It's all about Friends.....

...new...old...and the ones you have yet to meet.

Thanks to Roger Richards and about 30 other folks, I will get to race the last event of the 2008 IHRA season - The World Finals @ ROCKINGHAM! For those of you not familar with the story...check out Roger's latest article on CompPlus - Oct 10, 2008

I made mention of what Roger and many folks did for me in my last blog...and today, well it's really starting to hit me.

Laurie came up today so we could put all the vinyl on my car for the Rockingham race. Not only did she and Dale help out...but they bought the vinyl and she helped me put it on...(which made it even more fun) Each "Friend" got their own splotch or splash or blob....(depends on how you look at it) with their name on my car.

As each name went on the car....it just amazed me that much more that....WOW...I can't believe what all of these folks have done for me. This is just something else. Even with the way our economy has been...and they all still helped. Some I have never met...and I certainly hope to.

There are some super good people in this world...and even more so......some super good people involved in one shape or form in DRAG RACING.

As I was saying, Laurie and I got all the Rockingham vinyl on...and it is just....well...cool. I can't wait to show everyone this weekend at Rockingham...and of course...pix here and on our team website later. I thought about doing a sneek-peek....but waiting will be more fun.

On another note, we raced this past weekend @ Indy for the "N" Fall Classic. Some things went really well....like my car finally - REALLY coming together. My new Terminator is great! This was only the second race for it...and the improvements are showing. Although I had a 3rd round exit....it was an awesome weekend. The car is ready for Rockingham....which was the plan....and we got to spend sometime with folks we haven't seen for a year.

Patty & Brian Hertenstein are some of the nicest folks I know. We met them last June (07) when we were filming "King of the Strip" for ESPN2. Actually...Kevin ended up having to race Patty....

Indy is their home track...and we haven't seen them since last year's Fall Classic. We also were able to snatch up Casey Davis...who is also local to ORP to crew for us for the weekend. Casey was our crew for 2007. It was so nice to have him out at the track with us. It's a dirty shame, that after he finished school over here in Lima...that he found a real job. LOL.....you know...one that pays money? ha! ....or he would still be on our team.

Hope to see as many of you as possible at The Rock....can't believe it's the last blast of 2008.....sigh.....

Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Ohio Crankshaft, Vintage Trailers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio and Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School!

Yep...that is one "Funny Car"....

Kevin and I went to the SportsNationals event this past weekend in Columbus....and for once this season....the weather was fantastic! You know....no....."R" word...and very pleasent temps. That's almost weird to have a at race...and it was really nice all four days.

We were pretty excited to try my new fuel system. We just switched from a Toilet to a Terminator. We deceided to test on Thursday and it didn't take long to figure it out...and lay down an 8.903. :)

Kevin still wants to work with it a little more and we know we still have some fine tuning to do...and that's not something you mess with on race day. We are very pleased with it...and want to say thanks to James Monroe for his help!

One of the reasons it was extra fun this past weekend...was the fact that our good friends live so close to the track. Not only did we have Dale and Laurie Cannister stop out Saturday to the track....but also another friend Scott Janey, who is also local and all the way from Maryland -- John Farr and his girlfriend Renee -- who stayed for both Saturday and Sunday.

I met John from my work at Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School....and as one thing led to another...John is getting prepared now to compete in his own 8.90 dragster. John's "new-to-him" dragster is at our shop, as Kevin is preparing it to race yet this season. It will have my (now John's) 482 motor and fuel system. Kevin will get to compete with it at our last two races of 2008. (Indy and Rockingham)

The race this past weekend was really fun all the way around....and I guess the best part was Saturday evening when the six of us went out to dinner at one of Dale & Laurie's favorite haunts.

Since Laurie won the Championship....we have never really had a chance to celebrate...we made up for it that evening. I had asked the waiter, in private, if they had anything special they could do for her winning and explained the deal to him. Well........this is what we got......

