In this the second part of a Q&A with NASCAR/ASA Champion, Gary Lewis' parents, we ask Mom, Leslie, about her upcoming trip to South Africa and the race at Phakisa Circuit.
RacingWest: Where did you meet your husband, Ralph?
Leslie Lewis: Surprise ...surprise...I met Ralph at Evergreen Speedway. I actually was with a date and after the race went down and met him. My brother worked on his team and they also worked together. He was interested in me right away and asked my brother for my number. We were married less than 2 months later....35 years ago!
RW: Were you involved in racing before you met Ralph?
LL:No...and my advice to any wife and to Gary's girlfriends have always remained the same...."You have 2 choices....get with the program or hit the road". You give up a lot but the gain is well worth it.
RW: When did you first know Gary could drive and drive well?
LL: His first bomber race at the age of 16... he won the championship that first year. He immediately got the reputation of being fast and smooth....like on a rail. He could put the car anywhere he wanted it.
RW: What first went through your mind when you heard you were going to Africa?
LL: Total excitement! The team has consistently worked hard over the years and this was just one more thing they deserved and well earned.
RW: As a mother what has been the most difficult part of being a part of a racing family? Any advice to mothers that are new to having a son or daughter in the sport?
LL: LOL... the toughest part is planning the food for the weekend for the entire team. Otherwise I'd say to stand back and be proud of them. It's always been difficult for me to remain silent.... those that know me will laugh and know they're going to get an honest earful if I was to unload but Gary is very stern with us and that is not allowed. He does not like confrontation of any sort, therefore we not allowed either.
RW: And as a mother what is the most rewarding part of being part of a racing family?
LL: I have a son that not only is an excellent, top of the line driver but one that can connect with the crowd and the little kids. I've seen him jump on the kids bus at Wenatchee and ride around the track with them. More times than not he's down on his knees at their level talking with these kids and signing autographs or walking the fence waving to these kids. It means so much to these kids but then you see the parents and they are beaming and thanking you over and over for your time.... that's how you get fans for life..... along with driving clean and being respectful to the other teams. The door to door racing on the outside tends to spark some excitement also!!!
RW: Will you be doing any extra site-seeing in Africa?
LL: Yes... we're going to Cape Town for several days.
RW: What is the one part of the trip, besides the race that you are most excited about?
LL: Well certainly not the 24-36 hour flight or the 2 hour bus drive to the track! I guess it'd be the beaches at Cape Town and the hustle/bustle of the vendors.Just being in Africa ...a country that you just could never imagine yourself going to....so far away and so different.
