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PHOENIX, AZ (January 18, 2006) - -Noblesville, Indiana’s Michael Lewis arrived in Phoenix International Raceway last weekend as one of the pre-race favorites for the 29^th Annual “Copper World Classic” and for good reason: he’s a previous champion of the event.   Back in 2001, Lewis hailed to victory in one of the most competitive “Copper World Classics” on record; he was looking to recapture that crown last Sunday.

Early in the weekend, Michael proved to the entire United States Auto Club why he was a threat for the event after setting the fast time during practice.  “I’m really happy with the way the car is handling,” Michael Lewis, who pilots the No. 40 for Western Speed Racing.  “We have a great setup underneath the car and I think we have a definite shot at the pole.”

The team opted not to make any adjustments to their machine heading into time trials, as they were confident they had enough for the pole position.  In qualifying, Lewis turned a lap of 26.605 seconds good enough for third place behind fellow competitors and friends Dave Steele and Bobby East.  “I think not making any adjustments really hurt us,” explained Michael following the session.  “Both Dave and Bobby picked up during their qualifying runs and that pretty much halted our efforts for a pole.  Still, I am happy with where we qualified, and we’ll just have to go out there and try to win the event.”

After taking the green flag, Lewis quickly began his battle towards the lead.  But, both Steele and East weren’t going to give Michael an inch, keeping him at bay in third for most of the 25-lap feature. 

On lap 14, while leading Bobby East had a severe mechanical failure which sent his machine hard into the wall between turns three and four.  With East’s misfortunate Michael climbed to second.

On the restart, Michael tried to maneuver his way past Florida ’s Dave Steele, but even a couple of late race opportunities wouldn’t be enough with Michael crossing the line second behind Steele.  “The handling was a little off, but I just really didn’t have anything for Dave.  He was good. Congratulations to him on the victory.  I guess if we couldn’t win the thing, a second place isn’t that bad.  I want to thank my Western Speed Racing team for their hard efforts this weekend; we’ve started our season off in the right direction.”

Michael’s teammate Billy Wease finished sixth in his No. 80 Western Speed Racing machine after starting alongside Michael thanks to a solid fourth place qualifying effort.

Western Speed Racing, Performance Trailers, Go Fast Sports, Red Line Oil, Team ASE, Hoosier Tire, Esslinger Engineering, ASA Speed Truck Challenge, and Loy Loy Restaurant all served as sponsors on Lewis’s No. 40 last weekend.  “We had a good finish for our sponsors, and that’s important,” continued Lewis.  “I’m sorry we couldn’t get them into victory lane on Sunday, but to start off the season on the right foot is what leads to more victories and eventually wins championships, we’ll be in victory lane plenty this season, I have a good feeling about it.”

Exiting Phoenix International Raceway, Michael Lewis stands second overall in both USAC National Midget Car Series Standings and USAC Western Midget Car Series Standings just a mere five markers from leader Dave Steele.  “It’s really early in the season, but this was one of my best finishes in the Copper World Classic since 2001, so I think I’m ahead of the game heading into the next race,” he said.

The National Midget Car Series is idle until May while the Western Midget Car Series resumes March 25 at the Bakersfield ( California ) Speedway .

Currently, Lewis plans to stay put in the USAC ranks while continuing to see if other racing opportunities fall in place.  I would like to go back into the NASCAR Busch Series or join the ARCA RE/MAX Series this season,” added Lewis.  But, I don’t have anything definite plans in the future, just people trying to help me get there.  My main focus right now is here in the USAC series with Western Speed Racing, if something else develops we’ll worry about it then. I have a job to do and that’s what I plan on doing.”

PHOENIX, AZ (January 18, 2006) - -As the United States Auto Club heads to Phoenix International Raceway this weekend, Michael Lewis is preparing himself to start the 2006 season off with a victory in Sunday’s 29^th annual “Copper World Classic.”  The event also features the USAC Silver Crown Championship Series, plus NASCAR Autolite Elite Division SW Series and NASCAR Grand National Division West Series competition.

