Lewis, Newton post perfect days at Seafair Trophy Race

LACEY, Wash. – A day that had included possible rain in the weather forecast turned out pretty awesome, both weather-wise, and racing wise.

In fact, it could be argued it was better weather than the real Seafair often is.

It was also a pretty awesome day if your name is Brad Lewis or David Newton. Those two posted perfect days in winning the 1/10-scale classic and vintage classes, respectively.

It wasn’t too bad of a day for Paul Dunlap, either. If it hadn’t been for a bum battery in one heat, Dunlap likely would have had a perfect day of his own in 1/10 scale modern.

On the 1/7-scale side of things, Bill Smiley made a triumphant return to racing, guiding his 1966 Savair’s Mist to the win in 1/7-scale vintage. Nelson Holmberg, for the second race in a row, won 1/7-scale modern with Gary Hansen’s 1972 Notre Dame.

Lewis also claimed victory in the 1/8 scale runs throughout the day.

Following Dunlap in the 1/10-scale modern final was David Heilbrunn, recording his second second place of the season with the 2019 J&D’s. Third went to Ron Daum in the 2009 Grandview on the Lake and fourth was Steven Taylor with the 2014 Spirit of Qatar.

The 1/10-scale classic final field finishing behind Lewis included Gerry Bordon’s 1974 Miss U.S. in second from the trailer position and  Smiley with the 1977 Charlie’s Girl in third. DNFs went to Brandon Sano (1985 Squire Shop) and Chuck Murray (1983 Miss Houston), respectively.

In the 1/10-scale vintage final, Lewis proved up to the fight with his 1962 Miss Supertest, challenging the Miss Thriftway in lane one. Nearing the end of the first lap, in a deck-to-deck battle, the Miss Supertest hit the exit pin and landed upside down. That left Thriftway in command of the race. Second place went to Bordon with his 1970 Parco’s O-Ring Miss, while third was Geoffry Grembowski with his 1962 $ Bill. A DNF went to Lewis with the Supertest, which won the vintage connie then moved to the front line when the Paxton Reunanen-driven Such Crust IV failed to start.

The 1/7-scale modern final had shaped up to be a good one with the 1972 Notre Dame, 1973 Pay ‘n Pak, 1982 Captran Resorts and the 1974 Miss U.S. all answering the call. Unfortunately, the Pak was unable to start and the Captran and Miss U.S. failed to finish. After just three laps, the 1972 Notre Dame was declared the winner and beckoned off of the course.

The 1/7-scale vintage final was a little more competitive as three boats finished the heat. Following Smiley’s win, was a place by Craig Mullen driving Ben Keller’s 1958 Hawaii Kai III. The show went to Denise Sjostrom driving her 1980 Evergreen Roofing. DNFs were handed out to John Sjostrom’s 1960 Miss Thriftway and Joey Caines, driving Mike McIntosh’s 1976 Vagabond.