November 3, 2005

A significant increase in the demands of his business, PWR Performance Products, has led former V8 Supercar Rookie of the Year Paul Weel to the difficult decision to stand down as a fulltime driver with Super Cheap Auto Racing in 2006.

Weel’s decision has been influenced by PWR’s booming sales, both nationally and internationally, and a planned $6 million expansion of the company which includes the construction of a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing headquarters in Yatala, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, early in the new year.

“With racing being such a huge part of my life for so long, making the decision to step down from Super Cheap Auto Racing has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, but it is one that I have made with the best interests of all at heart,” Weel said.

“The demands of both running PWR Performance Products and being a professional V8 Supercar driver are increasing every day and they are now too great to combine.

“While it will be difficult for me come the opening round of the 2006 season when I won’t be climbing aboard the SCAR Commodore, I’m also very excited about the future for PWR and looking forward to playing a major role in its continued growth.”

Weel’s father, Kees, said he was proud of his son’s decision.

“It would be very easy for anyone to get caught up in the glamour of being a fulltime racing car driver, but Paul has recognised the opportunity to grow PWR further and made a very hard and mature call,” Kees said.

Founded in early 1997 by a then 18-year-old Weel and his father, PWR Performance Products has grown into a $20 million-plus per annum company with approximately 40 employees. Over 90 per cent of its product range, which includes custom made radiators, intercoolers and oil coolers, is made in-house. PWR also exports its products to over 20 countries worldwide, including the United States and Britain.

In addition to having developed a bolt-on supercharger kit for the popular Gen III V8 engine, PWR is the sole Australian agent for the full range of Alcon brakes and clutches.

A suitable replacement for Weel to partner four-time Bathurst winner Greg Murphy at Super Cheap Auto Racing during the 2006 V8 Supercar Championship is now being sought, with an announcement hoped to be made soon

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