Now THAT is ONE FUNNY CAR. I could make so many different comments about it....but...you know...it was really funny and everyone was surprised, so it was just a fun moment. Guess it "fit" the situation....not sure what the car is supposed to be doing....looks like it's leaving quite a....pile...at the starting line. :) Laurie....is that going to give you an oildown penalty? lol

 

As much as I love to race, I have been looking forward to having my first weekend off in....well...9 weeks! Not all of my weekends have been spent racing...but some working. I was thinking I had the next couple off....but as of this afternoon, I will be headed to NC next weekend (Sanford) to do a show for "The Outdoor Channel". A little more fun in the MUD for "World of Trucks"! Next episode airs this Monday @ 5p....from Summit Racing Equipment's Truck Fest.  

Here's looking forward to one fun weekend off....(I have a feeling there will be lots of other work involved though!)......and best to all!

Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Ohio Crankshaft, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio and Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School!

 

I blinked...and summer was over!

It never ceases to amaze me the new and exciting things that I am lucky enough to experience. I guess that is a good thing...because I am a person that can get bored pretty easily. I always need to be doing something and can't sit still long.

Since my last installment, I did get to do the TV for the ADRL race @ Norwalk. I was really surprised to see so many folks that I know. Some racers...some "behind the scenes" folks...like Ace Photographer Roger Richards.

Hopefully I'll get a chance to do something for them again....normally it's Bret Kepner that does those....soooooo....it may be a while before I get to go back. It's hard to compete with Bret!! :)

Next was the Kruse Auction over Labor Day...(INDY)...weekend. WOW...were there ever A LOT of vehicles! Just amazing. We filmed 13 episodes of Bidding Wars...in two days and it will actually air on Fox Sports National. I fell in love with several cars....including the one and only '67 nova I saw. Wasn't an SS...but still a nice piece. Don't think it sold....the reserve was a little too high.

 Oh well...can't have my dragster....AND my street machine...not just yet anyway.... :)

Didn't get to do the Lawn Mower races...the TV production date was changed and well...I just couldn't be at two TV different shoots at the same time. I was kinda looking forward to it too!

Next was the race last weekend @ Epping. The Amalie North American Nationals. I knew we were going to get together with the Amalie group down on the starting line Thursday evening...but I didn't know exacly what we would be doing.....................

Well....we pull up on the golf cart and Mike Perry says..."Just who I was looking for....we need an announcer for the Amalie VIP race"....I was like...HUH!!?? Not me...I've done a lot of things...but that is not one of them. But...thanks to Mike for helping me get started...Renee Bingham for her help...etc...I guess I did OK. I didn't have a lot of info to use and I had a sheet of paper with everyone's name and car number on it. (Which Mike Perry would now like to strangle me for throwing away.....OOPS....) It gave me a lot of extra respect for the guys in the tower...Unk...Stagin' Stevie...etc. It's not as easy as it sounds...and it's very hard to keep coming up with different ways of saying the same thing. I think Unk and the rest of the gang are very, very safe with their PA gigs....lol! It was fun though...and I'm gald I could help out. Thanks to Amalie, Terry McMillen and his crew for a really fun time....and great food and drinks for all after it was completed.

  

We had a good time all the way around at Epping. Even with Hanna blowing through. Sure made tuning my car interesting. Fri the weather was one way...Saturday you could cut the air with a knife and Sunday...it was breezy and beautiful. Made it through a few rounds before a double breakout in the quarter-finals.

Of course before that....had a good time with Wendy Sims' "Hurricane Party" at the Kalbones' pit. Now Hanna wasn't a hurricane when it hit the New England states....but it still dumped quite a bit of rain on us...and blew stuff around a little. There were a lot of things flowing in the pit that night...fun, beverages and rapid river Cannister....lol. Good thing I had on flip-flops....it was getting really deep in there.....I'll just leave it at that!!! HA HA HA!!

This weekend I'm off to Summit Racing Equipment here in Ohio to shoot some shows during their Truck Fest. I already have a shopping list....if I have some time to pick up some goodies while I'm there. I don't know if it's a good idea to send me there or not...I think I could easily spend more than my TV day pay. You know...kid in a candy store! Then we are going to try and test @ Milan on Sunday. I'm switching from the Toliet to the Terminator and want to get 'er dialed in before next week @ C-Bus.

Before I go....I want to say a special THANKS to Roger Richards. What he did for me out of the kindness of his own heart is just something else. And the response....well it has been overwhelming. If you didn't read about it...check out Roger's latest editorial on Comp Plus.

