Opening Night A Tough One For Paul Gilardi

Story By: BOBBY CHALMERS / GILARDI MOTORSPORTS – PITTSFIELD, MA – The season opener at Lebanon Valley Speedway was Saturday night, and for Paul Gilardi, it was over before it started. Unfortunately, he was never able to see how good his new HigFab Chassis would run after a strong heat race earlier in the evening.

Gilardi and his Superior Seamless Gutters #87x team were able to run to a qualifying spot in the eight-lap heat race, which meant he started the main event from the 15th starting position. However, an accident on the first lap severely damaged the car’s front axle and bent its front radius rods. Paul made it a handful more before parking the car for the evening.

“It’s really a shame that we didn’t get to complete the full event tonight,” he said after the event. “It’s always tough starting mid pack and on the outside lane at Lebanon. You’re at the mercy of everyone in front of you.”

The accident that ultimately ended Paul’s night was a product his starting position.

“I saw Elmo (Reckner) all jacked up in front of (Rob) Pitcher,” he said. “I think the 55 (Mike Keeler) got into Rob and got sideways in front of me. I simply ran out of room.”

Even with the early exit, Gilardi is excited about how things have gone so far this season.

“It’s really too bad things happened the way they did tonight,” he said. “We had a fast car and my team worked very hard to get this thing working as well as it has. The HigFab has been great so far.”

Gilardi and the entire #87x team will be back in action this coming Saturday at Lebanon Valley as Heavy Haulers presents another night of fast-paced dirt track racing action.

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), Polsen Electric, City Tire, Berkshire Travel Group, DMC Racing Products, Driveshafts By DMC, Lander Powdercoating, Bobby Chalmers Public Relations, & Gilardi-Built Race Engines.