Lewis, hailing from Noblesville , Indiana is no stranger to victory lane in the event as the Western Speed Racing driver eased his way to triumph back in 2001.  “I’m really looking forward to this weekend,” said Michael.  “We had a pretty good year in 2005 but there’s always room for improvement.  Another win in this event on Sunday would be a great way to officially start the racing season.”

Indeed, the 2003 USAC Western States Sprint Car Champion has an incredible 2005 season.  In just 28 races, he captured three fast times, qualified 16 times in the top-five, hustled to six wins, an astounding eleven top-five finishes and capturing 20 top-ten runs. Lewis also captured the Earl’s fast qualifying award for the season in the USAC National Midget Series.  “When you really look at the stats, it looks good, but I’m a winner and a champion. I’ve proved that.  We had a lot of wins sneak away from us last year, I’ve got a good team behind me and we’re looking for no mercy this season.

Western Speed Racing, Performance Trailers, Team ASE, Hoosier Tire, Esslinger Engineering, ASA Speed Truck Challenge, and Loy Loy Restaurant, and will all serve as sponsors on Lewis’s No. 40 this weekend.  “It’s great that a lot of our sponsors from last year are back,” continued Lewis.  “Again, our focus is winning this event and I know it would be huge for all our sponsors if they saw us start the season in victory lane.”

As for the Phoenix International Raceway (PIR), Lewis is a fan of the track.  “The racing at Phoenix is great.  There’s a lot of room to pass, it’s wide and tight at the same time.  It’s one of the best tracks I think we race on and I’m looking forward to getting on the track this weekend.”

Following Phoenix ’s event, Lewis plans to stay put in the USAC ranks while continuing to see if other racing opportunities fall in place.  I would like to go back into the NASCAR Busch Series or ARCA RE/MAX Series this season,” added Lewis.  But, I don’t have anything definite plans in the future, just people trying to help me get there.  My main focus right now is here in the USAC series with Western Speed Racing, if something else develops we’ll worry about it then. I have a job to do and that’s what I plan on doing.”

IRWINDALE, Ca (November 28, 2005) - - Handling woes weren’t going to stop United States Auto Club (USAC) ace Michael Lewis from trying to achieve fame at Irwindale Speedway in this past Thursday’s  65^th annual Turkey Night Grand Prix.

Michael rolled into the California track as one of the pre-race favorites for the prestigious event.  As a former winner of both the midget and sprint car series events, Lewis was aiming to add more victories to his already impressive resume.

The night seemed to be starting off well for Michael in the USAC Western Sprint Car Series after qualifying an impressive but not surprising third with a fast time of 16.935 seconds.   “I’m looking forward to the race,” said Michael following time trials.  During the race, Lewis contended for the race lead, but the handling on his No. 40 faded, leaving Michael with an eighth place finish in the 40 lap event. 

“Well, that wasn’t the finish I wanted, but we’ll take it,” said the Noblesville, Indiana native.  “The car was good at the start, but we just couldn’t get the car to work the way I needed to.  However, to finish in the top-ten isn’t all that bad, we’ll take it.  Congrats to Dave Steele (one of Lewis’s USAC colleagues) on winning the event, he was good.”

With the Sprint car race in the rear view mirror, focused shifted to concentrating on the main event, the midget series.  Lewis struggled with the handling of his No. 40 in qualifying leaving him starting the feature from 20^th after turning a lap of 17.548 seconds.  Pole sitter and NASCAR Busch Series driver Jason Leffler turned a fast lap of 17.160.  Michael raced hard in the second last chance race finishing third, awarding him a berth for the main attraction.

“Well, I used the last chance race as a race run for the feature,” explained Michael.  “I have to come from the back to have a good finish, and that’s our goal.”  

