Bowman Gray Q&A: Street Stock Driver Brad Lewis

Ladies and Gentleman I have had the pleasure of interviewing Street Stock driver Brad Lewis, Lewis has 71 top 10’s in 113 starts, 32 top 5’s including 6 victories over his career. 

Lewis won a career high four wins back in 2023, tying Christian Joyce with the most wins in the season. 

Q: What was it that got you interested in racing?

A: I was born into a racing family. My uncles Ricky and Jimmy Gregg got the family interested in it. Racing was all we really knew growing up. There’s just something about driving a race car for me that seems to stop time and takes all the worries of everyday life away. Now that my kids are doing it, and the whole family is involved it’s more fun than it has ever been. 

Q: With the Street Stock 50 coming up, what would it mean to you to win it?

A: I can honestly say I want to win them all. Wins at Bowman Gray are so hard to come by so you cherish them all. It would mean a lot but I can’t say that it would mean any more than any of the other wins I have. 

Q: What is some advice you would give the young kids who are wanting to become a race car driver?

A: I have a grandson that is playing a lot of different sports right now. I tell him before, during or after games whenever I get a chance to talk to him the same thing all the time. Remember ultimately why you do it and that should be to have FUN! This would be my advice to all kids and their parents when pushing them. Don’t get me wrong I pushed my kids and wanted them to succeed but sometimes I feel like I took the fun out of sports for them sometimes. 

Q: Obviously, you have the same goals and expectations as every other driver. But is there one in particular goal/expectation you have set for yourself this season?

A: My goal is of course to win but outside of that I want to represent my family, friends, team and supporters in a way that they are proud to apart of what we are doing. 

Q: Of all of your competitors you race against, who did you enjoy racing against most?

A: I enjoy racing with Christian Joyce because I know what I’m going to get and we can always have a conversation afterwards even if we wreck. I really enjoy racing against my kids. I would like to someday before I retire start a race with Chase, Emilee and my daughter in law Taylor all in the same race. I’ve been on the track with all of them but not at the same time. We all maybe upset after but it’s on my bucket list. 

Q: Of all of your wins what win stands out the most?

A: Two years ago I won the first race of the season after starting 11th. I’d say that one means the most. The year before that I got involved with Dylan Ward a little and we got a win but I felt like I had to hang on for that one. That winter we became a DWR car and he said you’re going to win some races this year and I just said yeah right. At that Friday practice I had engine trouble before ever practicing and loaded up. I stayed the whole day and supported Chase. We went home that evening and I said I’m just going to start pulling the motor. We ended up changing it and got done about 2am in the morning. Chase, Emilee, my wife (Jamie) and father in law (Allen McKnight) stayed with me until it was finished. We didn’t even bring the tools home from the track to complete the change, so around 12 in the morning we realized we didn’t have torque wrench and we called Robbie Brewer to see about borrowing one. We were going to pick it up and in true Robbie fashion he got out of the bed and helped us finish it. We got one evening practice that Saturday and started the race. The car was really good and we came to the front. That shows the strength of Dylan Ward Racing. That win means a lot. But all the people involved and the circumstances are what I’ll remember the most. 

Q: What motivates you to be a better driver each race?

A: My family and my circle. If you’re in my circle of people you motivate me. 

Q: You witnessed first hand Emilee winning her first race last year, how special was it to see her get that win? Including Chase’s win back in 2023? 

A: Those two wins mean more to me than any of mine. None of the wins I’ve had or wins going forward will bring as much happiness and joy that their first wins did. I can’t describe how special it was. I hope to one day see one of the grandkids do it if they decide to pursue racing. That might be the only thing that could get to or surpass that level of special.

Q: What is it about Bowman Gray that stands out to you compared to all the other tracks you’ve raced at?

A: The fans create an atmosphere that is untouched. I don’t care if they like or dislike you they are so passionate about it. It seems that they live for Saturday nights at The Madhouse and that creates an atmosphere like no other when you’re on that track. 

Q: Some drivers have a story behind the number they run, Is there a story behind the 16?

A: I’ve had a couple different numbers but when I started getting back into racing Chase was playing some high level ice hockey including moving to Minnesota to play. For some reason he went with 16 and I just said well that will work on the car. I think his previous numbers of 4 and 6 were taken. It’s been pretty good to me. 

Q: Is there a certain driver or drivers (any division) that you lean on for advice? And what’s the best advice they’ve given you?

A: I learn from a lot of guys over there by just observing like Brandon Ward, Ronnie Clifton and Dean Ward. The one I really take my current race advice from is Dylan Ward. He shoots me straight and is honest with me. Christian and I bounce things off of each other also. 

Q: Could we possibly see you move up to Sportsman or Modified before your career ends?

A: I don’t know it has become such a money game. I would like to give Sportsman a try but Modified’s don’t really interest me. I’d guess you’d say I’m a fender guy. 

Q: Last question, it’s something I like to ask drivers. “If you could race against any legendary driver (BGS or NASCAR) who would it be?”

A: I’ve seen a lot of drivers come and go over there. There are few that come to mind off the top of my head Spider Kimel, Dale Ward,  Ronnie Clifton and my father in law Allen McKnight. But ultimately I had a hero growing up in racing and I’d like to run against him. That would be Ricky Gregg.

Brad wanted to thank first and foremost his family and friends,

Dylan Ward and the Dylan Ward Racing crew and his following partners.

Wright Choice Plumbing 

Radical Fire Protection 

Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery

LS Planning and Coordination 

Ceramic Pro of Winston Salem

Tri County Real Estate

Just Chillin Services

Just Chillin Lawncare 

Unlimited Services

Lewy’s Custom Showers and Glass

TWI Motors 

Velocita

Gas and Glitter by Velocita 

Centerlink Racing Parts 

Make sure you check out this week’s action as it’ll be Advance Auto Parts Night At The Races featuring the 50 lap Street Stock event, Kevin Powell Motorsports 100 modified race after last weeks rain out, along with twin 25s in Sportsman  and Stadium Stock race. First race starts at 8:00 pm.