One of the things that makes North American Stock Car Racing such a great sport has always been the involvement of friends and family. And in that respect Gary Lewis Racing is certainly no different, it has always been a family affair. When Gary Lewis was invited by the American Speed Association to participate in the Inaugural ASA Transcontinental Series, it is no surprise that Ralph and Leslie Lewis were invited to come along, after all they are more than just his parents, they are part of the team.
"I'm proud to be going and having our team represent the NW."— Ralph Lewis
So here now is the first of a two-part interview with Ralph and Leslie Lewis. We will start off with the Mister.
RacingWest: Ralph, I believe you yourself were quite a racer in your day, what is your racing history?
Ralph Lewis: I began racing Figure 8 at Evergreen Speedway, Monroe (Wash.) in 1969. Eventually the Super Stock Figure Eights moved up to the 3/8th oval...from there it just continued the spiral upwards. In 1986 Gary started racing in the Bombers while I ran the SS oval. In 1990 I was in the middle of some major rental upgrades so Gary offered to share the work and driving of the SS. That was the beginning of the end for my driving and becoming the owner/crew chief. In 1991 Gary took over driving 100%.
RL: There was never any doubt about his skills. He became the top driver immediately and was winning consistently.
RW: You guys are always a threat at any track and in any series, yet it seems you do it all on a conservative budget. Do you have any advice for other fathers that would like to get their son or daughter started in racing?
RL: You need to know your car... the set up....listen to other people that have had success. Go with a basic set up and tweak it from there. With our budget Gary has not always had fresh practice tires so he's really setting up for the finish. You need to be smooth and conservative. The driver needs to know the other drivers style... their limits...and work them from there. You cannot drive the car behind you or directly in front...you always need to look ahead.
RW: Hear that Gary will be going to Phakisa and you will be joining him as part of the team. What did you think when you first heard you were going to Africa?
RL: It's exciting and I'm proud to be going and having our team represent the NW.
RW: Hear it is a pretty long trip. What do you plan to do on the plane to keep the bones from getting stiff and the mind from going crazy?
RL: The trip/flight will be grueling for sure. I'm laid back so it shouldn't bother me much. Leslie, however will be the one suffering from anxiety and going crazy sitting that long. She'd probably like to be weaving a rug or something but obviously can't do that on the flight.
RW: How do you expect the team to do in the race?
RL: We are going with our normal plan.... to win. Gary goes focused on winning at every track we attend and this will be no different. The crew works together well...although this will be a whole new playing field with this not being our car but we're confident that our guys will blend together with the owners team just perfect. We always tell the guys to take it slower and do it right the first time. They'll remain focused and we'll do just fine.
RW: Any concerns for safety?
RL: Gary was concerned about some lack of safety walls at the track but has spoken with Dennis Huth about that and hopefully it will be corrected. There is always danger anywhere you race. I'm confident with Gary's ability ...concerned with the unknown however.
RW: What other crew members will be going?
RL: Chuck Pickens, our spotter and tire technician; Jeremiah Moore, our head man in charge of the team management positions, and Mark Jenkins...our can-do -everything man. There will be other team members of the owners also.....plus all the wives are attending!!!
RW: Will we be seeing a familiar 70 something on the car? And any sponsor onboard?
RL: You'll see a white car with a familiar bright orange 73 on the doors/roof and LEWIS on the rocker panels. There is a sponsor that we'll know about at the track.
RW: What is the one thing besides the race that you are most looking forward to in Africa?
RL: Seeing the country.
RW: Will you be doing any extra sight seeing in Africa?
RL: Yes ...we're going into Capetown for a few days.
RW: What is the one part of the trip, besides the race that you are most excited about?
RL: The whole adventure will be different and new...and sharing it with the family and team will leave a lifetime of memories.
