The Paris News

Congratulations are in order for James McNeal — a hometown dragracer who is now a national champion.

McNeal’s efforts led him to a win in the Super Pro division at the 2009 NHRA Summit Racing Series National Championship in Pomona, Calif. in addition to a win at the 2009 Automobile Club World Finals.

Owner of Precision Automotive in Paris, McNeal has shown that with the right expertise, the right team and support and a healthy dose of determination, small town people are very capable of going big places.

McNeal said he was racing against — and beat — people who had put a lot more money into their setups, and credits detailed engine tuning and a solid crew with his success. Experience and a passion for cars paid off for him.

Now racing for 25 years, one of the neatest aspects of his success is that he gained much of his racing experience right here at home at the Paris Dragstrip. A well-known local racer, McNeal has won the overall points championship at the local track five times and the Super Pro points championship three of the past four years.

That racing experience has not only helped him get where he is in the rankings, but is also helping other racers in the community as well who gain from his knowledge and skill.

McNeal’s success also puts Paris on the map in the racing world. Write-ups on his wins in major magazine publications mention both Paris and Paris Dragstrip.

McNeal has set a great example for locals climbing that ladder to success. Hard work and developed skills are invaluable tools to reaching a lofty goal.

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Serving Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma

Publisher: Patrick Graham

5050 SE Loop 286
Paris, Texas 75460

Tel: 903-785-8744 | Email

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