Paulie Colagiovanni Makes Return To Racing

Paulie Colagiovanni Makes Return; His Father Starts Driving Career As Vince Chicklets

By LEN SAMMONS
After making a name for himself in Sprint Car racing, Paulie Colagiovanni suddenly left the spotlight. Following a few quiet appearances in recent 305 Sprint Car events, Paulie returned to 360 Sprint Car competition this past week, driving for injured driver Denny Peeples in his No. 3.
“I feel so good to be back. I definitely missed it. It was nice having the weekends off, but it got to the point I was bored doing nothing,” said Paulie following an 11th-place finish Friday at Brewerton Speedway.
“I’m with a new team, Denny Peeples Racing. This is our seventh or eighth race together. We’re still working on the fine tunings of the car. I never drove a Triple X chassis, not gotten comfortable in it yet, but we’ll be alright once we find the right set-up.”Ironically, during Paulie’s absence, his 56-year-old father Paul Colagiovanni started his own driving career—under the alias Vince Chicklets.
Accustomed to contending for victories, Paulie wasn’t able to find that magic during CNY 360 Sprint Speedweek, but the team was gaining on it each night.
“Our fuel system had been messed up and we were not getting full power. But we got it fixed tonight. Now we’ve got to qualify better to make the redraw to start up front,” said Paulie after Friday’s feature.
“Hopefully we can get back in the groove and I can get a couple of podium finishes for Denny—and hopefully a win for him this season.”
Peeples was recently injured when the side-by-side he was riding in flipped over. He feels lucky to be alive, but will be out of racing for a period of time to recuperate from crushed ribs, a broken shoulder, and a collarbone. Peeples said Paulie was his first choice to drive for him and was happy that he accepted the offer.
After making a splash in his father’s No. 10 in 410 Sprint Car racing—both in New York, against the PA Posse, and in national events—Paulie stepped away from racing when doctors discovered a heart issue they believed was related to anxiety.“I had lower artery surgery and then my chest started to hurt. Not sure if it messed with the blood flow to my chest or what, but it’s getting better day by day. I’m on meds from the doctor and it’s definitely helping,” said Paulie.
“This winter I stayed home for three months. I couldn’t do anything—couldn’t pick up a power steering box. Was bed down and got fat. My wife’s cooking is really good. I’m back out racing, burning off the calories.”
During his son’s absence, Paul continued to race full-time with several drivers including Kerry Madsen and Larry Wight in 410 competition. He is now teamed up with Billy VanInwegen to run select 410 events in the No. 10, and full-time with the ESS 360 Sprint Car Series.
Now 24, Paulie is feeling better, his growing business is becoming more manageable, and he’s getting along better with his father—but not driving his race cars. This past week, Billy VanInwegen raced Paul’s No. 10 through the entire CNY 360 Sprint Speedweek in competition with Paulie in Peeples’ No. 3. The two teams were not working together or parking together. However, both cars are being prepared out of Paul’s expanded race shop in Central Square, N.Y.
“We’ve been up and down, but we’re good now. Every father and son have their time fighting each other—we had ours, and we both decided it’s not good for either of us,” said Paulie of his relationship with his father.
“I’m trying to get back into a groove on the track and he’s already got his driver for the season, so I went with Denny. Maybe next season we’ll get back together, maybe I’ll stay with Denny—who knows.”
Paulie wasn’t sure how many races they’ll be able to run this season. Much will depend on the life of the single 360 engine Peeples purchased after selling his 410 engine.“It will be all up to motor wear. This motor had seven races on it when we got it,” Paulie explained.
“It’s already pushing the limits, but my dad might loan us a motor to run another 10 races to get us to the end of the season. Hopefully we can run for the points and stay in the top three in the standings.”
Paulie’s ultimate goal is to get back to winning—and eventually make a return to 410 Sprint competition at a top level.
“I really miss that. Had a lot of potential with those cars with the Jerry Russell 410. I was really surprised I was able to run with those guys,” said Paulie.
“Went down there and ran second to Danny Dietrich the second time we raced at Lincoln. Want to get back there soon. Got my business going good again. My father really helped me getting some big jobs. Maybe one day I’ll be able to have my own car.”
Despite Speedweek running Wednesday through Sunday, Paul was off having fun racing a three race 305 Sprint Car mini-series in an older No. 10 at Land of Legends Raceway in Canandaigua, N.Y. on Thursday and Saturday with a stop in Ramsonville, NY on Friday.Paul built the car he’s racing with a frame and parts that had been laying around his shop and made his debut in Florida in February. He knew he was going to struggle early, so he decided not to use his real name and, after some research, found the name “Vince Chicklets” was available.
Now that he’s improved as a driver, finished a career best 13th at Ransomville,  he no longer minds people knowing it’s him behind the wheel—but he’s going to keep the alias for now since it’s on his new uniform and has gained attention online for the unique name.