The 28-year-old driver made his mark racing go-karts at age 14, winning a regional championship in his home country of Brazil. Paludo then headed to the national ranks, racing Renault Clios in 2006, earning two podium finishes. He found further success in the Porsche GT3 Championship Series earning three wins, two poles and 11 top-three finishes in 2008, winning the series championship that year as well as in 2009.
Paludo made the transcontinental move to the stock car ranks in 2010, making nine K&N Pro Series East starts before jumping to the NCWTS in August of that year. Paludo made a statement in his first start, notching an impressive ninth-place finish at the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway.
Paludo joins a stable of drivers including James Buescher and Nelson Piquet, Jr. who will contend for the 2012 NCWTS championship.
“I’m really excited to join Turner Motorsports next season,” said Paludo. “I’m grateful to Mr. [Steve] Turner for the opportunity he has given me to drive for the team and I’m looking forward to a strong season in 2012. I’m also thrilled to have some really strong teammates and I’m excited to see what we can do to make next season a good one for Turner Motorsports as we make a run for the championship.”
In adding Paludo to the already strong line-up of talent, team owner Steve Turner is affirming his commitment to giving young drivers a strong platform on which to build their careers.
“Miguel [Paludo] adds another dimension to our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series lineup,” Turner said. “He has shown a significant amount of potential and is committed to making his mark in the NASCAR ranks. He is a proven champion winning titles in multiple disciplines. I am looking forward to a very competitive 2012 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season and watching all of our entries run up front.”
About Turner Motorsports:
Turner Motorsports, LLC, established in 1999, has completed its sophomore season of NASCAR competition. Owned by Texas businessman Steve Turner, the organization expanded in 2011 from a two-truck operation in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) to become the largest stand-alone multi-series team in NASCAR’s top-tier touring series. Turner Motorsports operates out of an 110,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility in Mooresville, N.C. The Chevrolet-backed team has created alliances with General Motors’ powerhouse teams Hendrick Motorsports, which provides engine support for both its NNS and NCWTS programs, and Earnhardt Technology Group for drive train and suspension technology assistance. Turner Motorsports’ marketing partners include Great Clips, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Monster Energy, BRANDT, Exide, AccuDoc Solutions, Wolfpack Rentals, Fraternal Order of Eagles and ABF Freight. For more information on Turner Motorsports, visit www.turnermotorsportsllc.com.
- Turner Motorsports Press Release
