WM: Western Speed Racing Bakersfield preview

Western Speed Racing Looking For Strong Results In Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, California (March 23, 2006) - - Western Speed Racing with drivers Michael Lewis, Jr and Alex Pruett invade Bakersfield, California this weekend looking to give the team their first 1-2 finish of the season this Saturday night in the second event of the 2006 USAC Western Midget Series schedule.

Lewis, 27 has a bigger picture this weekend as he would like to retain the USAC WMS (Western Midget Series) point standings. After a second place finish at Phoenix International Raceway in January, Lewis is eager to leave the track this weekend as number one.

"I'm really excited about this weekend," explained Michael, the 2003 USAC Western Sprint Car champion." "I've raced at Bakersfield before, but never won, I'm looking to change that this weekend. I have a brand new car, the team is pumped and we're ready to go."

In 1999, Michael finished third after starting fourth at Bakersfield on Turkey Night (Turkey Night has since been moved to Irwindale). "That was a good night for me," recalled the driver of the No. 40 machine. "We were strong all weekend, but didn't quite have enough to close the deal."

March 25th will be the first time Lewis, a former NASCAR Busch Series driver has competed on the dirt in several years. "Man I hope I didn't forget how to drive on the dirt," said Michael jokingly."

For 19-year old Alex Pruett, this weekend is about gathering a good finish for the Western Speed Racing team with the hopes of advancing his position in the standings. Currently, Pruett occupies the 17th position in the standings after a respectable finish in the season opener.

"The main goal for the weekend is to finish the race," stated Pruett who will pilot the No. 60 on Saturday. "If we can unload strong and I can qualify upfront and contend for the victory then that's a successful weekend. A strong finish would also help me move up in the point's standings and that is crucial to do early in the season."

Western Speed Racing, Performance Trailers, Team ASE, Hoosier Tire, Esslinger Engineering, Red Line Oil, Go Fast Sports Energy Drink, Weld Wheels and Loy Loy Restaurant will all serve as sponsors for both drivers this weekend.

"It's great that a lot of our sponsors from last year are back," continued Lewis who will carry personal entitlements from Puma and Bell Helmets this weekend. "Again, our focus is winning this event and I know it would be huge for all our sponsors if we ended up in victory lane."

"Sponsors are important," remarked Pruett. "Western Speed Racing is one of the most professional organizations in the USAC industry and I am proud to be a part of that. Look at our sponsors, they are well known and impressive, it's truly an honor to represent them this weekend."

Following the Bakersfield 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."

Pruett plans to stay put with Western Speed Racing. "My goal is to learn as much as I can from Michael and concentrate on finishing and winning races. I'm happy to be a part of this team all year. I'm going to take every avenue necessary to show I'm a good teammate and can get the job done."

In the coming weeks, Western Speed Racing will launch a brand new website allowing fans and members of the media to go in-depth with the championship caliber team.

-wsr-