Michael Lewis Returns To Winchester; Momentum On His Side
Michael Lewis Returns To Winchester; Momentum On His Side WINCHESTER, Ind. (10-14-05 ) - - After a dominating victory last weekend in Irwindale, California USAC superstar Michael Lewis returns to Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana looking to add another victory to his resume in Sunday’s Rich Vogler Classic. The last time the USAC tour invaded Winchester back in 2003, Michael Lewis was making his debut at the fast and tricky short track in only his second sprint car race of his career. He qualified 11th that day and made a lasting impression on the competitors, media and fans as he dashed his way through the field and captured victory. Lewis has spent the year competing in five different series all united in the USAC association. The Indiana-native has spent countless numbers of weekends competing in the National Midget Series, Western States Midget Series, National Sprint Car Series, Western States Sprint Car Series and the prestige Silver Crown Series. This weekend’s event falls into the Valvoline USAC National Sprint Car Series. The Silver Crown Series is compared to NASCAR’s NEXTEL Cup Series. “I’m really looking forward to Winchester this weekend,�?? explained Michael Lewis who will drive for owners Jeff Walker and Darryl Guiducci. “The last time I came here it was a nerve-racking weekend, but we went home with the trophy. It can’t get much better than that.�?? No pressure for Lewis to perform well this weekend, but don’t expect the 26-year old to fall for second. “We’re heading into the race Sunday with one goal on our mind, winning. Winchester is a very fast track, one of the fastest in the world in my opinion and I love it.�?? After scoring his sixth win of the season last weekend, Michael didn’t spend much time enjoying the fame as he hopped on a plane from California to North Carolina and began knocking on NASCAR team’s doors. “I went to North Carolina this week handing out resumes and talking to owners and crew members. It’ s no secret that I want to be here. I’m not getting any younger, and I know that I have the talent, I just need that right opportunity.�?? In a few weeks, Roush Racing’s prestige race for the “Gong Show�?? will air on the Discover Channel with Lewis as one of the beginning participants. “It was a shame that I didn’t make it into the top-five, but I thank Jack Roush and the entire Roush Racing staff for giving me a chance. That was an awesome opportunity and obviously what I’m doing in USAC is starting to trickle into the higher ranks,�?? added the Noblesville, Indiana native. Thursday, former USAC driver and fellow colleague of Lewis, Erin Crocker re-announced with car owner Ray Evernham that she will race a full NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule in addition to limited starts in the NASCAR Busch Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series next year. The team had announced a few weeks ago that Crocker would run for the Busch Series championship in 2006. “I think Erin is doing it right, and that’s what I want to do. I don’t want to head into NASCAR and get over my head and take that chance of setting back my career. Whether I latch into a team with ARCA or the NASCAR Truck or Busch Series it will be an opportunity to give nothing but 150%, the same goals I have here in the USAC Series.�?? As the 2005 year draws to a close, Michael Lewis has recorded stellar stats. In just 23 races, he captured three fast times, qualified 15 times in the top-five, hustled to six wins, an astounding eleven top-five finishes and an amazing 16 top-ten runs. Lewis also continues to lead the Earl’s fast qualifying award for the USAC National Midget Series. Following the season’s conclusion Lewis plans to regroup and plan ahead for the 2006 racing season. Michael Lewis would like to begin a winning and long-lasting career in the stock car industry. For more information on Michael Lewis please visit _http://www.michaellewisracing.com_ (http://www.michaellewisracing.com/) ### ATTACHMENT: 2005 Headshot, Michael Lewis DATE: October 14th, 2005 NAME: Chris Knight, Michael Lewis Racing PHONE: 734-674-9108 EMAIL: _Knight849@aol.com_ (mailto:Knight849@aol.com)