"If You Stop Getting Better, You Cease Being Good": A Tribute to Paul Lewis
Stock Car Racing History
The world of motorsports lost a true legend on April 27, 2025, with the passing of Paul Lewis at the age of 92. While many remember him for his achievements on the NASCAR Grand National Series circuit—114 starts, 45 top-ten finishes, and a memorable victory at the 1966 Smoky Mountain 200—those who had the privilege to work alongside him knew him as a mentor, a teacher, and a guiding light in the racing community. This website and everything here happened because of Paul Lewis. His inspirations lead to over 15,000 of you to create over a million pages of racing history content that is RacersReunion.com.
A Chance Encounter at Kingsport Speedway
My journey with Paul began on a night that could have easily ended in disappointment. Making my debut in a NASCAR Late Model Stock Car event at Kingsport Speedway, my crew chief, Dickey Whitehead, and I were grappling with a car that was far from race-ready. After a dismal qualifying lap that placed us at the back of the pack, Paul approached our pit and simply asked, "What do you need?" When I admitted we needed knowledge, he responded with a nod, "I can help."
True to his word, Paul immersed himself in our team, making numerous chassis adjustments and guiding me through the intricacies of the track. He walked me around the oval, detailing the optimal entry and exit points for each turn. Before the race, he advised me to be prepared to let faster cars pass. However, as the race unfolded amidst the chaos of 28 cars on a 3/8-mile track, I found myself climbing the ranks. By the first caution, I was in 7th place. Despite a later issue that dropped us to an 11th-place finish, the transformation was undeniable.
A Season of Triumphs
Impressed by our progress, Paul offered to stay on as our crew chief, with one condition: I had to set clear goals and commit wholeheartedly to his guidance. I aimed high—10 poles, 10 wins, a track record, and a championship. Under Paul's mentorship, we surpassed those goals, securing 15 poles, 13 wins out of 22 races, setting a new track record, and clinching both the track and NASCAR championships.
Lessons Beyond the Track
Paul's wisdom extended far beyond racing techniques. After a six-race winning streak, he cautioned, "If you stop getting better, you cease being good." He feared complacency more than defeat, always pushing for continuous improvement. His meticulous attention to detail was evident in the countless hours we spent fine-tuning the car, even making minute adjustments like adding a 1/8" spacer under the right-side motor mount to shift a tiny bit of weight to the left front.
A Lasting Legacy
Paul Lewis's influence on my life and career is immeasurable. He transformed a struggling rookie into a champion, instilling values of perseverance, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His teachings continue to resonate, reminding me that growth is a continuous journey.
As we remember Paul, we celebrate not just his accomplishments on the track but the countless lives he touched off it. His legacy lives on in every racer he mentored, every team he guided, and every individual he inspired.
I am eternally grateful for the time I got to spend with him and the impact he had on my life. RIP, my dear friend.
This is a must read for stock car history buffs. It is written by long-time RR member Will Cronkrite.
