Paulie Harraka, though o­nly 18 years old, has already built a racing resume that extends from go-karts to NASCAR Grand National cars. Since he began racing in 1997, Harraka has won a total of 158 races in all types of cars, a World Karting Association Triple Crown, the Holley Future Star Award, 13 National Championships, and 6 World Championships in go-karts.  Most recently in the 2007 season, he competed in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, as part of the NASCAR industry’s Drive for Diversity program.  
 
During his last season of karting in 2005, an invitation from H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, President of Lowe's Motor Speedway, gave Harraka the opportunity to race a Legends car. Harraka capitalized by winning his first ever race at the Lowe's Motor Speedway Summer Shootout. He went o­n to win the Winter Heat Final. 
 
The triumph at Lowe’s Motor Speedway paved the way for Harraka, who is of Syrian descent, to participate in Drive for Diversity, which provides opportunities to women and minorities. In 2007, as driver of the No. 16 Briggs and Stratton/Domino’s Pizza NASCAR Late Model Stock Car for Bill McAnally Racing, Paulie won two races o­n his way to a second place points finish.  He was also named All-American Speedway’s NASCAR Rookie of the Year.

Harraka has associated himself with worldwide companies, such as Honeywell Corporation, through its Autolite division, Simpson Safety Equipment, as new products test driver, AiM Sports Systems, as products development driver, and Ashland Corporation’s Valvoline Oil.  

Harraka, a New Jersey native who now resides in Mooresville, N.C., has been equally successful in the classroom.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and was the New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America State Champion two years ago. As a high school senior with a 4.38 Grade Point Average, Harraka will continue his education at Duke University.  Harraka was accepted to Duke under its Early Decision Program. He plans to major in Mechanical Engineering and have a business or marketing related minor.