Photo Credit: Ashley McCubbin
After a frustrating season last year, Paul Maltese is hoping that things go a lot smoother this year. The veteran will debut a brand new McColl Racing Enterprises Late Model on opening night on Aril 30, with a brand new motor from Leitch Performance under the hood.
“Things are looking up this year,” he said. “There will be no excuse for me this year it’s all on my shoulders to drive better and try and finish races in one piece.”
Last year, Maltese didn’t have the season that he was hoping for, as he struggled at times, finding the worst luck of any driver during the year with getting involved in a bunch of wrecks. As a result, he only scored five top-15 finishes over the season.
“Another rough season for me and my family last year,” he commented. “Expensive and lots of hard work for pretty much nothing – no results, very poor runs and lots DNFs.”
That’s why this season, Maltese says he needs to stay out of the wrecks, and get some finishes under his belt as he believes that they can have a good season with the car underneath him.
Consistency and being there has certainly become a key at Sunset Speedway, when you have a field of over 20 drivers gunning for the win each week, with multi-time race winners and champions in that mix.
“Level of competition at Sunset is great,” Maltese said. “Very talented drivers and lots of money in cars. You not only have to beat guys at driving, you have to out dollar them which is something my family can’t do. We race for the love. We just don’t have the money to rebuild and spend to win night in and out “
For that reason, the family team has their goals in check for this year, looking to run solidly each week. Maltese says his goal is to finish all the races this season, and be up to speed every night.
“No excuses,” he added. “I’m hoping for a top 10 and to lead some laps, and to teach my son (Connor) how to drive our thunder car too. Looking forward to the second generation racing at Sunset. Should be a fun time.”
For their efforts this season, Maltese says thanks to the guys that have helped him so far ahead of the year.
“Special thanks to the guys that have really helped me out so far this season,” he said. “Jamie Sutton for sticking with me for another year. Also, Mike McColl, Rick McColl, Paul Geniole Jr., Paul Geniole Sr., and Gary Leitch . Couldn’t have done it without them; we all worked hard on this new car. Also, thanks to my son, wife (Susan) and Jordan for their help.”
Maltese will see support this season from Presto Appliance, Leitch Performance, Paragon Office Instillations, Eisses Poultry Farms, Delmeade, Ontario Steel Sales, Auto Trim Barrie, OAS, The Landing Strip, Blue Sky Landscaping, Wild Wing Mapleview, Dayco, NGK, WIX, GUNK, Permetex, and Hypercoil.
