Lewis invited to compete in Singapore

After recently being crowned the 2009 Formula BMW Americas Rookie Driver champion, Laguna Beach resident Michael Lewis has been invited to make a guest driving appearance for the Eurointernational team at the Singapore Formula BMW Pacific event that will be held in conjunction with the Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix Sept. 25-27.

“The Singapore F1 Grand Prix will be a unique experience for Michael and a great reward for his rookie championship in Formula BMW Americas,” Eurointernational team owner Antonio Ferrari said in a release. “It will be the first-ever street race for Michael, and together with the unique track condition in an F1 night event, Michael will have his first taste of an international competition outside the Americas.”

Lewis will have to get up to speed quickly at the event as there will be only one 25-minute practice session and one 25-minute qualifying session, where the best first and second times will determine the grid for race one and race two. Then, there will be two 25-minute races.

After graduating from Laguna Beach High in June, Lewis recently began his college career at Cal State Fullerton. He received approval from his professors to miss a week of classes to take the trip to Singapore for this prestigious race event.

“I’m honored to have this opportunity to race again with the Eurointernational team and to be able to race with the Formula BMW Pacific series drivers,” Lewis said in a release.

Lewis’ teammates Gabby Chaves and Giancarlo Vilarinho, who finished first and second with Eurointernational in the Formula BMW Americas championship, will also be on the trip. So will James Kovacic, who battled with Lewis for the rookie championship.

“It’ll be fun racing with my friends at the famous Singapore circuit,” Lewis said in the release. “Because of the long plane ride I will have plenty of time to get all of my college assignments done, so I will be in good shape when I return to class.”

The Singapore Formula BMW Pacific event is very prestigious because it is held in conjunction with the Formula 1 night race. Sellouts are common.

Lewis departs to Singapore Tuesday and returns home Sept. 29. This will be his last appearance of the year in a Formula BMW car. Plans are in the works so Lewis will have an opportunity to continue his Formula BMW career next season with the Eurointernational team.

“” From staff reports