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TORONTO, Canada (December 10, 2003) – Shane Lewis is one of those drivers that ‘in the old days’ we called a Complete Driver. Over his racing career, he has competed in everything from a Ferrari to a STRANA Truck, and this year he’ll add a DP in the Grand Am Series. Shane is now in process of putting the finishing touches on what we hope will be a competitive new ride in the ALMS for 2004; when it is announced, you’ll see it here first! I spoke with Shane by telephone today from his home, and he gave me his take on 2003 and an advance look at his plans for 2004.

Kate Shaw: You have had a very eventful 2003 season in a lot of different cars. What was the high point of 2003 for you?

Shane Lewis: Without a doubt, it would be Le Mans! How many times in a racer’s life will he get to lead Le Mans in a Ferrari? I’ll never forget hearing the voice on the radio saying “Check the pit board next time by.” And wondering “Why do they want me to do that? Why didn’t they tell me what it says? And then when I saw P1 I radioed back, “Erm, confirm that pit board please?” and heard “You are P1 with a lap lead!” and then “You are P1 with a TWO lap lead!” I’ll be telling that story in the Old Folks Home one day, and they’ll be asking each other “Can that be true?” but I will know it’s true all right. I’ll never forget that feeling.

KS: Were there any lowlights that you would care to remember?

SL: Well actually the lowlight of the season was also Le Mans when the motor blew up! I know you shouldn’t think about winning a 24 hour race at the 12 hour mark, but I couldn’t help thinking Well this could work out … and then Johnny [Mowlem] radioed in to say the motor was toast and the race was run. Well, I’ve been to Le Mans 3 times and I have unfinished business there, and I’m going to go back and get it right next time.

KS: What’s the oddest thing you have ever thought while you were driving?

SL: (Laughing) Well certainly the most unusual thing … I had done a double stint and thought I was being brought in, but they just changed tires and waved me out again! And not to put it too plainly, I really had to go to the bathroom! I don’t remember a single lap I turned during that stint, although when I came in they told me I’d turned some of the fastest laps I’d done in that race; all I remember was that I had to keep the car on the track and I really had to come in!

KS: Of all the tracks you have raced on, which do you like the best?

SL: Well, that's a hard one to answer. Road Atlanta’s got to be right up there with the best of them; I like Sebring for the history and the atmosphere of the place; and I really liked the temporary track at Washington DC where we raced in 2002. And I very much like the Barber Park track in Birmingham [Alabama], although I’ve only raced the Mini Cooper there. That guy spent as much on the landscaping as most tracks spend on the paving – and the paving is first class too. It’s a great facility and I’m looking forward to racing the DP there in 2004.”

KS: So you are happy about your drive in the Grand Am for 2004?

SL: Very excited about it. It’s a new kind of racing for me, and you know I love a new challenge. And the team are all really looking forward to having me in the car next year; they’re great people and I’m sure we will work well together.

KS: Have you taken the car out on the track yet?

SL: Not yet; I’ll have my first trial on the 19th and 20th of this month [December]. I have sat in it and it feels great.

KS: Do you have any plans to race in the ALMS in 2004 that you can share with us?

SL: Well I can’t reveal too much because the deal is not complete yet, but a start-up ALMS team wants me to drive with them. They have all the pieces in place but one, and that's the tires … then we’ll be able to let you know.

KS: Will there be any conflict between the two series, as far as you are concerned?

SL: Not at all. The direction Grand Am are going is quite distinct from that the ALMS is taking, but the two series are not mutually exclusive – they are both good racing in different formats. A DP car costs about as much as the 2004 Porsche; but the weak link is that a privateer team can’t walk into the ALMS with the attitude they can win.

KS: What question would you like to be asked that you have not been asked by the media?

SL: “How does it feel to win another championship?”

KS: Is there anything else you’d like to say to your many fans?

SL: I’ve met a lot of new fans in the different venues where I have raced, and I really enjoyed all the people cheering me on! I am not a guy who depends on the support or approval of others; I race because it’s what I love to do. But I can’t deny that knowing I have all those fans out there is a great feeling! One day I’d like to have a great big party and thank each of them individually for their support throughout my career. But in the meantime I hope you can pass my thanks along to them for me! And I’m looking forward to meeting them all in 2004 and hope they will never stop coming by.

KS: Very best of luck in 2004, Shane, and we look forward to seeing you on the grid in Sebring!