LEWIS USES TOP-5 FINISHES TO CLIMB BACK INTO POINTS CHASE

Bothell, Wa (July 18, 2002) - Consistency has been the name of the game for Gary Lewis and The Sign Factory USA Pontiac. Lewis has quietly moved into 3rd place on the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, NASCAR Touring division. Just a few weeks ago, Lewis was in a disappointing 12th place after 3 races.

The Bothell, Wash. native opened the year with a 2nd place finish in the Big 'O' Tires 125 followed by two unfortunate weeks of bad luck.

Lewis has come back blazing. Since the back-to-back disappointing outcomes, The Sign Factory USA team has amassed four top-5 finishes, including three straight top-3 runs. The last two races have seen Lewis potentially 1 lap from winning both outings.

When asked about his success, Lewis said "We have a great team, good car set-ups, and have figured out the new compound on the Goodyear's for each track."

Now in a tie for third place and only 119 points from first, Lewis is making his run for the top of the standings as the series heads to Yakima Speedway and the running of the Frank's Chevrolet 125.

Lewis has three second place finishes, one third and a fourth place run to account for five top-5 finishes this season. Although he has not been in 'Victory Circle' yet, he has put himself in a position to challenge for a second series championship.

"The difference between winning and losing is being consistent, and with a little luck our parts will stay together, and will give us a win," Lewis said.

With a great pit crew and good car set-ups, Lewis is proving that his season is back on track and win is just around the next left turn.

Looking back to the 2000 Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series season points battle, Lewis was in a similar position as this season before he dominated the second half of that year with wins in five of six races. He finished in second place just one point behind champion Garrett Evans.

"We are looking for more top 5's and a couple of wins, along with some help from other drivers to have an off race or two (to capture a championship)," Lewis said.

This should be an exciting second half of the season with three past champions in the top-4 slots in the points standings. Look for Gary to be consistent the rest of the season. Who knows, maybe we'll see another barn blazing finish from The Sign Factory USA/Sandblasters Pontiac team in 2002.

View The Northwest Series On NASCAR.com With Results - Standings & Driver Profiles