Starting 20^th was no joke for Michael and he wasn’t going to finish there.  A quick start for Lewis propelled him towards the front of the field.  Despite having another ill-handling racecar, Michael did the best he could with the circumstances racing clean and competitive and turning quick lap times.”   Laps go quickly at the fame-Irwindale Speedway so by the time Michael had broke into the top-ten the race was nearing conclusion.  While Jason Leffler struck triumph, Lewis earned a well-earned tenth.

However, following the race USAC officials disqualified Kyle Nicholas who originally finished seventh, placing him back to 22^nd, which moved Lewis from tenth to ninth in the final rundown.

“Well we finished in the top-ten, that’s a good thing,” said Lewis.  “I really hate it for my team, and owner Rick Gerhardt, I wanted to win this thing for them, but again I just couldn’t get the car working the way I needed to, it’s a shame, I really would have liked to won this race.  There’s always next year.”

Western Speed Racing, Wirtgen Group America , Hoosier Tire and Esslinger Engineering will all served as sponsors on Lewis’s No. 40 in both series Thursday night.  “Thanks to all of our sponsors,” he continued.  Without them we wouldn’t be here and while we would have liked to won the races, we walked out of here with the cars in one piece and two-top ten finishes.”

Michael wasn’t the only Lewis clan racing this weekend as Michael’s younger brother Billy was participating in the Ford Focus event, the prelude to the sprint and midget event.  The week had already started off on a downfall for the young gun as his trailer; racecar, equipment and clothing were stolen from their hotel in Las Vegas , Nevada earlier in the week. 

Quickly, another racecar was put together for Billy allowing him to participate in the event. Billy qualified 24^th for the feature after posting a time of 14.869 seconds.  The younger Lewis also had to compete in the qualifying race where he excelled and posted a very stout fifth place finish.  After taking the green flag for the event, Lewis battled his way towards the front before overheating engines became an issue forcing Billy to park his machine for the night and finishing shotgun on the field, 26^th.

“I am really proud of Billy,” said Michael who watched his brother from pit road.  “Considering what he went through this week, he won this event.  I am really proud of him for everything he did in just a short time and I know that we’re going to be battling it out on the track for the win in a very short time.”

As the 2005 year draws to a close, Michael Lewis has recorded stellar stats.  In just 26 races, he captured three fast times, qualified 16 times in the top-five, hustled to six wins, an astounding eleven top-five finishes and an amazing 18 top-ten runs.   Lewis also continues to lead the Earl’s fast qualifying award for the USAC National Midget Series.

Following next weekend’s race, the first annual MOPAR-PRI Sprint & Midget Classic at Orlando Speedway, Michael will head to Covington , Kentucky on December 10^th where he has been invited as a guest to attend the 53^rd annual ARCA RE/MAX Series banquet.  “I’m really excited about heading to the banquet.  It will be a chance to meet some people, and see up close what the series is all about.  We’re working on some opportunities that could have me racing in a few ARCA events in 2006,” Lewis said.

At 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 while continuing to race in the USAC ranks.

IRWINDALE, Cal  (Wednesday, November 23, 2005) - - USAC ace Michael Lewis is familiar with victory lane at the famed Irwindale Speedway and as the United States Auto Club tour heads to the track this week, Lewis is one of the pre-race favorites for one of the most prestigious events on the 2005 schedule, the 65^th annual Turkey Night Grand Prix.

Michael aims to add more first-place finishes to his resume in this event, as the Noblesville, Indiana native has three prior victories on this Thanksgiving night tradition, one in the midget event, while gobbling up two wins in the sprint car race.  This year, Lewis will have two chances to score triumph as he’ll compete in the midget series, the main feature and the sprint car event, the prelude to the main attraction, which Michael thunders in as the defending champion.

“I’m really looking forward to Thursday night,” said a calm Michael Lewis Tuesday evening.  “I’ve won these events before, I’m looking to go back and do the same.  This is a big weekend, not only for me, but my team and family as well.”  

