When Paul Kusheba IV and his family were pondering the idea of moving up from the Legends division at the Waterford Speedbowl, there wasn’t much talk about any sort of baby steps.
Paul Kusheba IV (Photo courtesy of Paul Kusheba IV)
“We just kind of figured if we were going to go for it we might as well go big and shoot for the stars,” said Kusheba, of Monroe.
And so the 18-year old will make the jump from one of the track’s entry level divisions to it’s is premier division for the 2014 season.
Kusheba said his family owned team has decided to run full-time in the SK Modified division at Waterford for the upcoming season.
“We just want to move up big,” Kusheba said. “We had the opportunity to go the SK Light [Modified] route, but after looking everything, the motor is really the only thing that’s more expensive when you compare it to an SK Modified.”
Kusheba, who started in go-karts when he was five years old, moved to Legends at 14 years old. He won a Saturday Legends championship at Waterford in 2012 and last year he qualified for the Legends Car Nationals at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pa.
Kusheba said, depending on how much backing the team can acquire, he may also make some starts at Stafford Motor Speedway in 2014.
“Moving to the SK Modified division is real exciting,” said Kusheba, who turns 19 in March. “I’ve always looked up to guys like Keith Rocco and Tyler Chadwick. To be able to say that I’ll be racing with them next year is an honor. It’s definitely exciting to move up to the premier division.”
Kusheba and his family are looking for the support of sponsors to help get them through their rookie campaign in an SK Modified. They’re hoping a national contest can help with that.
Kusheba has entered the Champion Spark Plug “Search for a Champion” contest. Fifteen finalists will receive $5,000 in sponsorship money from Champion for the 2014 and one of the finalists will be awarded a grand prize sponsorship of $50,000. Voting began this week and fans can vote daily on Kusheba’s entry. The first round of voting ends Feb. 2. Grand prize voting runs from Feb. 21. to March 23, with the grand prize winner announced March 31.
“It’s really about getting my name out there more, even if nothing comes through with it,” Kusheba said. “Whatever happens, it was fun making the video.”
Sounds cool!
I’ve been keeping my eye on Paul since he broke his leg back a few years ago. I think he has big things coming his way if luck is on his side.
Paul,
Cheers to you! I know you will make it!
Connie