I am truly blessed......thank you to all. 

Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Ohio Crankshaft, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio and Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School!

Switching Hats

The race season on the track has been a little pittiful for us this year....and that's being nice. We have been dealt one problem after another....that in the long run, just turned out to be ONE BIG electrical problem. Man, chasing those kind of things can be a real pain for any team.

So now that the "regular" season is over for us...you know...the one where you can earn points, we're just going to have some fun during our last few races of the year.

First..some other business to tend to. TV --- This weekend I will be attending my very first ADRL event @ Norwalk. Not racing...not as a spectator, but as the Pit Reporter/Host for the ADRL TV show. I have to admit, I have some studying to do before Saturday. I know some of the players....but not all...and not all the classes as well as I want to before I head up there. Should prove to be a wild time!

The next week, while many teams, fans, etc will either be racing or watching the US Nationals...well I will be spending two days with some major eye candy.....NO....not THAT kind, super nice cars and the like. The Kruse Auto Auction in Auburn, IN. We will be filming 13 shows in 2 days for the ESPN2 Series - "Bidding Wars".

Then another change of pace....the following Sunday it's off to Delaware, Ohio for the USLMRA National Finals. Now what in the world is that you may be asking? Lawn Mower Racing! Actually...I think it's going to be kinda FUN! I'll let you know. I'm thinking that show will be taped for the Outdoor Channel.

Then.....it's time to head to Epping. IHRA Amalie Oil North American Nationals. We are so proud to represent Amalie and their fantastic family of products. It's not just what the company does for the racers and IHRA...it's what the products do to keep our engines, parts, trannys and anything else that relies on lubricants....SAFE. You just can't ask for a better package that that! Maybe you should go check out their new on-line store for yourself - www.amaliestore.com 

You can SAVE MONEY (30% OFF!!)...get FREE SHIPPING and qualify for AMALIE contingency! All while using the best products on the market! That's racers helping racers!

I try to remember to take some shots during my upcoming TV shoots to share with you. I'm sure I will have a hard enough time not DROOLING over the vehicles up for auction @ Aurburn. Good thing I don't have some big line of credit....it would be gone and then some. lol

So, yes...I will miss racing the next couple of weeks...but maybe it's the mental break I need after all our of "technical difficulties". Car is absoulety rockin' now....it just needed more power for all that spark! Stupid grounds.....

I think the only members of our crew who have REALLY had fun in the last couple of weeks.....would be our smallest....fuzziest members....Mandy & Miyah.

Mandy on the left is 11 and she is the "Official Team People Greeter" also in charge of Fan/Sponsor Entertainment.

Miyah - Right -- is 6 and her job is nothing but "Team Security" --- She misses nothing.

They are Shetland Sheepdogs or Shelties, not to be confused with a Collie. Although some like to call them Miniature Collies....they aren't. What they are though....is a SCREAM and I can't imagine going racing without them!

 

Hope you have a GREAT Labor Day....and no I'm not rushing it..... :)

Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Ohio Crankshaft, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio and Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School!

The Great Lakes Swing...and a little rant...

So if NHRA has the "Western Swing" going on right now, I guess you could say our team is getting ready for the "Great Lakes Swing".

Martin National, Martin Divisional and Quaker City Divisional. Well....sounds good anyway. I just wish we could have more races to claim. Not division races...I think that program is fine. I'm talking National events.

When I first started running this tour in 2005, it was your best 4 of 6...then it changed to 3 of 6...and now 3 of 5. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to have that 6th event to claim. Now that 6th event didn't help me last year....at all....but it could have and that's why I went.

I know nothing is going to change for this season, but I hope that the folks at IHRA can take a look at this and bring it back to 6 national claims. It was one of the main reasons we didn't attend the Grand Bend National this year...(and I love running Canada). I had to choose --- which event did I want to claim? Martin or Grand Bend? I can really see this hurting the TD and TS folks...with the new 32 car fields. I haven't studied it as much as I should....or would have...had we been running TD as planned this year. Maybe I need to start watching a little closer for future reference.

OK....there was the "rant" part....and although I could go on..........

