In less than three seasons behind the wheel of the Anderson family Top Alcohol Funny Car, Paul Anderson has garnered quite a few accolades. He has been named the 2006 Division 5 Rookie of the Year, scored his first win that season, and followed it up with a sophomore campaign that included Anderson becoming the youngest Top Alcohol Funny Car champion in Division 5 history as he reached four Lucas Oil event finals.

To Anderson, those are just steps toward where he wants to be. This weekend in Chicago, he will take another huge stride into the drag-racing spotlight when he will wheel his Dodge Charger as the Division 5 representative in the invitation-only Jeg’s Allstars event. In less than three seasons behind the wheel of the Anderson family Top Alcohol Funny Car, Paul Anderson has garnered quite a few accolades. He has been named the 2006 Division 5 Rookie of the Year, scored his first win that season, and followed it up with a sophomore campaign that included Anderson becoming the youngest Top Alcohol Funny Car champion in Division 5 history as he reached four Lucas Oil event finals.

To Anderson, those are just steps toward where he wants to be. This weekend in Chicago, he will take another huge stride into the drag-racing spotlight when he will wheel his Dodge Charger as the Division 5 representative in the invitation-only Jeg’s Allstars event.

“This is the best of the best when you line up for the Jeg’s Allstars,” said the 23-year-old Anderson. “These are the top drivers in the sport at all levels and to say that you are part that exclusive fraternity is just awe inspiring. This type of stage every single driver is out to prove they are the best Top Alcohol Funny Car has to offer. My plan is to take as much advantage of this opportunity and let everyone know we are to be reckoned with.”

Anderson, who currently sits sixth in the Lucas Oil points, might not be looked in the same light as the likes of Frank Manzo, Jay Payne, Mick Snyder, Steve Harker, Brian Hough, and Doug Gordon, all who have tasted victory on the national level or one step higher championships, but that is some of his motivation.

“Throughout my career in everything I’ve done, I always said to be one of the best you have to compete at their level,” said Anderson, who won six track champions during his tenure behind the wheel of a Jr. Dragster. “This is my opportunity to do that. You don’t get a better cast of racers than this and if you can come away with the trophy, everyone will remember you.”

Not only will this be Anderson’s first Allstars trip, but the initial time to Route 66 Raceway and its notorious fast track. “In the past, you always see some of the best numbers from this track and it makes you step back and wonder if you can run those numbers,” he said. “We know we can run in the low 5.6s, but our goal is to turn in some 5.5 runs, and if we do that, I know we can come away with either the Allstars or national event trophy, or better yet both.”