My New Favorite Driver! Just Like Butter, Ricky Lewis is on a roll...TMez Upside Down

Just like butter, Camarillo, California's Ricky Lewis is on a roll. The 25-year-old open-wheel racer won more non-wing features (18) in 2023 than any other driver in America...and this year, he's on a pace to exceed his own amazing mark. Lewis earned his second consecutive Jack Hewitt Classic triumph recently at Waynesfield Raceway Park in Waynesfield, Ohio, scoring his 12th victory of the 2024 season. As awesome as the night was for Ricky Lewis and his dedicated crew, it was equally incredible for me, the History Mystery Man; the No. 41 Ricky Lewis Racing team rolled out the red carpet for me and it could not have been more appreciated. It was also the first time I had never heard a driver say "History Mystery Man" on the PA...and in Victory Lane to boot! And wait till you meet his engine builder...the 'Good Doctor Dave' who's got an incredible story of his own to share. Join me, the History Mystery Man, for another open-wheel adventure, this one starring Ricky Lewis and company...and thanks for your support!

[@WilliamSmith-bj8gt]

Ricky is our boy from all his fans from Perris and Ventura.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I can see why...the dude is awesome! HMM

[@donaldmanning7379]

We were 15 minutes from the track but could not attend because we had family at the campground. But a friend from the campground was there and told me who won. This kid is good and I will keep my eye out for him in the future. Great Video as always and glad he dropped your video name on the mike.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Donald; I appreciate your support. And yes...Ricky Lewis is one to watch. HMM

[@Leroy-qr9pd]

Another Great Story! Ricky would be a great Nascar driver,he has the personality and attitude to go far!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I think Ricky would be good in anything. His personality is fun and infectious. Thanks again, Leroy...HMM

[@bettycollins3914]

@@Leroy-qr9pd Absolutely not, stay on dirt.

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Another great video, now your big time when a driver mentions the HMM! Hope it helps with the view ship. Thank you again for what you do. It's much appreciated.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Roger! The pleasure and reward I got from Ricky saying my name on the PA was pure satisfaction! HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

@@HistoryMysteryMan you are the best!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@rogerozdarski2935 Thanks, sir!

[@furrfurr]

Good kid. He just earned a new fan. Fellow Cali boy

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Can never have too many fans! Thanks for your support...HMM

[@gareth9538]

What an amazing video, Ricky is going to have a new fan in me , what a top guy and team. Great shout out for HMM , which is fully deserved , you truly are playing your part in dirt world sport Don. 🇺🇲🏁🇮🇪

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Gareth...your feedback is so appreciated. Ricky's personality is super fun and infectious! He can say my name on the PA anytime he wants to! HMM

[@speedwaystevecronk6680]

Thank you for all the Camera and Edit work , another great video with a cool story! Best of Luck and Skill Always.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Steve! All done with my iphone...every inch. HMM

[@barrymullins5595]

Ricky I'm so proud and happy for you , wish i could have been there . I love you and i wish you all the best

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your sentiment, Barry. #RickyRocks!

[@robertayers9424]

What a great story!! Awesome racing. I always cheer for the ones that work a bit harder because the budget isn't big. Your name over the loud speaker, you have arrived. Hopefully you can some subs and views! Thanks again for sharing! I couldn't have been there if not for you.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Robert. The increased subs and views would be great, but the real satisfaction was hearing my name blast over the PA...super rewarding! HMM

[@skewtuh]

Awesome video! Its so cool seeing everyone get to learn something about him. Hes such a likeable guy and has a great head on his shoulders. Thank you for the video

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch! Ricky has a fun and infectious personality...damn-good driver too. HMM

[@elroyelblander6277]

👍👍that young feller does well...happy for him..neat story about the back surgeon/engine surgeon .. glad you got shout out ... thanks for bringing us along,once again 👍👍👊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Ain't no fun unless you're there for the ride, Elroy. Thanks again, my friend. HMM

[@elroyelblander6277]

@@HistoryMysteryMan 👍👍you bet feller..thank you 👊

[@Blrtech77]

HMM, Thanks for taking me along for the ride. An amazing video and interviews. BTW I Like the Nautical Connection! Awesome.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Kasey! We're both boat Captains! HMM

[@oldjunkman4864]

Thank you HMM, For another great video.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yes sir...anytime! HMM

[@zoeyshoots]

Great content once again my friend.. your efforts and dedication are truly appreciated. 🇺🇸👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...your support is so appreciated. HMM

[@gregj831]

You deserve it HMM! Can't wait to move back home. This is the first I've heard of this Rick Lewis so 'thanks' for bringing attention to him. That was darned good racing there.

