Paulie Harraka

Paul Peter "Paulie" Harraka (born September 15, 1989) is an American former professional stock car racing driver and entrepreneur.

[1][2] Harraka attended Wayne Valley High School from his freshman through junior years, but spent his senior year at Lake Norman High School to be closer to NASCAR team Joe Gibbs Racing, where he worked as an engineering and research and development intern.

[4] After graduating from high school with a 4.38 GPA, Harraka opted to attend Duke University, stating “I think that in the modern age of racing, knowing all aspects of the business is crucial to being successful.

[7] Harraka first sat behind the wheel when he received a backyard fun kart from his family and started driving it around abandoned buildings.

Harraka was invited to the Drive for Diversity Combine in the fall of 2006, where he impressed team owner Bill McAnally.

[10] At the end of 2008, McAnally elected to move Harraka up to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series for the final two races of the season as preparation for a full run in 2009.

For 2012, Harraka competed in the Camping World Truck Series, running for Rookie of the Year driving for Wauters Motorsports.

Harraka qualifying at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2010