Road America: Shane Lewis race report

Shane Lewis Finishes Third for Velox Motorsport at Road America
Lewis, Rice Drive Velox Motorsport to Second Podium Finish for Season

Elkhart, WI (August 23, 2010) Shane Lewis drove the No. 88 Velox Motorsport Patron XO Cafe to it's second podium finish this weekend competing in the American Le Mans Series Powered by E-Start at Road America. Lewis and Vic Rice, who was called in last minute to fill in for principal driver Jerry Vento, drove the team to their 2nd third place finish this season, closing the gap for 3rd place in the series Championship.

This isn't the first time this year Lewis found himself on the podium with Vic. He and Vic competed in the 24 Hours of Nurb0x00fcrgring in May and took a first place victory in their class. When Vento informed Lewis at the last hour that he would be unable to attend this race, Lewis immediately contacted long time friend Rice to be his teammate in this race. It turns out the chemistry between the two drivers paid off again as they drove the car to the team's second podium this season.

Lewis started the race in 6th position. It wasn't long before he was able to maneuver the car into 1st place, leading a hungry field behind him after a few full course yellows. A fuel stop put him into second, but he charged hard after the leader until he handed the car over to Vic midrace. An exceptional pit stop put Vic into first place exiting the pits. They weren't able to maintain that position, as the competition was tough, however they were able to manage through the difficult traffic maintaining third when the checkered flag waved.

The podium not only marked the second time Velox Motorsport placed 3rd this season, it also places them closer in contention with TRG for 3rd place in the team championship with only 6 points between the two teams. Meanwhile Shane is now tied for 3rd place in driver standings with Andy Lally of TRG.

"I am so impressed how our team has grown throughout this season and now we are in contention for 3rd place in the championship," said Lewis. "I knew when Jerry and I began putting the team together that it would be an tough first year and an uphill battle running against teams that have been together for years. To find us in this position so close to the end of the season is very exciting. It just proves with hard work, a good team, much dedication, you can accomplish anything."

Velox Motorsport will be heading to Mosport this weekend to compete in the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport.

"The next two events are going to be tough ones. We are up against extraordinary competition. Now that the championship is so close, it's going to be a fight until the last lap of the Petit Le Mans."

-source: shanelewis.com