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NHRA: Grant Lewis in Chevy S-10 in Atlanta

14 April 1998

Commerce, Ga. -- Jerry Haas Race Cars has entered a Chevy S-10 pickup for Grant Lewis in the Pro Stock Truck class at the 18th Annual Fram Nationals at Atlanta Dragway this weekend, the second of 12 Pro Stock Truck national event eliminators sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and part of the 1998 Winston Drag Racing Series.

Lewis, 40, of Jesup, Ga., will drive a Tabasco-sponsored Chevy S-10 at this event only; Haas will drive his usual Chevy Trucks-backed Chevy S-10. Lewis, owner of a logging and timber business, is a 20-year veteran of NHRA Sportsman competition. He was named Car Craft Magazine's All-Star Drag Team Driver of the year in 1991 and 1993, and has won eight national events, including the 1991 U.S. Nationals in the Competition Eliminator class, driving a Chevy Camaro. Lewis has also competed in NHRA's Pro Stock category in the last eight events.

"I am really pleased to have this opportunity to drive a Chevy S-10 in this new class and to have Tabasco backing for this race," says Lewis. "I have always been a die-hard Chevy fan. I know I can win, but I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. We have a good program and I'm going to give it 110 percent. We just need some test time, and we're doing that tomorrow in Houston."

Haas, of St. Louis, is also looking forward to the Atlanta race following recent tests of his Chevy S-10 compact pickup in Darlington, S.C.

"We did a lot of testing," says the 51-year-old chassis builder, who experienced mechanical problems in the season opener in Houston. "We made 20 laps. I feel we have the motor and clutch combination working right, as well as the gear ratios. We didn't have the opportunity to test before Houston, so we should be in good shape for Atlanta.

"I'm proud to have Grant driving the Tabasco/Jerry Haas Race Cars Chevy S-10," Haas continues. "That's what this class is all about. It's a place for a Sportsman racer to move up into a pro category and to have a better chance of qualifying than in the huge Pro Stock field."

"I think this class will get just as competitive as Pro Stock in about three or four races," adds Lewis, "as more and more trucks are being built. I'm just very excited to be a part of it in Atlanta."

Other Chevy S-10 drivers competing in Atlanta include Pro Stock Truck class national e.t. (7.63) and speed (174.82 mph) record holder Larry Kopp, Randy Daniels, John Lingenfelter and Brad Jeter. Approximately 20 Pro Stock Trucks are expected to attempt to qualify for the 16-car field, beginning with qualifying sessions on Thursday, April 16, at noon and 3 p.m. Friday, April 17, pro qualifying is at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Pro Stock Truck final eliminations will be held on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 11 a.m.