Team Marines geared for fury

16 Feb 2006 | Staff Sgt. Marc R. Ayalin and Team Marines Racing Marine Corps Recruiting Command

Team Marines Racing is primed and ready to kick off the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series race season in furious fashion this weekend during the Hershey's Kissables 300 at Daytona International
Speedway in Florida.

Following a busy off season, Team Marines driver Ashton Lewis, Jr. a veteran of 191 Busch Series races, returns to Team Rensi Motorsports for his second season of competition behind the wheel of the No. 25 Team Marines Ford.

"We are real excited to kick off our second season in the Team Marines Ford Fusion," Lewis said. "This weekend's race is loaded with talented race cars and race teams, so it's important for us to run up front and contend for a strong finish. Our goal this season is to be a top-ten team and win our first race in the Team Marines Ford Fusion. We have worked hard this off season on making all of our cars better; this weekend will be our first test."

Lewis faces an extra challenge. At the start of the season, the Chesapeake, Va., native broke his Talus bone (top of the ankle) in late November while visiting Parris Island Marine Corp Recruit Depot. After surgery and rehabilitation, Lewis feels he is ready for the demands of the 2006 race season.

"I am almost back to 100 percent now, thankfully the injury occurred during the off season," said Lewis. "With the majority of my rehab behind me, I am completely focused on having my best year ever and putting the Team Marines Ford in Victory Lane!"

Despite his anticipation in kicking off this year's race season, Lewis feels passionate about representing the Marine Corps in 2006.

"It would mean the world to me if I could win a race for all the Marines across the world that are defending our freedom and allowing us to enjoy activities like NASCAR racing back here at home"

Marine Corps Recruiting Command