Paul Lee Announces Retirement from Funny Car Racing
NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver, Paul Lee, is retiring from the sport of haul racing. Lee suffered a heart attack over the winter and will not be returning to the seat of his McLeod Racing/ Kalitta Motorsports Nitro Funny Car.
On December 13, 2016, two days after returning from a successful PRI showcase in Indy, Lee experienced a massive “widow maker” heart attack, with 100% blockage of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Three stints were inserted in his main artery, but Paul suffered significant heart harm as a result.
“I’m very fortunate to be alive,” says Paul Lee, holder of McLeod Racing. “The paramedics are close to my house and were there in minutes. They got me to the hospital in time for the doctors to save my life. The doctor told me that this is the worst kind of heart attack someone can have and only about one in ten survives. So I’m utterly grateful to the local paramedics and the doctors for doing a superb job of saving me.”
Lee has been a lifelong fan and participant of NHRA haul racing. He began his love as a little kid at his home track of Atco Dragway in Fresh Jersey. He used to “borrow” his mom’s car at seventeen years old and head out to the haul undress. Since then he has claimed victories in both Top Alcohol and Top Fuel Funny Cars.
“I’ve dedicated my life to the sport of NHRA Haul Racing,” explains Lee. “It’s been my love and passion since I was a child growing up in Fresh Jersey. It anguishes me to know that I’ll very likely never get to drive again, but in reality, I’m blessed to still be here. My heart is too powerless and will take years to recover. Besides, as long as I’m on blood thinners (to help a bruised heart work better), it’s not safe for me to drive a 300mph race car.”
Lee’s racing operation, which is managed by Kalitta Motorsports, will be entered in some races this year to fulfill previous sponsor commitments. A driver will be announced when the time comes available. As for co-crew chiefs, Glen Huszar and Nick Casertano, they will proceed their efforts to help the Funny Car teams of J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria.
“Kalitta Motorsports was devastated to learn about Paul’s heart attack, but grateful that he is still with us,” said Jim Oberhofer, Vice President of Operations, Kalitta Motorsports. “We know how much desire Paul had to contest at the highest level in the sport so we are saddened he will be incapable to proceed. However, he is and always will be a part of the Kalitta family.”
Lee will proceed to support the Kalitta Motorsports organization for the years to come. He will also proceed to own and operate McLeod Racing.
“Nevertheless, I’ve made many friends in this sport, both in my Alcohol Funny Car days in Division 1, up to my friends in the professional ranks, and especially all the folks at Team Kalitta. I’d like to personally thank Connie Kalitta and Jim Oberhofer and the entire Kalitta organization for welcoming me into their family. I will be forever grateful.”