There’s another reason why a victory would mean more to Lewis. Michael’s car owner Rick Gerhardt’s father, Fred won the same event fifty years ago Thursday.  “Winning on the night that Rick’s father won the same event would be something I don’t think anyone would ever forget. It would be huge. Rick has done a lot for me and my career and it would be a special way of giving an extra thanks,” explained Lewis who has been competing in this event since 1999.

Western Speed Racing, Wirtgen Group America , Hoosier Tire and Esslinger Engineering will all serve as sponsors on Lewis’s No. 40 in both series.  “Before we turn all of our attention toward the races, I just want to thank all of our sponsors for their support.  We have our goals set high, but I know we can achieve them. We just need a little luck and the wins are ours.”

Before Michael climbs into his cockpit, he’ll cheer on his younger brother Billy who will compete in the Ford Focus Series event, the first event of the night.  The week has already started off on a downfall for the young gun as his trailer; racecar, equipment and clothing were stolen from their hotel in Las Vegas , Nevada earlier this week. 

Quickly learning of the tragedy, big brother Michael stepped up to the plate and begun hunting another vehicle for Billy to pilot.  Luckily they found one and have spent a majority of the week getting it ready for racing conditions.

“It’s a real shame what happened to Billy,” Michael spoke dejectedly. “I mean, my family and my brother worked hard preparing his car and to have it taken right from underneath them is just disgusting.  We haven’t had any luck retrieving anything but we were able to get Billy another car and he’ll go racing on Thursday night and do his best.  I am really proud of his accomplishments already and maybe we can have a Lewis-family sweep. That would be cool.”

As the 2005 year draws to a close, Michael Lewis has recorded stellar stats.  In just 24 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 this weekend, Michael will head to Covington , Kentucky in early December where he has been invited as a guest to attend the 53^rd annual ARCA RE/MAX Series banquet.  “I’m really excited about heading to the banquet.  It will be a chance to meet some people, and see up close what the series is all about.  We’re working on some opportunities that could have me racing in a few ARCA events in 2006,” Lewis said.

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 while continuing to race in the USAC ranks.

Michael Lewis puts broom to Irwindale...

Michael Lewis Heads to Irwindale Looking For Another Victory...

IRWINDALE, Ca (10-07-05) - - USAC superstar Michael Lewis continues his busy schedule this weekend with another trip and another race at the famed Irwindale Speedway. Lewis is no stranger to the famed track after setting records, launching results and scoring brilliant victories. 

 This Saturday, October 8^th Lewis, who hopes to follow former USAC competitors Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Erin Crocker into the NASCAR world will look to have everyone looking at him and add a sixth victory to his 2005 platter.

“It would be nice to come out of here with a win,” said Lewis, who has one stock car race to his credit driving for Richard Childress Racing at Memphis Motorsports Park in 2003.  “This is a big race and should be very competitive; we’re looking forward to putting our machine upfront and staying there.”

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 Western States Sprint Car Series.

The Silver Crown Series is compared to NASCAR’s NEXTEL Cup Series has seen Michael vault as number one in Idaho earlier this year.

“Well, some may think it’s an awful lot to be racing in so many different series, but I think it’s a challenge and I enjoy doing it,” continued Lewis who drives the No. 40 Wirgten Chevrolet.  “No matter what the outcome is this weekend, we know that we gave it our all.”

Why shouldn’t Michael be a threat? Look at his track record.  In October, 2003 he set a new track record at 16.378 seconds at 109.29 MPH backing it up in the main event and celebrating in victory circle.  In November that year, he qualified second before picking up the pace and adding another victory to his resume.  Last November, Lewis held his own, setting quick time and pulling away to yet another victory in the series.

“I have some great memories at Irwindale,” recalled Lewis.  “Setting a track record is probably one of the coolest things a racecar driver can do.  You’ll never forget it.  When you are able to back it up with a victory it just makes it that more special.”