Martin is going to be great. One of our favortite facilites on the IHRA tour. Actually I love racing them all....and that's part of what is neat about running the tour. Different tracks, fans and each facility has its own "flavor". 131 is a super nice track and for those of you who have been there and/or raced there....you know what I'm talking about.

I'm looking forward in taking part in the Media day on Thursday! Weather looks like it should be perfect....and I won't say any more so as to not jinx it!

PLUS - DALE CREASY, JR will be back on the grounds!!! No, not in the way we would all like to see him......but that will come with time. I hope he can attend some other events before the season is over, too.

For those who may not have seen the story on the main page of IHRA.com....Dale can use our help....now...and for the months ahead.

From the IHRA.com story:

 Creasy does have a large pile of medical bills stemming from his accident. A fund has been established by Godspeed Ministries to help with his medical expenses.

Checks may be made to:

GODSPEED MINISTRY, INC (put Dale Creasy Jr. Fund on the memo line)

You can send the checks to:
God Speed Ministry
141 E.A.Bingham Rd
Kings Mountain, NC 28086

You will also be able to make a donation at the Godspeed pit area during the Northern Nationals.

An online donation center is also being created, check godspeedministries.com for updated information.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Harmony Bailey
(Baileyh1@msu.edu) or Renee Bingham (renee@godspeedministry.com)

_________________________________________________________________________________

So as I spend my last weekend at home for the next....several weeks...it's one of those things where I have so much I COULD be doing...and don't feel like doing any of it! Just can't wait to get back out to the track after a couple fo weeks off. Now....I may wish I had this weekend back come beginning of September! Between racing and TV assignments..I will not have another weekend off until September 27! Wow....

See you at Martin for the national event debut of our newly named "In-TERROR-Gator" Amalie Oil QR Dragster!!!! :) :)

Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Ohio Crankshaft, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio and Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School!

July already?

This year just needs to slow down a little....or is it...I need to!

Yesterday (Monday 7/7), was the first full day I have been home since Tuesday June 24. Wow....

I spent every day of the last 13 days at a track....and I'm not complaining. We first raced the "N" race @ Norwalk. That was my first "N" National event. My racing wasn't that great....I went red in the first round....but everything else that happened while we were there was pretty cool.

It started off with the folks from K&N Engineering visiting us and taping some sort of feature on me. Now, I'm used to interviewing folks...not the other way around. I really feel strange doing that. I hope I did OK...it was really a fun thing!

At the same time, Roger Richards shows up on his new present he got for Father's Day - a cute little scooter he can throw in the back of "Little Rock" (his trusty Astro Van). He had already told me he was coming by our pit and wanted pictures of me riding it. Of course my first question...."Doesn't that thing have a weight limit!?!?" :)

Now mind you....this was all going down just before first round at my first "N" national event on Friday morning. I was hoping I could at least TRY to look better for the video...but hey, that's racing! (I keep calling it "N"...'cause the announcers would only refer to IHRA as the "I-SIDE"....lol.

First round came and went...but we had a lot of fun anyway! Got to do several interviews for 1320TV...some that were posted for the Norwalk event...some that will be posted for this week's event.

Thanks to UPS....I FINALLY received my new AMALIE OIL logos....JUST IN TIME FOR 1st ROUND eliminations.....wish I could have had them a little earlier...but UPS only delivered to the track, once a day!

 

So we came home Sunday....and I was right back to the Norwalk track Monday afternoon to get the classroom set up in the Media Suite for the first of 2 - two day classes for Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School. This was the school's first time holding a remote class at the Norwalk facility. We had a lot of rain on Thursday...but by 4p on Friday when we needed to be done....we got it all in!

I had a lot of different duties during those 4.5 days...including opening the gate for students who were making shorter licensing passes. So this was a view that I saw a lot on Tuesday and early on Friday. I know this part of the track well now!

I even got to take the ol'Trailblazer down the track a couple of times. Hey...you gotta test the tree, right!?!? 16.80 Not bad for what it is...in-line six and all! When I was done for the day....it sure was nice having one of THESE in my room! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.........

So I get home Friday night about 6:30...and I am right back on the road to Clay City for the double divisional! We rolled in about 12:30....(Thanks to the CC folks for keeping the track open all night so we could get in!)

Back home Sunday....and well.............back to reality, too!

