Gilardi Looking For Better In 2017 With Chassis Change

Story By: BOBBY CHALMERS / GILARDI MOTORSPORTS – PITTSFIELD, MA – Coming off what could be classified as his most challenging season to date, Paul Gilardi made the decision in the off-season to switch chassis brands. His primary car for 2017 will be a machine built by Jerry Higbie’s HigFab Chassis (HFC)…a choice he and his entire team is excited about.

Since 2006, Gilardi has been behind the wheel of Bicknell cars, except for 2012. That was the season he drove a Troyer for another car owner. However, the move to the HFC Camp this year gives the Pittsfield, MA-native more technical support which is something he values greatly.

“Jerry is a racer just like I am and I feel like I can talk to him on that level,” he said. “I think he’ll understand what I tell him…mainly because he’s probably encountered it already and knows a driver’s lingo. That will be huge for our team.”

That support, and excitement, is also being felt at the HigFab shop.

“I can’t wait to work with those guys,” Jerry Higbie said. “We’re looking forward to being at Lebanon Valley with Paul. We really love his enthusiasm toward our car being under him for 2017.”

Gilardi will focus his efforts this season on the high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway in West Lebanon, NY. The veteran with six-career victories (all at the Valley) will have a Bicknell car at his disposal as a backup and three Big Block Chevrolet engines, all built in-house.

“I think we’re the most prepared we’ve ever been heading into a season,” he said. “The new Higbie car is almost all new components and our engines are fresh and ready to go. The team is pumped to get the season started, and so am I.”

The team will begin their point season when Lebanon Valley has their annual lid-lifter in April. However, the team may choose to run an event or two away from their home track to gain valuable knowledge about the new car. A schedule of events is currently being formulated for the new year.

To stay up-to-date on all things about Paul, the Gilardi Motorsports team and their marketing partners, keep an eye out for a redesigned www.paulgilardi.com and be sure to follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/paulgilardi) and Twitter (@paulgilardi)

Paul and the Gilardi Motorsports team would like to thank all of their current marketing partners including: Superior Seamless Gutters, Don Davis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, Autopart International (Pittsfield, MA), City Tire, Berkshire Travel Group, DMC Racing Products, Driveshafts By DMC, Lander Powdercoating, Bobby Chalmers Public Relations, & Gilardi-Built Race Engines.