Lewis in contention for top rookie

Laguna Beach resident Michael Lewis came to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. with a mission, wanting to secure two podium finishes at the Formula BMW Americas Championships Rounds 10, 11 and 12.

Mission accomplished.

Lewis finished third in Rounds 11 and 12 on Sunday. As a result, he climbed within one point of the Rookie Championship and created a nine-point lead over the third-place rookie contender.

Lewis had arrived at the track in second place, with a 23-point deficit. He qualified fourth and sixth for Rounds 10 and 11, and ended up sixth in Round 10.

After each session on the historic, four-mile Road America, Lewis became more comfortable and his confidence grew.

“I knew what I had to do at Road America to get back in the running for the Formula BMW Rookie Championship,” Lewis said in a release. “My Eurointernational team, under the direction of owner Antonio Ferrari and engineer Nicola Sgotto, gave me a car that was tuned to the track. All I had to do was my job, which is to drive well, and we ended up with a great weekend.”

The final two rounds of the Formula BMW Americas Championship will occur Aug. 29-30 at the famous Canadian Mosport International Raceway in Ontario, Canada.

“We have momentum now and a fighting chance to contend for the Rookie Championship,” Lewis said.

“I know my team will give me a competitive car and it is my responsibility to go out, work hard, and do my best to bring the 2009 Formula BMW Rookie Championship to the Eurointernational team stable.”

For more information on Lewis, visit www.mjlracing.com.

“” From staff reports