With Third Consecutive Win In As Many Races

Lewis Eyes NW Series Championship

LEWIS IN THE HUNT FOR  NORTHWEST SERIES, NASCAR TOURING 2002 CHAMPIONSHIP

by: Brian Burck

Bothell, Wash. (August 23, 2002) - Gary Lewis has become the hottest driver on the west coast after his 3rd win in as many races on the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series, NASCAR Touring. In the last 5 races Lewis has 2 seconds, and 3 wins including the series most recent event, the Coors Light 125 held in Kalispell, Mont.

above: Lewis leads Joe Benedetti and Chris Hart in route to a victory at South Sound Speedway

(photo courtesy of  NASCAR)

No driver on the Northwest or the Featherlite Southwest Series has had this kind of success during the 2002 season since defending Northwest series champion, Kevin Hamlin, won four of the first five races of the 2002 season.

"We have put together a fast car by going back to the basics, hard work, team work and finding just the right set up that meshes well with the Goodyear tires," Lewis said of his recent success.

Opening day for the 2002 season was a sign of things to come. Lewis dominated the race only to finish a close 2nd behind eventual race winner Hamlin. Two hard luck races followed with an accident while racing for third place in Tenino, Wash. and a wiring problem at Tri-Cities Raceway resulted in DNF's.

Lewis has bounced back, blazing a path towards the front of the points battle as he attempts to win his second season championship. With 3 wins, 2 seconds, a third and a fourth since the DNF's, he has put the pressure on Hamlin for the title. Hamlin's points lead has dwindled to only 64 points heading into the Tri-City 125 on September 1 at Tri-Cities Raceway.

above: Gary Lewis during driver introductions at Kalispell Raceway Park - Montana

(photo courtesy of  NASCAR)

Ironically Lewis seems to have a favorite number that breeds him success. In the 2000 season he won the last 5 out of 6 races just to fall short of the championship by 1 point to Garrett Evans. In 1998 Lewis won the series with a total of six victories, the same as in 2000 chase for the title.

It seems like six is the magic number for Lewis. With only 4 races left he must win 3 of those to equal this magical number. The question is; will he do it?

"It's definitely possible with a little luck and lots of hard work, but I guarantees it will be an exciting run for the title. It will take just the right circumstances on everyone's part and a whole lot hard racing," said the driver of the No. 73 Sign Factory USA Pontiac.

With Lewis' success this year, he is opening some eyes in the community and throughout the United States.

Local and national businesses have taken notice and are showing interest in working alongside Nutter Racing Engines, Sandblasters, and The Sign Factory the for the 2003 season. Excitement is the name of the game as the Raybestos Brakes Northwest Series heads into the last four races of its current season with a championship on the line between Hamlin and Lewis.

September gets underway with the running of the Tri-City 125 on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. For ticket information call (509) 967-9271.

View the Northwest Series on NASCAR.com with Results - Standings & Driver Profiles