Daytona Test: Shane Lewis test notes

Shane Lewis pleased with progress in Rolex testing of BMW-FABCAR DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 6, 2004 - Shane Lewis completed three days of intensive testing at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) yesterday. Lewis, of Jupiter, Fla., was preparing ...

Shane Lewis pleased with progress in Rolex testing of BMW-FABCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., January 6, 2004 - Shane Lewis completed three days of intensive testing at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) yesterday. Lewis, of Jupiter, Fla., was preparing for the 42nd Annual Rolex 24 of Daytona endurance race in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series' Daytona Prototype (DP) of Southard Motorsports with co-drivers Jack Baldwin, Vic Rice, George Robinson and Steve Southard. The No. 7 PAP-PARTS BMW-FABCAR entry's best lap of one minute, 52.598 seconds (113.820 mph) was set with Lewis behind the wheel of the Goodyear tire-shod car. The Powell, Ohio-based race team will be attempting to make its first Rolex 24 in the top class while Lewis returns for his seventh Rolex 24 Hour classic. The January 31st Rolex 24 will mark Lewis' eighteenth career 24 hour race.

"We're still in test mode with the PAP-PARTS BMW FABCAR," said Lewis following the test. "I'm really happy with our progress but there is still more to do. We have a car that is extremely drivable for 24 hours, now we just need some more outright speed. Every member of this team from Steve [Southard, owner] to the drivers, to the crew and the FABCAR and BMW guys are working all out to have a great car for us for the Rolex 24."

Shane Lewis has been racing since 1989 with multiple race wins in Grand-Am sanctioned events, in the IMSA Supercar and SCCA Pro Series and the Historic SportsCar Series. He has starts in ARCA stock car competition, at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and is a former Daytona Endurance Champion and Formula Ford Festival winner. He has driven in six Rolex 24s and three 24 Hours of Le Mans- leading the race in GT class in 2003. He has two overall and one class-victory at the 24 Hours of Nelson Ledges. Lewis was honored as the 1998 Professional Sports Car Racing Rising Star award winner. Lewis also serves as a test driver and private coach.

For more on Shane Lewis please see www.ShaneLewis.com. To learn more about Southard Motorsports, please visit www.pap-parts.com or www.autoassets.com.