LEWIS RETURNS TO THE SCENE

Source: BH Burck/ThorGroup
Date: 05/07/2003

BOTHELL, Washington -- Gary Lewis first started his racing career officially at the age of 16 years old. Unofficially, he was getting ready one year earlier by building his own car. The racing community soon learned that Lewis would be one to recon with in the future. By not only attaining rookie of the year, but by also winning the NASCAR Bomber Division Championship at Evergreen Speedway in his rookie season.

Lewis states, “Those were some of the best and toughest years of my life in regards to racing. Going to High school and working a full time job after school till midnight to support my racing bug. Some of the guy’s I was banging doors with back then I still race with now.”

Six years later Lewis would attain his second Championship. The NASCAR Super Stock Division seemed to be some success starting for Gary. With this Championship and the experiences that he had gained, Gary set his eyes on a bigger goal.

“After taking home the trophy in 1992 we felt we were ready for that next step. I believe you should succeed at each level before you move up. The following year we set are eyes on the Elite NASCAR Touring Series as are next goal.”

Then in 1998, the time came for him to win his third NASCAR Division Championship. The Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, NASCAR Touring Division. The Championship came his way by winning 6 races and dominating the field. Since 1997 he has amassed 1 Championship, 3 Second’s and a Fourth in the standings. He is third all time in wins with 24.

In 1999, Lewis had received the opportunity of a lifetime. Both Roush and Rensi Racing came calling his name. Testing back east, Gary was second only to Kurt Busch for the Exide Craftsman Truck Series. He also had a verbal 5year agreement with Rensi’s BGN team until the team had some changes.

Now, the Series has come back to Evergreen’s 3/8th’s oval. The first time in 13 years that they have ran the 3/8th’s oval. Lewis is finding himself at the place where he started his successful racing career, where he has 2 Division Championships.

“I’m very excited to come back and race on my old turf. After doing some testing on an open practice day we realized that things are not the same, it really is old turf. I like tracks like this however, it’s more of a driver’s track then a money and HP deal. Plus I always love to come back and put on a good show at my home track.”

Look for the Sign Factory USA/ Nutter Racing Engine Pontiac compete for his 25th Raybestos Brakes NW Series win. This race is going to be televised on FOX SPORTS NET on May 19th and 26th, check your local listing for the time.

See Also .:

• Evergreen Speedway Track Page

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