The Driver

NAME:  Paul M. Kinney

AGE: 24

MARITAL STATUS: In A Relationship

EDUCATION: A.S. degree in Automotive Mechanics from Morrisville State College

HOMETOWN: Vernon, NY (grew up in Oneida, NY)

HOME TRACK: Utica Rome Speedway in Vernon, NY

The Team

Ned and Paul have made racing a family sport.  Ned was a former DIRT driver who passed down his love of racing to his son early on.  Ned discovered the 1/4 Midget club and decided it was a way he could spend quality time with Paul for many years.  That bond has continued as the two have stayed with the sport for the past 17 years.

Each member of the racing crew is a close friend of Paul and Ned.  They bring their level of expertise to the table in order for Kinney Motorsports to succeed at this sport.  Many members of Paul’s family also pitches in to offer more than just moral support. 

2008 Pit Crew (left to right) Paul Kinney, Ned Kinney & Frank Connelly

Ned Kinney:  Car Owner & Team Leader

Ned is more than just Paul’s dad.  He is extremely dedicated and equally enthused about racing.  Ned holds weekly meetings at the race shop even during off season so the crew can stay focused on racing all year long.  This hands-on guy uses his years of mechanic skill to keep the engine tuned for each race.

Frank Connelly:  Human Jack

Frank handles the refueling of the racecar and weekly set-up and maintenance.   He has been a part of Paul’s crew for 4 years and his strength and pure dedication have been a asset to the team.

Weston Barber:  The Ruler

Wes helps with weekly maintenance and set up.  He is solely in charge of making sure that the ride heights are square and set.

Gary Barber:  The Keeper of All Things

Gary helps with the weekly maintenance to the car and with the racecar body fabrication and gear changes.

Zach Simchick

The newest member of the team, Zack helps the guys with the car every week.

Butch Reiter: The Sportsman Driver

Fellow racer, Butch can’t seem to get enough of the sport.  Not only does he spend time on his own Sportsman car, but he finds time to help out with our weekly maintenance and chassis set-up.

Nancy Kinney: The Worrier

Paul’s mom tries her best to leave her nervous energy at home, but it is not so easy for her when her baby boy takes to the track.  When she is there to offer her support, she usually threatens the lives of each crew member and makes sure they are keeping Paul safe in his car.

Stacy Jones: Webmaster (that’s me!)

As Paul’s sister, I’ve been his greatest fan since he was born.  I’m here to offer my help in promoting his passion for racing by keeping his website up to date, emailing weekly  to fans and sponsors as well as sending winning vibes to Paul.

Jessica Alter: The Cheerleader

Jessica is instrumental in keeping Paul’s spirits high as he prepares himself for each race event.  As fun as racing is, Paul still gets a bit anxious before each race.  Jessica’s support and presence keeps Paul a bit more focused.

358-Modified Dirt Track Racing in Central New York

The team working on the car before a race at Fonda Speedway in 2006

Text Box: Meet the Team

Paul Kinney began racing 1/4 Midgets at age 5.  In the past 18 years, he has tried his hand at many divisions and styles of racing.  Since 2003, Paul has been racing 358-Modified cars.