last season's track champion. Wade Hendrickson, Bridgeport Speedway's 2010 Champion. Jimmy Horton, a legend himself, and former ARCA and Sprint Cup driver. Drivers like Strunk, Butler, Buffalino, and more, who could win on any given night at any dirt track in the area.
Tracks in the past have put "bounties" on dominant drivers, as if the competitors weren't trying everything in their power to win each week anyway. This is more a tool used by promoters to get publicity for their tracks.
Maybe the true incentive should be offered to Pauch. An extra $1,000 to start the race from the pit area, or being required to drop back five spots on every restart.
Truth is, we should all just enjoy Pauch and his immense talent for as long as he is around. Get yourself out to New Egypt, bring your kids, bring your grand kids, bring your friends who have never seen a dirt race. He is a rare breed whose talent for both setting up a car and driving it I can only compare to the late John Blewett III, who we sadly lost a few years ago in a racing accident.
If you ever got to see Blewett III you know what I am talking about. If not, then don't miss out on Pauch, he will be the best Jersey driver you will ever see in your lifetime, and this may be his best season yet.
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