BOTHELL, Wash. (December 24, 2002) – Gary Lewis, the 1998 Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, NASCAR Touring champion and 2002 runner-up, is preparing for Christmas like most of the country. When it comes to his plans for New Year’s Eve, that could be a bit different than most.
Lewis is part of a five-person group of motorsports stars that is traveling to Afghanistan for the remainder of 2002 to support the United States ARMY and our country’s dedicated men and women who are away from home this holiday season.
With all the proper documentation and passports arranged, Lewis will spend Christmas with his family before embarking on the ARMY sponsored trip.
“This is going to be a very special Christmas and New Year’s for me and my family. I’m very excited to be asked to participate in this trip,” Lewis said. “I’m grateful for the chance to go out and show our troops how much they mean to all of us back home and can’t wait to get there this weekend.”
Life on the road during a NASCAR Northwest Series season could mean an over night stay in a motel for Lewis and the Sign Factory USA racing team. On this trip he will be housed with the troops in their environment and be part of the effort during the holiday season to stimulate morale among the overseas-based personnel. The chance for a brief military experience appeals to the 32-year old Bothell, Wash. native.
“This will be a once in a lifetime chance to not only see a foreign country but, spend New Year’s Eve with the troops and see how they live and do their jobs each day they’re out there defending our country,” he said.
The adventure begins this Saturday early in the morning with a flight from Seattle to London, England. From there he and the rest of the group, which includes fellow NASCAR stars Geoff Bodine and Jerry Nadeau, NHRA star Tony Schumacher, and APBA driver Nigel Hook, will travel to the Middle East.
While in Afghanistan, the drivers will meet the troops, share meals, exercise, and share experiences with members of the ARMY. Lewis said as a huge supporter of the military, the experience will be as great as any race victory or championship he has accomplished.
“This is as big as any championship or victory,” he said. “These men and women put their lives on the line which is similar to being a race car driver. The difference is we can go home after a race. These people are a long way from their families and their homes and if we can bring some smiles to a few faces, the whole trip is worth every minute of the long travel schedule and the unique housing conditions.”
