SNOHOMISH, Washington — While sitting atop the points standings for the chase to the ASA Northwest Late Model Tour’s 2009 championship is nice, three-time late model touring title holder, Gary Lewis, is looking for something more this weekend as the series heads to Yakima Speedway for the running of the Better-Haul Auto Transport 150 on the famed half-mile.
This season the approach has been on winning each race entered while not focusing on a points chase, but with Yakima Speedway’s Fall Classic just four weeks away the upcoming 150-lap race is more a test for the Classic itself then a chance to win a championship, Lewis said.
“The Fall Classic is a huge race that has slipped away from us twice now and we want to win that one badly. Everything about this weekend will determine the groundwork for the Classic and how our Sign Factory USA Chevrolet will respond.”
While attention to set-ups for the Fall Classic is of the highest priority this weekend, winning and closing in on a fourth touring championship will also be on Lewis’ mind, he added.
“Well we are obviously looking at both now but it will not change how I drive at all this weekend. This team has been thrashing for many weeks now and no matter how things turn out (for the championship) I am proud of my guys on the ARP Bodies pit crew. I know that we have done everything we can to be at our best each week.”
The full-court press for Yakima by the Nutter Racing Engines team is needed as the unique half-mile has been one of the biggest challenges over Lewis’ 15-year touring career.
“Yakima is just a very challenging track that usually offers some tough competition. With that being said the set-up on our Shocked By Mike Leary Racing Products Impala is so very crucial. I believe that the car is very balanced at this time and with some luck we should unload off the trailer with a good car that just needs some fine tuning,” Lewis said.
With two days of racing in store for the weekend Lewis does have concerns heading into the weekend, he noted. Getting the car to handle on an abrasive surface will be key with limited practice time.
“The more time you have (on the track) the better it is for sure. One problem with that for us is in the tire department as we will be practicing on the Roseburg tires we used during the 74-laps of main event racing we did down there. They will not last for two days of practice so hopefully we are close (on the initial set-up) and can work with what we have.”
With tire grip and the ability to last 150 laps a concern for the team, Lewis knows that patience and a good feel of the race car will be key for not only this weekend’s race but the upcoming Fall Classic, he added.
“The current tires we run on do not last very long at this track (because it’s so abrasive) so a balanced car and some smooth driving will be key in our success for this weekend and the Fall Classic.”
Racing at Yakima Speedway gets underway Saturday night with qualifying, trophy dashes and a race to determine starting positions for the Better-Haul Auto Transport 150. On Sunday night the track presents the 150-lap finale along with several local classes. To learn more log onto www.yakimaspeedway.us
For more information on Gary Lewis Racing LLC look the team up on Facebook or log onto www.garylewisracing.com
