POST FALLS, IDAHO – Snohomish, Washington’s Gary Lewis continued his winning ways Sunday claiming the 2008 running of the NAPA Auto Parts Idaho 200 at Stateline Speedway. Lewis, winner of last year’s event, becomes the first back to back victor of the race since John Gamble in ‘01-‘02.
Lewis seized the lead from Montana’s Bodie Morton on lap 67 of the first segment to lead a dominating, unchallenged 133-laps to the finish.
Erick Hargraves of Yakima battled to second in the second half of the race followed by Kuna, Idaho driver Craig Bell who qualified with the fast time. Spokane’s Dave Garber finished fourth, the highest among local drivers. Tom Hill finished fifth.
There were three lead changes by three drivers. Dave Minegar started on the pole and led 33-laps. Morton passed Minegar on lap 34 to lead 32 laps. Minegar finished sixth, Morton dropped to tenth in the second segment after fighting an ill handling car.
Andy Brown took a solid seventh with John Newhouse in eighth and Canada’s Darrell Midgley in ninth.
The race was marred by a lap 40 crash in the first segment when leaders tried to clear lapped cars. The backstretch pile up involved seven cars including Shelby Thompson. Others suffered damage trying to avoid the wreck.
A record thirty cars attempted the race with 24 starting. Cory Wolfe won the B-main. The race was slowed by ten cautions. Lewis plans to compete in next weekend’s Miller 200 at South Sound Speedway.
Jason Majors continued his streak of winning the Bill Sauls Memorial Truck Race event. Lorry Safford won the 30-lap Outlaw Compact event.
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