Paul Anderson Q&A Interview

ColoradoDragRacing.com: Congratulations on claiming your first divisional win. Did you honestly expect to win in the alcohol ranks this early?

Paul Anderson: Thank You. I had no idea that it would be possible to win a divisional race this early in my career. My goals were and still are the same. I simply want to qualify at each event that I attend and then just go from there. That way, I do not put too much pressure on myself early in the game.


CDR: You're probably the most successful 21 year old drag racer going. How do you apply what you learned at the junior dragster level to driving the Funny Car?

PA: I believe that the junior dragster program is the best thing NHRA has developed for young kids. Not only is the program a great motivation for kids to do well in school and walk a straight line, but it also creates the pro drivers of tomorrow. The skills I've learned in Jr's were a great foundation for Alcohol Funny car. I did learn a lot through my experiences in Jr's as well as Comp. There are still so many new things I have had to learn. Until now I have never had to stage with a clutch, worry about shifting while trying to go straight and sometimes even pedaling to keep the car under control, all at 240+ mph. However my desire to do well has remained the same throughout my career.


CDR: You previously competed in Super Stock and Competition Eliminator. What prompted the move to Alcohol Funny Car? Was it always in the plans, or did it just happen?

PA: Ever since I was a little boy, driving an Alcohol Funny Car has always been a dream of mine. My dream not only consisted of driving an Alcohol Funny Car but also to compete against my idol Vern Moats, as well as the other longtime winners in the class such as Jay Payne, Cy Chesterman, Frank Manzo and Steve Gasparrelli. It wasn't until I was competing in Comp Eliminator that I realized driving an Alcohol Funny Car might be a possibility. From there, the possibility became a goal. During the final year that I competed in Comp, I purchased an A/EA to get some experience driving a short wheel based car, in hopes that it would prepare me better for the Funny Car.


CDR: Veteran Alcohol Funny Car driver Vern Moats helped you get started in the class. Does he continue to help you to this day?

PA: Yes, Vern Moats has been a huge help in not only the tuning of the car but also teaching me the ins and outs of Funny Car driving. He is currently tuning the car and thankfully, he has told me that he is willing to continue tuning for me in the future. If only you could see Vern's face after a race in which I have done well, he gets so excited. That look alone makes me want to continue to do well.


CDR: Besides a primary sponsor, what else does this team need to compete next season?

PA: Obtaining a primary sponsor is crucial to being able to compete on a more frequent basis. This year, I tried to make as many races as possible, however the time and effort of driving to all of the races and missing work has been taxing at times for my family. I feel that we are a complete team that is constantly growing and learning. We will continue to work by trial and error with the car, while looking for a primary sponsor.


CDR: How did your injury in high school affect your racing and ultimately your life?

PA: The freak accident of getting hit in the head with a shot put was devastating to both my motivation and my confidence. I learned that you have no control over what may happen in life. During rehabilitation, I didn't know whether I would ever be able to race again. We had purchased my C/ED before the doctors would clear me to race again, as a form of motivation for me to work hard to get better. During speech rehab, cognitive rehab and eye therapy, I had to learn to live day to day. Racing has been my medicine for recovery.


CDR: Its been said that the Alcohol Funny Car is the hardest to drive. Would you agree?

PA: In my limited experience, it is by far the most temperamental car that I have driven. It seems like there are a million ways that you can mess up during the run and only one way to make a perfect pass.


CDR: Where do you see your racing program in the next 2-3 years?

PA: As I have said previously, I really take life day by day. Right now, I am in Alcohol Funny Car and I'm going to focus all of my efforts towards being the best TAFC driver that I am capable of.


CDR: Tell us about your associate sponsors, and will they remain associate sponsors for next year?

PA: My associate sponsors consist of DenverSteaks.com, FilterMag, Perfection Auto Body, AndersonFamilySteaks.com and Advanced Digital Imaging. They have all contributed a great deal to what I have today; thankfully they all will be joining me again for the 2007 season.


CDR: Who else would you like to thank for supporting your racing program?

PA: First and foremost, I would like to thank my Mom and Dad. Without them I would have never become involved in this great sport. They have put their hearts and souls into this for me and are proud of what we have been able to accomplish. My girlfriend Kara has given me constant emotional support and takes care of me at the track. Additionally, my crew is awesome. Thanks to Dave Allison, Marvin Reams and Rob Williams for sticking with me.
----------
For complete interview with photos visit ColoradoDragRacing.com