PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Paul McMahan is planning his final race as a sprint car driver and it’s going to happen at the track where it all started.
The 51-year-old California native, who calls Tennessee home, will return to Placerville Speedway on Aug. 27 to run his final sprint car race. McMahan made his first winged sprint car start at Placerville’s quarter-mile dirt track in 1987 and won his first main event later that year.
McMahan will go back in time by piloting the familiar Tri-C Machine No. 3c sprint car for his final race.
“This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while now,” said McMahan, who counts 27 World of Outlaws victories among his many triumphs. “I knew that Placerville Speedway was where I wanted to finish things up at once I was ready. Placerville is where I cut my teeth in a sprint car and got my first win at. I look forward to seeing everybody out there. It’s going to be a special night for our family.”
Originally from Elk Grove, Calif., McMahan began his racing career successfully in quarter midgets from an early age, before making the jump to sprint cars.
During his time competing in California, he finished runner up in the Northern Auto Racing Club standings on two occasions, and once piloted Clyde Lamar’s Tri-C Machine to three consecutive wins at Calistoga Speedway, leading 90 straight laps in the process.
“We’re excited to have Paul McMahan finish off his racing career at Placerville Speedway during Legends Night,” said Placerville promoter Scott Russell. “What Paul has done in his career from racing out here in California, to his many seasons with the World of Outlaws has been impressive. The McMahan family has been such a big part of the sprint car scene and we look forward to hosting #PaulsLastCall on Aug. 27.”