[@waynedavis8980]

Very interesting video Don . Hope that kid keeps doing well .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Wayne...Ricky Lewis has got some new fans! HMM

[@jimheckert5383]

Great interview. Thanks 🍀🇺🇸🍀

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks again, Jim...HMM

[@richardboggs260]

HMM You are not going to believe me but I am not lying to you. I worked with Dave Stenslands dad at Navistar in Fort Wayne Indiana for 19.4 years his dad's name was also Dave. I build asphalt circle track engines and his dad always build sprint car engines we had many many good times over the years talking about engines. Dave's dad has past on and I lost touch with what happened to his engine shop I am so very happy to hear that his son has taken over for his legacy. I must tell you that his father Dave was not just an engineer he was a absolute perfectionist in every thing that he done. Dave was one of the best engineers that I have ever worked with. I am not a engineer I was a mechanic that built prototype trucks of the future. Thank you very much for this video!!!!!! I am just so happy that Dave is following in his father's footsteps!!!!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Richard, for sharing your stories here. This puts more light on the video. I'm glad to more about Dave and the legacy left behind by his father...super cool stuff. HMM

[@tomstrawmyer4980]

He's getting some good race wins this year! Hopefully that will lead to more opportunities for him! Good video! 👍

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Tom. That's my hope...that Ricky will get some opportunities down the road. His personality is infectious and fun! HMM

[@kimifan06]

Another great video! Track looks nice too, i like the curved back stretch

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...it's banked all the way around. It's becoming one of my favorite tracks. Thanks again! HMM

[@billmellinger1134]

Ricky better have some more t- shirts made after this. Looks like he has alot of new fans me included. This is great story all around. Dr. Dave a really cool guy as well. Another awsome story Don. Wanted to be there but work got in the way.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Bill...it was a great show. You and me both on the Ricky Lewis fan club thing. Waynesfield is a great track...great racing. We'll see you at the next one! HMM

[@critterscute3642]

Nice mention on the PA system, HMM. 😀What a great and accomplished guy and driver Ricky is. And a captain’s license?!? Surf and turf Ricky 😂 I caught just a portion of the Chicago NASCAR event yesterday. Unfortunately I tuned in just in time to see Kyle lose it in turn 6. Big bummer! Keep up the great work HMM 😎🏁

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...what a bummer...Larson sliding head first into the tires...had a fast car too. Ricky is one awesome dude...so glad I connected with him. Thanks again! HMM

[@markdegoede6568]

That was awesome nice job HMM!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Mark...always appreciated. HMM

[@roastum1usa206]

Great kid Great story! Thank you

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Ricky's personality is infectious! Damn good racer too. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@johnhoops3531]

Great video HMM and I check daily for new ones keep up the great work.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks John; I appreciate your support! HMM

[@ishkaz599]

Great video. Please keep bringing the non wing stuff. Thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...I love me some non-wing sprint car racing...so exciting to watch. Wish more folks would watch it...thanks. HMM

[@ralphcopeland4530]

I am surprised that you have not been contacted by someone that can syndicate your videos. You do a great job and I always look forward to your videos. I love the racing videos but I enjoy the other ones such as the Ship wrecks . Keep up the great work Don .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Ralph. Haven't thought much about syndication; heck I'd be grateful just for more views, shares, subscribers, etc., for starters. It's a slow full-time grind. I appreciate your support...HMM

[@bobsmyth9776]

Oh you lucky guy you !!😂 Jack Hewitt , Ricky Lewis, Tmez footage, and Your name over the P. A ( finally) Cool...cool-- wish I could ah been there... When we finally cross paths & meet..& share a couple personal Early Baltes stories...now I have a couple close & personal Jack Hewitt stories too. ( My hero). You're seeing some different tracks, different roads & small towns....Rock On..

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Bob. Waynesfield is amazing! Great racing. Had a small chat with Hewitt while I was there...hope to get that out next. HMM

[@FastKiwiBoss]

Another fantastic video Don, that kid is a hot-shoe and drove well to a great win, even Jack Hewitt would have luv that, and on USED tyres. Good to hear him giving you some PR, you've made him world famous so works both ways. Luv the panoramic view of Waynesfield, looks awesum. Dale(NZL)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Dale. Waynesfield is becoming one of my favorite tracks...the racing is sooo good...high-banked all the way around. I'm grateful to get Ricky some pub in NZ. You must go crazy for your NZer in NASCAR; that dude is amazing! HMM

[@FastKiwiBoss]

@@HistoryMysteryMan SVG has lifted NASCAR's profile in New Zealand, Australia and possibly world-wide, there will be more coming from down-under. Road racing is what we all grew up doing, that and dirt racing. I like that you give the small guy racers such as Ricky some profile Don, helps them move up in the sport, well done. Dale(Kiwi)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@FastKiwiBoss Thanks DM, my friend. I love doing the grassroots stories; if only I could reach more people. Always appreciate you...and your feedback. HMM

[@Blblazer1210]

You do great work HMM. Thank you!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you sir! HMM

[@ronyantz7349]

Nice footage ! HMM ! I need to check out the tracks in Ohio !

