Harraka hits another milestone Story and photos by Bruce C. Walls NORWAY, IL - Fair Lawn, NJ racer Paulie Harraka set and another WKA milestone Saturday June 7th during round three of the WKA George Kugler Manufacturer's Cup presented by Bridgestone where 400 racers from the US and Canada competed in the Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts nationals on the 5/8-mile 12-turn road course at Trane Motor Speedway in Norway, Illinois. Harraka, who was the youngest racer to earn a Triple Crown, captured Horstman Manufacturing HPV Junior's checkered flag nipping Matthew Lee by just 0.152 seconds earning him the bragging rights to being the first 13-year-old to win a junior class in the Manufacturer's Cup. Harraka, a Simpson/Karting For Christ Ministries/Autolite/MY-CHRON/Outerwears/G-Man Kartworks/ Professional Graphics/Douglas Wheels/Target sponsored Nick Wagner Racing Engines powered KRT pilot posted a third place qualifying effort which is also where he finished in the Pre Final trailing pole and Pre Final winner Casey Neal and second place Lee. Starting on the outside of front row in the Final Harraka jumped into the initial lead with Lee trailing. Robert Bunker took second from Lee as Harraka stretched out the lead. Lee fought back and recaptured second closed in on Harraka and stole a piece of the lead. Harraka powered passed him on the next lap and led the 15-racer field across the finish line. Neal, Jacob Little and Dominic Scheer also finished on the podium. "I just bobbled a little coming out of that ninety degree turn and it really cost me," said the Gold Speed/Streeter Super Stand/FlexT Products/Burris Products/FYH Bearing backed winner. "He (Lee) got by me and I tried really hard and got it back. The kart was like it was on a rail. I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity and helping me do as well as I did. The kart was just awesome and the engine hauled butt. Nick Wagner and Kevin Nelson did an awesome job for me. I'd also like to thank my dad for setting up the kart, Dennis Reeves and Johnny Martino." Harraka and the rest of the Manufacturer's Cup competitors will be battling for Grand National points July 25-27 at Badger Raceway in Dousman, WI and then they will end their 2003 season August 22-24 at Batavia International Motorsports Park in Batavia, NY.