Laguna Beach, California (July 27, 2009) — Speed TV spotlighted Michael Lewis in its broadcast coverage summary report of Rounds 5, 6 and 7, of the Formula BMW Americas Championship visit to Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, that took place May 15, 16, and 17. Click here to view the report that was featured during coverage of Formula 1 practice with voiceovers by Bob Varsha and David Hobbs.
Michael earned his first podium appearance in the Formula BMW Americas Championship during Round 6 by finishing in second place, only .520 seconds behind his Eurointernational teammate Giancarlo Vilarinho.
Fielding his No. 42 Formula BMW for Eurointernational, Michael began the weekend by qualifying fifth and finished a strong fourth in the Formula BMW Round 5, where he was the highest finishing rookie.
On Saturday, Michael had an outstanding qualifying effort that put him second on the starting grid, which helped him to earn the second-place result. Michael trailed his teammate closely throughout the entire race, and was never more than one second behind Giancarlo. Eurointernational teammate Gabby Chavez placed third in Round 6, which brought the season’s first 1-2-3 finish for the Eurointernational team.
“I got a good start and tried to stay right on Giancarlo’s gearbox but he drove an awesome race and never gave me the opportunity I needed,” said Michael. “Antonio Ferrari, Nicola Sgotto, and my mechanic John Wolters gave me a great car as well as advice about how to approach the race. I was able to race hard and earn a podium finish at the fast and challenging Miller Motorsports Park track.”
Michael then went on to run a steady race on Sunday morning for Round 7 where he started fourth and finished fourth.
“In a perfect weekend for the entire Eurointernational Team, Michael’s performances and results confirm the speed already shown at Puebla and VIR,” said Eurointernational team owner Antonio Ferrari. “Michael executed in the best way possible the technical instruction from our engineer Nicola Sgotto and my advice since Monday’s collective tests. The leadership in the Rookie Cup, the second place in Round 6, and the two fourth places in Rounds 5 and 7, put Michael in a strong position for the rookie championship title and the overall standing.”
The next race for Michael and the Eurointernational team will be for Rounds 10, 11, and 12, of the Formula BMW Americas Championship at Wisconsin’s Road America, August 14, 15, and 16.
A great sponsor team is involved with Michael’s Formula BMW effort, which includes CTECH, Eibach Springs, Position One Motorsports, SSi Decals, Oakley, Team ASE, Klotz, Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orange County Convention Center, Bell Racing, and Earl’s Performance Plumbing.