Thank heavens there is much more racing coming this weekend and next! See you at Pittsburgh!

Ohio Crankshaft, Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio and Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School!

Well.....we're glad we went!

So as of my last post...I had mentioned how we waivered back and forth on whether or not we were going to Budds Creek.

I AM SO GLAD WE DID!

Yeah...the fuel prices really stink...(being nice now....) but, it was a really fun trip. We didn't have our crew guy with us, so it did make a little extra work for Kevin...(I'm a driver and a computer geek....definetly NOT a wrench!)

We got there a little later than we normally do...just so we didn't have close our shop so early. Thursday we went and had dinner with Bill & Connie Rudy @ Captain Billy's. I love crab...but have never ordered crab legs...just always seemed like TOO MUCH WORK! Well, Bill showed me how to do it....and it was quite a show to watch me do this I guess. I have known Connie since I was a kid....and I don't think I've ever seen her LAUGH SO HARD! I'm not sure if it was because Bill was showing me.....or really maybe....it was because I was whacking the heck outta the things...and spraying Kevin with "leg parts". I did finally get the hang of it...and will definetly get them again. Although I don't know if they will be as good as they were there!

So for those of you who weren' @ BC.....IT WAS HOT! I don't think I've ever stayed in the living quarters so much.

I was really glad to have 3 qualifiying passes...that was nice. Still ran an 8.898...and qualified number 43 or something like that. Didn't even bother to put the number on the car...'cause I just knew I wasn't getting lane choice!

Made it through some pretty tough folks....Furr, Chuck Harris, Hollywood...etc...and was thrilled to be on the right side of the ladder to get a bye into the final.

Now mind you....I have been to BC the last four seasons as well. (I only started racing a dragster in '04 - prior to that a 13 sec street car!) Until this year.....I HAD NEVER WON A ROUND AT BC!! That was another reason we had thought about not going...I didn't exactly have any sort of a "win" record there. So just getting outta first round was pretty darn special in my book.

I guess poor John Furr is just my "first" guy. Not only was he my very first round win in QR (Rockingham Fall '04).....but my first round win in FIVE trips to Budds Creek. What I find that is also kinda cool....is that he used to race the car I have. (the only dragster I have ever had)

OK...enough of the history lessons!

I was so excited to run Danny (D-Dub) in the final. Neither he or I have had the best start to the season. You know the guy is going to run ya honest....and well...he's just a great guy and a darn good racer. He didn't get that #1 on his car for nothing! I knew no matter what happened...it should be a good race.....................well........................it wasn't.

We lost our EGT readings 2 rounds before the final. There was just NO TIME between to figure out where the wiring problem was. So when it popped on me pretty good in the semi-final round burnout...we thought maybe she was getting a little lean since we were running the rounds so close together. We gave it a tiny bit more fuel and thought we should be ready to go. I had been in the right lane all day...and took my bye in the left...just in case I didn't get lane choice. My lights over there had not been the best....but...I was ready for the final.

 

Car wouldn't get out of its own way. Danny was so far out on me...I think he started backing into me at the 1000 ft. I thought MAN...my light must have really STUNK or he's really set up fast. Not the case at all. I had a .015 to his .016....and just couldn't get to the stripe - if I would have got out and pushed!

When I caught up to Danny on the return road to congratulate him...he says..."Man you just weren't where I thought you should be!" Nope.....nowhere near it when I only ran a 9.067 @ 158. Timeslip shows I had even lost about 3.5 mph @ the 1/8! I did dump at the end...'cause after all that well...if the car had been running the number that would have been really DUMB to breakout.  I've tried to learn that lesson......lol

It just wasn't my turn to win....it was Danny's day.  I truly realized that when I heard how Danny and his dad passed the Iron Man back and forth to each other for Father's Day. Pretty sweet.....

 

It's an off weekend coming up....and then off to our first ever NHRA National event @ Norwalk. Gotta stay in shape for the next IHRA Div race in 3 weeks @ Clay City!

It was also great to be in the winner's circle with so many other super people who just make racing IHRA a blast for me!

I almost felt like "The Don" having to change shirts and so many hats!! LOL Man....can Frank cut some lights in that Pro Stock Car or what!?!? Nice Driving Frank!

