Cleveland Review

July 15, 1998

SAUNDERS SCORES FIRST WIN: In scoring his first NTB Trans-Am Series win last weekend at the Speedvision NTB Trans-Am Grand Prix in Cleveland, Bill Saunders also set a new series record for the "latest into a career" victory for a first-time Trans-Am winner. Saunder's first win came in his 69th start, eclipsing the previous mark held by Paul Miller, who won his first race in his 38th start. Cleveland runner-up Brian Simo's fifth second-place finish without a career win is two marks short of tying the record for most runner-up finishes before a win-Tom Kendall achieved seven runner-up finishes before winning in his 21st start (1990, Cleveland).

STEELE SCORES CLEVELAND CRAFTSMAN CREW CHIEF OF THE RACE AWARD: David Steele, Crew Chief for Michael Lewis' No. 12 Red Line Oil Ford Mustang Cobra, was selected as the winner of the NTB Trans-Am Series Craftsman Crew Chief of the Race Award at Cleveland. "I've been with David 15 years, and I would never step into a race car that he didn't have complete control over," said Lewis. "Cleveland was the second time this season we've had two cars qualify in the Fast Five, and we are very proud of that accomplishment. With David, winning is his burning, central desire." Steele's efforts have helped to propel Lewis to a season of "firsts" following a 1997 season where Lewis finished runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors. Lewis scored his first NTB Trans-Am podium finish at Lime Rock, and sat on his first pole last weekend at Cleveland en route to another top-three effort. Steele also serves as Crew Chief for the No. 92 I-Dream Software/Red Line Oil Mustang Cobra of rookie stand-out Ross Thompson. Thompson is enjoying a solid rookie campaign with four top-10 finishes including a visit to the podium at Lime Rock (third). The Craftsman Crew Chief of the Race Award honoree is selected by SCCA Pro Racing and NTB Trans-Am Series officials. The award goes to the crew chief who exhibits technical ingenuity, sportsmanship, overcomes tremendous odds, imparts brilliant strategy or is integral to consistent team results. Steele will receive a $250 Craftsman product award and a Craftsman jacket.