1998 Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series Champion, Gary Lewis, Will Appear At Local Car Show

Popular Northwest Event to Once Again Benefit Local Boys & Girls Clubs

By Rena Corwin, Gary Lewis Racing Enterprises

LaConner, Wash. (May 15, 2002) Whiskers Cafe and Racing Collectibles is hosting its 3rd Annual Chevrolet Camaro Show in LaConner, Wash., this Sunday, May 19th. The annual event has grown in popularity each year as the owners of Whiskers Cafe and Racing Collectibles, Brian and Cynthia Dean, do their best to create a fun environment in their small tourist community while raising much needed funds for the local Boys & Girls Clubs.

 above: Gary Lewis at Tri-City Raceway

“We really love for people to have an opportunity to come down and experience the beautiful waterfront shops, enjoy some good food and have fun either marveling at all of the amazing and unique cars or bringing one down themselves to share with the rest of us” Brian said.

This year the show will include Chevrolet Cruisers, bringing the number of awards up for grabs to an outstanding 37 trophies. Last year more than 50 Camaros representing 4 generations competed in either modified or stock categories- with the most popular years represented being the 1967 – 1972 era. In addition to 1st or 2nd Place in each Camaro category, trophies will also be awarded for the other nostalgic Chevrolet models, such as the Best Corvette, Chevelle, Nova, Wagon, Pick-Up, etc. Honorable Mentions and the coveted over-all “People’s Choice- Best in Show” trophy will also be presented- the latter being voted on by the public visiting throughout the show.

In 2001, over 1,000 spectators attended the event. This year that number is expected to increase dramatically with cooperative weather. Each person in attendance can enjoy a 10% discount on their meals purchased at Whisker’s Café, as well as other discounts and benefits from other participating merchants, most notably Whisker’s adjoining Racing Collectibles shop. Racing memorabilia and collectibles ranging from NASCAR to other forms of can be found in the store.

While browsing for items featuring your favorite driver or race car, those in attendance will have the chance to meet one of the Northwest’s top NASCAR drivers in person, 1998 Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series champion, Gary Lewis.

Lewis will be on hand along with one of his touring division race cars to sign autographs and meet with fans of all ages. Children will have the opportunity to actually sit in Lewis’s car and fans can enjoy photo opportunities while getting a chance to ask questions and chat one-on-one with a Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, NASCAR Touring multi-record holder.

Behind the wheel of a NASCAR touring machine since 1993, Lewis has climbed to third on the career victory list in the 18-year old Northwest Series. He also ranks in the top-5 in career Bud Pole Awards and has won the Gatorade Front Runner Award three of the last four years. The award is given to a driver who leads the most laps at Northwest Series events during a season.

Other surprises are also in store for those that attend, including specialty hotrod appearances, prizes and one-of-a-kind raffle items, including autographed collectibles. As if all of this wasn’t enough to make any car enthusiast smile, the key here is that proceeds benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs. All of the raffle ticket sales, car entry fees and independent donations will be collected and distributed to the Boys & Girls Clubs- where it just might help a child today follow his or her dream to be a race car driver of the future.

This year’s event is expected to double in size with anywhere from 50 to 100 cars in attendance with fair weather. Parties interested in showing/competing their cars should pre-register. Space will still be available on Sunday, to be filled on a first come, first serve basis up to a maximum of 150 cars.

Specialty cars or hotrods that will arrive via trailer must make advance arrangements due to space limitations. Entrants can roll in from 8:00am to 9:00am, judging will be conducted from approximately 10:00am to 2:00pm and trophies will be awarded by 3:00pm. The show will go on RAIN OR SHINE.

For more information, pre-entry and trailer arrangements, contact Brian Dean toll free at 1-888-887-8652. You can also visit www.ksmenterprises.com online.

Whisker’s Café and Racing Collectibles is located at 128 First Street -Pier 7- on the water in LaConner, Washington.