MARYSVILLE, Wa — -- Jason Fraser (Snohomish, WA) won his first ever American Speed Association Aero Exhaust Northwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment main on Saturday August 30 at Yakima Speedway. After four years of Tour racing and being so close it was a relieved Fraser standing on top of the podium. Gary Lewis’ (Snohomish, WA) strong season continued with a second place to add to his two wins. A career best came for long time NWT racer Rick Suran (Estacada, OR) with a well earned third. Eighteen of the Northwest’s best touring race cars took the green for the NAPA of Yakima & Selah 125.
After what seemed to be an eternity Fraser got that first tour win. Before the race what looked to be confident Fraser said when asked about how many second place finishes he has had at Yakima Speedway, “I have lost count but tonight will be the night I win.”
Fraser started third after fast qualifier Lewis drew for a six car invert. Pole sitter Travis Bennett (Ellensburg, WA) led the first 34-laps. After an unbelievable four wide move on the outside into turn one of the fabled .500-mile oval Shelby Thompson (Spokane, WA) took over as the race leader. Thompson held the lead until lap 83. At that point race winner Fraser was able move by Thompson who had run into tire problems. Fraser led the remainder of the 125-lap main.
Lewis tried to match Fraser’s speed but with his car not responding due to handling troubles struggled to second place. Lewis continued making trips to the podium in the 2008 season. In four ASANWT starts Lewis has 2-wins and 1-second. Overall in 2008 Lewis has been awesome with 6-wins, 2-seconds in 9 starts around the northwest.
Drivers have been heard to say that once Fraser breaks the barrier he will be a regular visitor on the top step of the podium. In the post race interview Fraser stated, “I knew it would come but when has been so close. I can not thank my crew enough for giving me such a great car.” Continuing Fraser said, “When you beat Gary Lewis you know it is special night.” Fraser now heads to the ASANWT’s next stop on September 20 at his home track Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA.
Next up for the American Speed Association Aero Exhaust Northwest Tour presented ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment will be the season championship race on Saturday September 20, 2008 at Evergreen Speedway’s Big Track Championship on the .667-mile oval. Included with the ASANWT will be the local Speedway Chevrolet Super Stock Championship race.
