Paulie Hartwig III concluded his rookie campaign on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour with a challenging but ultimately rewarding season. The young driver, who was just 14 years old at the start, faced early setbacks, including back-to-back mechanical failures at Martinsville and Thompson Speedway. Despite these initial difficulties, Hartwig and his family-owned team managed to build momentum through the middle of the season, securing several strong finishes in the top ten.
The season's best moment came near the end of 2026 at Riverhead Raceway, where Hartwig achieved a second-place finish. While the overall championship standing placed him 10th, the team reflected on the bright spots, such as the pole position secured at the final race at Thompson. The team also acknowledged the difficulty of running at Thompson Speedway, noting that the track presented unique challenges throughout the year.
Looking ahead to 2027, Hartwig is transitioning to the 31 Elite Racing team, which will bring a new level of support and resources. The family also candidly discussed the financial strain that comes with operating a small, traveling, family-owned racing team. However, the focus remains on development, with Hartwig III eager to improve his qualifying speed and race trim in the coming year.
The 31 Elite Racing team is set to kick off the next season on April 4th at Thompson Speedway. Hartwig III is highly motivated to improve upon his rookie year, aiming to secure his first career win in the Modified Tour during his sophomore campaign.
Source: Short Track Scene