Our Runner-Up @ Budds Creek would not have been possible without our entire team!

Guys and Gals....we couldn't do it without you! THANK YOU!!

 Ohio Crankshaft, Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio and Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School!

Yes we are...no we aren't...yes...no....YES!

OK-OK....so we ARE going to Budds Creek this week! It had been on our schedule since the beginning of the year, but since you can only claim so many IHRA events, well I didn't "need" to go.

We we're planning on this being the first event for Kevin's new TD. It's going to be a little while longer yet before it will be ready for competition. We thought...well we really don't want to tow all the way down there with one car....sooo we'll stay home.

It was just last Thursday - Friday...whatever it was that we said....what the heck...we're going!

I guess we are just in a "last-miunte-non-planned" type mood right now. It was Saturday evening that a friend of ours called from Marysville and said "hey...you guys know that you can go run the 8.90 stuff @ National Trails on Sunday?"

That was at 7p or so...and the next thing I know...we are hanging up our landscaping tools and packing up the race trailer and on the road with crew/dogs and coolers by 9:30p on our way to Laurie and Dale's house.

They only live a short distance form the track and we just thought it was a better idea to leave that evening instead of before the crack of dawn on Sunday since gates open @ 8am. So, we spent the night in their driveway in our living quarters...and they were nice enough to let us plus in to save on the generator.

Too bad they were so busy trying to get the FC ready for this week's race or they could have come with us Sunday. Bet with how HOT it was, they were glad to be home though.

So, I've been to National Trails...but only to watch national events. We have never raced there with anything. I was pretty happy with the outcome. I wasn't there to test the car....but ME. I feel that you can NEVER get enough seat time...and there is no better way to do that, than in actual competition. Especially when you can do it and NOT have to worry about points.

Without having any data on that track or really HOT weather with my new combo...I was very pleased to make it to the semis before I turned the wrong color light on. Still, that was the cheapest testing I've ever done....it was nice to "get paid". :)

It's time to look for your latest copy of IHRA DRM..(June 13th Issue). It's now up online..and will be coming to your mailbox soon! It talks about the NEW CONTEST WITH IHRA AND FRANK HAWLEY'S DRAG RACING SCHOOL!!!!!!  

More details will be coming to IHRA.com in the coming weeks...and the ONLY place you will be able to get in on the action is IHRA.COM!!

I will also have more on the "Launch to a Dream" contest available at our pits area at most IHRA national events and any of the divisional events that we will participate in this season.

Contest starts soon and will run through October 31, 2008.

As always...thanks to all the fine companies who not only make what we do on and off the track possible.....BUT FUN!

Ohio Crankshaft, Amalie Oil Company, K&N Engineering, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio, Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School and it's always great to be powered by Torco Racing Fuels.

An Expensive (but FUN) Test Weekend

Another interesting week..........

It started Tuesday night when Kevin and "Bliz"..."Double-D"....whatever we are calling our crew guy Dan at the moment.....couldn't figure out why one side of the new 548 just wasn't firing right.

Kevin deceided to work very late that night over at the shop, since we wanted to leave the next day. Well about 12:30a...some jerk runs right into our trailer! Our trailer sits about 30-35ft off the side road...and there was NO reason for anyone to be even close to it. Well, Kevin heard a loud boom....ran outside and saw the person(s) take off. Yeah....thanks for stopping........(insert adjectives here). I get a call...(I was asleep) and all I can think is that the whole side of the trailer is smashed in.........you always think the worst at THAT hour of the day. But by the time I saw it, it really could have been much, much worse. Thank heavens.

So now we're off to Milan and the Motor City Nationals. I'm feeling pretty good about making the first passes with the new combo. Until I launched on the first Q pass. It came off the stop and shook the heck outta me. Felt like very slow motion tire shake....I guess that would be the best way to describe it. It didn't even want to bring the wheels up on the launch...just kinda rolled off the line as you can see in the picture thanks to Roger Richards.

Back to the drawing board. Kevin sees what he thinks may have been a loose wire...and we think that it's fixed....nope. So...after a little more head scratching......it dawns on him.......could it be the distributor? It was the only major thing he changed with the ignition system after putting the new motor back in. Wah-Lah! There is was....and now she's ready to rock.

