Paul Fowler
Paul began his racing career in 1988, initially racing 100 Britain direct drive. A few years later he bought a brand new Invader Chassis and a second hand engine from Tom Thacker and raced mainly at Pembrey, Rissington and Dunkeswell. Whilst racing at Pembrey he won the Welsh Championship ‘C’ plate on a number of occasions.
Paul now a retired Head Teacher started his adult sporting life as a rugby player, playing for three of the top 14 sides in Wales. He played representative rugby for the County and Crawshays Welsh XV. Unfortunately his career came to an end after a myriad of nasty injuries including several knee surgeries, a snapped achilles and a broken leg, which still haunt him today! To aid to his recovery he took up long distance running and competed in marathons and half marathons and then went onto mountain biking!!! However he is still a staunch supporter of Welsh rugby.
Paul as a teacher was very proud of his sports involvement which began the very first day he started, 41 years ago! He ran the district schools Football teams the under 11,12,13,14 & 15’s. He became the Assistant General Secretary of the Welsh Schools Football Association for 22 years! He has met many future stars along the way including Ryan Giggs, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Michael Owen and one of the all-time greats of the game Ferenc Puskás.
Paul first joined the Challenge in 1994 for a few years with limited success until taken under the wing of David Morris who put him on the right track! He then rejoined in 2000 and hasn’t looked back. In fact he holds the record for being signed up as a full racing member for 22 consecutive years!! !!
In the last 22 years Paul has many great achievements under his belt. For many years he raced in both the Long and Short Circuit Challenge. For the large majority of these years (18/20) he has achieved a seeded number on both Long and Short Circuit. The most notable and proud moments are 2005 210 Long Circuit Champion and UK Cup winner, setting lap records at Brands Hatch and Croft. 2006 210 Short Circuit Champion with the massive help of his mechanic Tom Whyte. 2007 he was runner up on Short Circuit. 2017 Midland Champion thanks to the expertise of Pete Masson who still helps him today.
As a septuagenarian Paul is extremely competitive today and is still winning those trophies. He is a great supporter of all the Challenge does and is a very welcomed member.
Paul would like to thank David Morris, Steve Hurst, Tom Whyte and Pete Masson for all their support and commitment over the years and of course ‘The Lovely June’ for her continued support and whom attends all his race meetings.