As an entrepreneur, Paul Lee knows what it takes for a business to be successful. With the proper strategy and the right people on the team, the start of the season will be the step in the right direction for contention in the Funny Car class.
Over the offseason, Lee and his Dustin Heim and Jason Bunker-led team have made major improvements in the clutch. The team welcomes a new alliance with John Force Racing with the upgrade to their six-disc clutch made entirely of TMS Titanium.
“Everyone at TMS Titanium is excited to be working with Paul Lee as he makes the move to the six-disc clutch system and battles arguably one of the toughest Funny Car fields in recent history," said Todd Harrison, CEO/President TMS Titanium. "Paul is an amazing competitor and more importantly a great friend and person. We are excited to be supplying titanium and support as Paul continues to chase his dream.”
The team has already made a big leap in turning around this car from last year’s not-so-desirable season. With a recent test session in Gainesville, the crew chiefs were able to have a hands-on experience with the new clutch technology.
“Testing was exciting and a very positive move forward for our racing program,” says Paul Lee. “We added a lot of improvements in the offseason, such as a new front-half chassis, two late-model Dodge Charger bodies, and, most importantly, an all brand-new six-disc TMS Titanium clutch units from JFR. Like any business needing investment to be successful, our team needed major investments, and that’s what we’ve done. Our goal is always to compete for wins. I’m more excited than ever to get this season started.”
Paul Lee Racing welcomes many new companies such as Denso Spark Plugs and Powerbuilt Tools to the roster. And with the continued help of his current partners like TMS Titanium, Red Line Oil, and Mainline Sales and IGTG, the FTI Performance Funny Car team is ready for the NHRA Gatornationals.
“We are excited to extend our involvement within the NHRA by partnering with Paul Lee Racing as their official spark plug sponsor for the 2023 season,” said Steve Corey, Director, Aftermarket Sales. “We welcome Paul and the entire crew to the Denso family.”
Powerbuilt Tools is excited to be partnered with PLR - our neighbor down the street in SoCal. We were excited when they reached out and asked us to outfit the team with Powerbuilt Tools. We are looking forward to the 2023 season!” remarked Powerbuilt Tools Marketing Director Desiree Martinez.
For the season opener this week, Lee will debut a fresh take of his FTI Performance Funny Car. With FTI Performance manufacturing facility just an hour away in DeLand, Fla., Lee will be hosting all of his employees and their families for a fun weekend at the track.
With the heavy influence of FTI Performance in the region, Lee has invited Donkmaster Sage Thomas to hang out with his team on Friday of the Gators. Thomas will be showcasing one of his donks as the tow vehicle for the Funny Car during the second qualifying round Friday night.
The NHRA Pro Mod category will be hosting a FTI Performance Pro Mod Showdown through the qualifying rounds and first round of eliminations. The team with the best combined reaction time and elapsed average will win the big check of $7,500.
