PACE — Paul Patterson and his son, Paul David Patterson, work at Patterson’s Automotive five days a week. However, during mud racing season in East Milton, the father-son duo and many family members enjoy ‘Dirty South Racing.’
“I have always liked to drive fast,” said Paul David, a mechanic. “It’s just something different; not everyone can just hop in a truck and drive 80 miles per hour into a mud hole.”
Paul David describes participating in mud races as “controlled chaos.”
“You try to go as fast as you can without flipping over, or crashing into the bank or crashing into someone else,” he said. “It’s intense.”
Competing can also be expensive. During a race, the Pattersons’ truck blew its engine and the truck recently received axle damage. While these automotive failures can be costly, they can also cost time.
“It can cost thousands and thousands of dollars and work time because we don’t get someone to do the work, we do all of it ourselves,” Paul David said.
Patterson’s Automotive in Pace has offered automotive repair and towing services since 1982. The business has been a NAPA AutoCare Center since 1995. The local NAPA affiliate also sponsors the Pattersons’ race truck.
Through the AutoCare service, Patterson’s can get requested parts delivered to its location within the same day and ensure clients can get back on the road as soon as possible.
Paul said having a close relationship with customers is crucial for a small business.
“That is why independent (businesses) will pop up and, if they don’t treat the people right, they won’t stay in business,” Paul said.
As for the Pattersons’ costly hobby? The thrill is worth it, Paul David said.
“It’s something fun to do, the whole family comes out,” he said.
Paul David’s nephew, Trevor Patterson, regularly competes in the street stock. Paul David competes in the small block division. Both use the same truck for each event.
Paul Patterson, crew chief for the ‘Dirty South Racing,’ said the competition “gets under your blood.”
“You get frustrated like in any other sport,” he said. “If we weren’t doing that we would be fishing or something.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Family works, races together