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Ron. Yeah Waynesfield is a serious high-banked barn burner. HMM

[@markwray3905]

Great video 😊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Mark...HMM

[@wideslammer]

Another great story from the races. You are very good at finding interesting people to spend time with at the track. Ricky Lewis is a very successful racer working with a budget that I would guess is a lot less than other equally successful racers. I wonder how many of Doctor Dave's patients are aware of what he does when he's not at the hospital. I've always preferred the traditional non-wing sprint cars. I know they're not as fast as the winged variety that have the advantage in aerodynamics and downforce. I've always thought there was a premium on the ability of the driver of a non-wing car.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again. Ricky Lewis has an infectious and fun personality, which makes it easy to root for him. He's also a damn-good racer who makes the most of the equipment he has. In my opinion, he gave a clinic in this movie on how to do a victory lane interview...amazing. I love all sprint car racing, but the non-wing stuff is especially exciting to watch...drivers constantly sawing away at the wheel. Cars get more sideways and seemingly out of control. I wish non-wing racing paid better, or equal to the winged cars...but that's how it is. I grew up in non-wing sprint car racing, and have always been partial to it. HMM

[@christianmayhew2617]

HELL YEAH!!!!!!!! You found him HMM.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

With a little prodding from you! Thanks! HMM

[@ryeboy2u]

Great story and video

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thank you sir! HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

Possibly my favorite racing video you posted this season. Firstly, I love the title, along the same lines as "Just like Tide, Norm Benning is tough on dirt!" Still remember that headline/ title to this day! I love non-wing racing, more exciting in my opinion, cheaper to run those cars and arguably the driver seems to make more of a difference. I never really knew anything about Ricky Lewis before watching the video. he seems like a humble guy and entertaining as well and of course one heck of a driver. I hope he can run more USAC shows and who knows what will happen from there. The fact that he's also a captain is a nice tie in and as far as I know kind of rare in racing. Other than you and him are there any other maritime connections with racing you can think of? The only one I can think of is Martin Truex Sr. A back surgeon that builds winning engines! That's a story onto itself! Interesting how Ricky mentioned they use Simple Green on their tires. One of the top 358 Modified owners around here told me that trick a few years a go. I spray the crap out of the dirty tires with Simple Green, then pressure wash them and they come out looking like new and a bit softer too. Anyways, just some random thoughts on this video. Thanks for posting!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your random thoughts...love it. Love that title for Benning; I got to know him fairly well during my time at ARCA...always worked hard to help promote him. Non-wingers are the best; I prefer them. Funny thing is...I never knew anything about Ricky Lewis either, till his crew member kept on me...and I'm glad he did. What is Martin Truex, Sr.'s connection to maritime? So far, Ricky was the only maritime connection I knew of. First I've heard of this Simple Green thing. HMM

[@greggrauscher34]

No problem HMM. Martin Sr. and his brother Barney (who also raced and passed away a couple years a go) grew up as clam fisherman and turned it into a business empire. I seem to recall hearing Martin Sr. at one time was actually the captain of one of the boats before he decided to concentrate more on running the business. Also, I remembered the day after I made the original post that Winston West legend Roy Smith's "real" job was being a commercial fisherman. Sadly he lost his life in 2004 when a fishing trawler he was working on sank off of Vancouver Island..

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@greggrauscher34 Wow...the things I learn from you. Never knew this about the Truex family. How tragic for Mr. Smith...HMM

[@mariebeasley1269]

Shared 😊

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Marie...my all-time favorite sharererer...HMM

[@williamransbottom2902]

Go to Waynefield every time they race great track

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks William. Waynesfield is becoming one of my favorite tracks...perfect size short track, high-banked all the way around...serious action track! HMM

[@user-wm7ek1pr3l]

Met his mom and girlfriend in AZ. Good people

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Absolutely. Ricky's personality is infectious and fun...heck of a racer too. Thanks...HMM

[@user-vd9tg5lg2z]

Don you need to come back to Waynesfield July 27th will be a great show and maybe you could interview sometime some of the mod drivers or 360 drivers.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll put that date down on my calendar...thanks! HMM

[@user-vd9tg5lg2z]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Your welcome Don and I think it was in 2021 we met at the Saturday 4 crown around 1p.m. you even remembered my name. Also hope your MOM is doing great. GOD BLESS.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@user-vd9tg5lg2z What is your name?; it's not in your KZbin title. My mom passed away; thanks for your well-wishes for her. HMM

[@user-vd9tg5lg2z]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I am sorry to hear that Don my name is Tim Meyers. Loved when you were with ARCA at Shadybowl and Kilkare.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@user-vd9tg5lg2z Thanks Tim. ARCA at Shadybowl and Kil-Kare! That said, you and I go way back! HMM

[@randysipp8193]

Hello history mystery man just wondering if your going to attica today Brady Doty classic hopefully see you there

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sorry Randy...I wasn't able to get there this year. Maybe the Big E Thursday...thanks. HMM

[@Bdogg12784]

Assume video!! I still want to see video of ricky crossing the track and going threw the infield, going on to win at paragon.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I hope to be there for that. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@stalehunter]

so where is the part about TMez?

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's the first thing you see in the video, then it plays again in its entirety starting at 15:10...HMM

[@DavidKnisley-sj9xi]

Can't believe t mez flipped again that poor guy can't get a break but I will say I think his t mez TV has gotten to his head he needs to put the camera down and get back to driving

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...we'll hope for better days ahead for Meseraull. Hopefully, he can find longer term quality rides. Thanks for checking out my movie, David. HMM