As the 2005 year draws to a close, Michael Lewis has recorded stellar stats.  In just 23 races, he captured two fast times, qualified 14 times in the top-five, hustled to five wins, an astounding ten top-five finishes and an amazing 15 top-ten runs.  Lewis also leads 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.

DATE: October 7^th, 2005

NAME: Chris Knight, Michael Lewis Racing

PHONE: 734-674-9108

EMAIL: Knight849@aol.com

Noblesville, IN, September 11, 2005--Michael won the USAC Western "Fred Gerhardt Open Wheel Classic" midget race for the second year in a row driving Western Speed's #40 CMKXtreme.com/Wirtgen America Gerhardt Esslinger-powered midget earlier tonight at Stockton (CA) 99 Speedway. He led the entire race, which was scheduled to be 100 laps but was stopped after 99 laps because of a multi-car wreck. Last year, he also led the entire race. Michael qualified second for tonight's event.

His next race will be the USAC National Sprint Car Series' "Rich Vogler Classic" race at Winchester (IN) Speedway on October 16.

 

Michael on the podium with Milwaukee second-place finisher Dave Steele and race winner Bobby East.

He will be heading to California next week to prepare for the 100-lap "Fred Gerhardt Open Wheel Classic" on September 11 at Stockton (CA) 99 Speedway. He is the defending champion of this race, having led the entire 100 laps last year driving his #40 Western Speed Racing midget. Michael will be driving the same car this year.

Michael will race at Salem (IN) Speedway on Saturday, August 13 in Jasper Engines and Transmissions 46th Annual "Joe James/Pat O'Connor Classic" which will include at 50 lap USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series race and a 30-lap USAC National Midget Car Series race.

Noblesville, IN, August 1, 2005--Michael is among 25 drivers who have been picked from an initial group of around 1700 applicants to compete in Roush Racing's search for their next NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver. He left for Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday and taping by the Discovery Channel was done at his home on Saturday. Details follow from www.RoushRacing.com:

Roush Racing Announces 25 Candidates in Line to Become Next Premier NASCAR Driver

Discovery Channel Takes Viewers Along for High-Energy Ride in Original Series

CONCORD, N.C. - Twenty-five men and women are one step closer to realizing their dream of becoming a NASCAR superstar as Roush Racing and Discovery Channel today announce the list of drivers who will compete in this year's Roush Racing gong show.

Jack Roush and his team of judges poured over 1,700 applications and narrowed it down to a list of 25 drivers from across the United States, Canada and New Zealand in search of the best drivers to take part in this exclusive competition. The winner will be awarded a fully sponsored ride in the 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Roush Racing is teaming up with Discovery Channel to capture all of the excitement and drama of the competition on film with unprecedented access to the gong show. Candidates will compete on and off the track, testing their skills behind the wheel as well as their marketability and fan appeal. This high-energy 13-part series will debut on Discovery Channel this fall. Following is a list of the drivers selected to compete in the first round at Martinsville Speedway, August 2-4:

