Dreams Do Come True: Brian Papiez Set For A Move To Modifieds In 2018

Column By: BOBBY CHALMERS / RPW – BELLE MEAD, NJ – When opportunity knocks, you answer the door, and in the case of Sportsman campaigner Brian Papiez, when it’s a legendary figure in the world of Modified racing doing the knocking, you jump at the chance.

Papiez, the 26-year-old from Belle Mead, NJ had an amazing year in 2017, capturing eight checkered flags (seven at Bridgeport and one at Big Diamond) and nearly won the Bridgeport Speedway Sportsman track championship, finishing second by just eight markers.

However, rules changes at the Swedesboro, NJ oval forced him to evaluate his racing program for next season.

“Bridgeport made the move to all crates for their Sportsman division, eliminating the open class starting next year,” Papiez said. “That’s when I realized I was sitting here with my Billy The Kid Sportsman motor, trying to figure out what to do and where to go. I thought about going to go to New Egypt with it, but decided after the year I had, I wanted to make some phone calls and see what was out there.”

One of the first calls he made was to legendary car owner Bill Hewlett.

“Bill and I have known each other for a long time,” he said. “Most recently, Ryan Godown was driving for him. I ran Bridgeport all season and Bill was there as well. After every win, he’d call me and say congratulations. When I was looking at my options, he was one of the first people I called.”

What the two are putting together for 2018 will work out great for both sides. Papiez has a brand new 2018 Bicknell he is building for this season, which will be lettered with Hewlett’s customary #901 and carry his Pat Morrison spec 358-Modified engine.

“Bill’s Troyer and engine are at Godown’s shop right now,” Papiez said. “We’re going to take the engine out of that and put it in the new car I have at my shop. I can’t wait for this.”

The engine is a very stout piece, according to Papiez, and that was a big reason he made the decision to contact Hewlett. He knew it was something that could help him move up, and knows it’s a motor that can get him to victory lane.

“I’ve never actually raced a 358-Modified, but have helped those guys out with shaking their car down at New Egypt when Ryan was in the points hunt with the 747 team,” he said. “When he and Bill first got together, Ryan wanted to qualify two cars a couple different nights. On those occasions, I ran in the back of heat races to qualify it. That’s how I got to know about the motor. I know it has plenty of power and was one of the main reasons I called Bill.”

According to Brian, the rules for the Modified class at New Egypt next season will open things up so that Big Blocks and Small Blocks will be running combined. However, there will be a few exceptions.

“For three or four years now, it’s been strictly a 358-Modified class as the headline division there,” he said. “Now they have changed the rules so you can also run an open Small Block or a Big Block. Only difference is weight and the spec Small Blocks can run sail panels. I think we’ll have the combination that will be the way to go as the weight break is a big difference (2,275lbs on gas) and the sail panels will be huge.”

With the move, that means that Godown won’t be racing the 901, and according to Brian, he’s fine with that.

“Ryan’s all for this deal,” he said. “He and Bill didn’t really end their program. The car was sitting there and Ryan has his own deal right now. If anything, Ryan said he’s happy for me. I’ve known him since I was 16 and he’s been helping me out since then. We even have a sponsor in common, so we are good.”

Papiez is no stranger to the New Egypt facility. For eight seasons of his 10-year career, he was a regular at the track in the Crate Sportsman division. He’s actually all-time feature winner in the division at the track with 12…one ahead of Jon Haegele.

“I know the track pretty well and our focus will be to run there weekly right now,” he said. “However, if the car’s running good, the engine’s running well and the finances are there, we may do some traveling.”

Where would he like to go?

“If all goes well, I’m sure we’ll go to Bridgeport for their spec shows and maybe do some more,” he said. “We’ll see how the year is for us. The 76er (at Grandview) and the Coalcracker (at Big Diamond) are always on my mind, so maybe we’ll do some traveling around for some of the big money races.”

With the merging of two teams, logistics is usually an issue, but not for this pairing. They have it all but worked out and are full speed ahead for 2018.

“The car is going to be kept at my shop,” Papiez said. “I’m going to maintain everything, pretty much, and my dad will maintain the engine. Financially, it’s Bill’s engine so anything that is motor related, he will take care of and anything with the car is on me.”

In the event of any issues, the team will have a plethora of cars at their disposal. While the primary machine will the new Bicknell being put together, they will have Papiez’s Teo from last year as a backup and will also Hewlett’s Troyer if it is needed. However, the Bicknell will be the team’s focus and Papiez can’t wait to work with the St. Catherines, ONT chassis builder.

“In doing this new car, Randy (Williamson) and everyone at Bicknell have welcomed me with open arms greater than I could have ever imagined,” he said. “Even though everything I’ve run to date has been Teo, I just think this is the way to go. They (BRP) have told me that whatever I need, just call. Randy gave me his personal cell phone number and said to call any time I want and it looks like they are truly happy to have me on board with them.”

For fans who want to see the new car, you will get the chance next month. The machine will be on display in the Bilstein Shocks booth at the Motorsports 2018 Trade Show in Oaks, PA. While it is almost complete, the team has a few things left to do to get it ready.

“We’re close to having things set to go,” he said. “I still have to take the engine out of Bill’s car and put it in ours. It still has to be lettered and plumbed and a few other little projects, but it’s almost ready. I can’t wait to get this year going.”

The one thing that Papiez is excited for the most is realizing just what his 2018 ride represents.

“If you really think about it, the list of drivers that have driven the #901 car is pretty extensive,” he said. “Jimmy Horton. Ryan Godown. Those guys right there are hall of famers alone, so for me to be on 901 list is a huge deal for me.”

To say that Brian Papiez is excited is an understatement. He’s dreamed about this opportunity. He’s wanted this ever since he first strapped in a racecar. He’s a winner, and now, he’ll have the tools in place to show that he can win on the highest level. The competition at New Egypt is stout, so to grace victory lane there will be a tall order, but that just means it will be even more gratifying when it happens.

Not a bad deal for a 26-year-old, huh?

Final Note In Brian’s Own Words: “I can’t thank everyone enough who have helped me get to this point. I have to thank my family and my crew for all their support and Bill (Hewlett) for taking a chance on me.

I also have to thank all of our sponsors…Discount Towing, Bilstein Shocks, TMI Trucking, Tabloid Graphics, Dave’s Equipment Sales, Grosso Homes, GME Steering, Metal Fab Pro Race Shop, Bicknell Race Cars and VP Racing Fuels…for their continued support.

Last and not least, I have to give special thanks to Jim and Lorie who have been really good friends of mine and supporters of my racing for many years. Thanks everyone and here’s to a great 2018.”