Name             Age     Hometown     Current Racing Circuit
Justin Allgaier 19 Springfield, Ill. ARCA; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Tim Andrews 22 Concord, N.C. Legends Pro division; NASCAR Busch North Series
Chuck Barnes 23 Louisville, Ky. Sunoco Super Series Late Model division
Sam Beam 25 Mooresville, N.C. USAC Focus Midgets
Jason Boyd 24 Orlando, Fla. Fascar Sun Belt series
Jeffrey Choquette 19 Loxahatchee, Fla. Late models
Johnny Clark 26 Hallowell, Maine P.A.S.S. tour
Erik Darnell 23 Beach Park, Ill. ARCA; Autozone Elite
Sondi Eden 28 Crawfordsville, Ind. USAC midgets
Nevin George 23 Matawan, N.J. modifieds
James Gué 23 Athens, Ga Grand Am series
Jason Hogan 23 Cleveland, Ga. Autozone Elite SE series
Matthew Jaskol 21 Las Vegas, Nev. ASA Speed Trucks
Bud Kaeding 26 Indianapolis, Ind. USAC
Travis Kittleson 26 Mooresville, N.C. Sunbelt Series
Michael Lewis 26 Noblesville, Ind. USAC sprints & midgets
Scott Lynch 25 Las Vegas, Nev. NASCAR Grand National West division
Matt McCall 24 Denver, N.C. UARA late models
Danny O'Quinn 20 Coeburn, Va. ARCA; USAR Hooter's Pro Cup
Christi Passmore 23 Pryor, Ok. ARCA
Michael Pickens 22 Auckland, New Zealand midgets
Bubba Pollard 22 Senoia, Ga. SAS late models; ARCA
David Ragan 20 Kannapolis, N.C. ARCA
Peter Shepherd 19 Norval, Ontario CASCAR
Auggie Vidovich 24 Lakeside, Calif. Autozone Elite Southwest

---

DAYTONA BEACH -- The butterflies are building as Roush Racing prepares to put 25 driver candidates through the rigors of what is unofficially called the "Gong Show."

Jack Roush, who looks more the genius every season, started this nerve-wracking talent-search competition several years ago in an effort to develop young talent.

Roush, who has won the last two NASCAR Nextel Cup Series championships with two drivers, will begin the first round of testing Tuesday at stately Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

The roster shows 23 men and two women, who will display their driving talents over the half-mile oval.

"We received over 1,700 applications, and we have narrowed it down to who we feel are the best 25 drivers," Roush said. These drivers will have the opportunity to compete for a fully sponsored ride in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006.

"The competition will be intense, and I feel confident we will find another great driver to join the Roush organization."

The competition has never had its own name. The "Gong Show" nickname was borrowed from ABC's zany talent show that ran in the late 1970s.

There's another new wrinkle to this year's competition. This year it will be filmed and turned into a 13-part reality show on Discovery Channel.

"The show really will take the best elements from all of the current reality shows and adapt them into a racing theme," Roush Racing president Geoff Smith said. "The format will be a cross between 'Survivor,' 'American Idol' and 'The Apprentice' -- but packed with action and intensity coming at you at 180 mph."

Next comes the good news-bad news element. After two days of competition at Martinsville, 13 contestants will get "gonged" or be eliminated.

The other 12 drivers will travel to treacherous Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on Aug. 15-17 for the second and final rounds of competition.

"Darlington Raceway has been a proving ground for drivers since the day the gates opened in 1950," Darlington president Chris Browning said. "Every superstar in our sport has raced here."

"I can't think of two more challenging tracks on the NASCAR circuit than Martinsville and Darlington," Roush said. "They are both very unique and even seasoned veterans can run into trouble at both tracks.

"Any driver who is able to conquer both of these tracks deserves a ride with the Roush organization."

This is serious business. The "Gong Show" has produced three winners through the years, most notably Kurt Busch, who topped the competition in 1999, earned a truck ride in 1999 and continued on to win the Nextel Cup title last year.

Todd Kluever, of Sun Prairie, Wis., emerged as Roush's tournament winner in 2004 and now drives the No. 50 Roush Ford on the NCTS. He has three top-fives in 14 starts this season...

...The Discovery Channel says the Roush talent search competition series will be broadcast in the fall, and have its own title, so not to offend original "Gong Show" producer and host Chuck Barris.

godwin.kelly@news-jrnl.com

"GONG SHOW"

AT STAKE: Roush Racing fully sponsored ride in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006

NUMBERS: 25 candidates -- 23 men, two women

WHEN: First round of testing Tuesday at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway; final 12 race Aug. 15-17 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway for the second and final rounds

TV: 13-part reality show will be filmed and aired on the Discovery Channel in the fall

TOP GONG: Kurt Busch (1999 winner) won the Nextel Cup title last year