Out for Q-pass #2. I had been looking at both old databases from my car last year...and Kevin's...just to get some kind of info on what in the heck to put in the throttle stop. Gotta start somewhere and this would be the first GOOD pass down the track. 8.817...not exactly the best...but pretty close in my book for the first hit.

Saturday comes and first round eliminations. What do I put in now?!?! I don't have any type of ratio to use...not with one pass. So...I put a bunch of numbers in and we go for it.

Thinking I had to be close to the right numbers in the box....I didn't play the top end as well as I could have. Guess that was my problem...I was THINKING and not just reacting. I knocked off about 18MPH and according to the early numbers..about .067. I just took too much of the stripe...plain and simple. What really stinks.....is that I had a perfect .000 light!! SIGH.....

Really though, I was probably the happiest first round loser you'll ever see. The car is fixed...and running great, I got my lights figured out...and now we have some sort of info to go off of. I just feel so much better that we have that behind us. :)

While I wasn't able to get on the SPEED show by getting into the final round....which would have been great, I was still able to take part in the new Summit Pro-Am features they are filming. I hope I did OK explaining Quick Rod to the masses. You know....it's pretty hard to do in a short amount of time and try not to be too technical. We'll see how dorky I sound when the Milan events air later this summer. I think the Folk's are in the other show...I'm sure they will be a hoot, too.

I did enjoy talking to all who stopped by asking about Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, the car and of course all of the other things that we had on display. Remember, Performance by Fisher Inc is a 2008 IHRA Contingency Sponsor for American Racing and Weld Racing Pro Series Wheels. If you ever have any questions....please stop by our display at any IHRA National Event or give us a call! 419-222-9820

Mother Nature was so good to us this past week...I sure hope she can be good to us for the Div 3 DBL this upcoming weekend @ Milan, too. As of right now....it's not looking as nice as I would like for it to. SIGH..........

As always thanks to those who make what we do possible!

Ohio Crankshaft, Amalie Oil Company, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, K&N Engineering, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio, Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School and it's always great to be powered by Torco Racing Fuels.

Mud just wasn't the same!

Yesterday, (Sunday) I spent the day at the 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals here in Lima. Now, I wouldn't normally go to this kind of event. Nothing wrong with it....I'm just such a diehard drag racer that I would rather be at a drag strip or whatever.

I have been to this event many times over it's last 23 years. Either for radio promotion or live appearances and for the last 3 years to film various TV shows.

That's what I did yesterday. IT WAS CHILLY...and very WINDY! It had rained quite a bit the night before and morning of....so it wasn't AS dusty on the infield as other years. But it was really muddy!! Even "swampy" in some areas.

I felt bad for the folks who were there with their show trucks...and where some of them had to park. Yuck!

We filmed at least 3 episodes of "World of Trucks" for The Outdoor Channel and one episode of the "Lokar Car Show Series" for ION-TV. Lokar is the new sponsor for what was the Mothers Car Show. Mothers is now a big part of the "Bidding Wars" series on ESPN2. I'm looking forward to filming some of those later this year as well.

So while I did get to hear (and smell) some alcohol burning-blown and injected engines yesterday.....it's still not DRAG RACING as I know it. The folks in Mud Class 6 are absolutely nuts....and I mean that in the nicest way. It's not the taking off or the 200 feet or so of the race.....it's stopping and I think the Lima "track" may be a little short. There were a few boo-boos and one major accident. Our camera crew just happened to have an in-car camera on his ride....and yep...we got the shot. WOW...what a ride! By the time the guy and his car came to a stop....there wasn't much left of it. Only one rear wheel and tire was left attached....and the whole front end had landed about 30 ft away. Just wild.

The monster trucks were pretty interesting as were the modified trucks. Only one female racer in the modified class.............and since they do use a 16 car field ladder....well she was #17 and didn't make the show. Nice purple & silver sparkle truck though. OK...I love sparkles....and if you've seen my dragster over the last few years....well you already know that! :)

I'm really looking forward to Milan. We consider it our IHRA National home track. I also can't wait to go to Wilderness in Dundee. Love the All-You-Can-Eat fish and shimp....even though I can never make it through the first plate. Makes for good left overs! We always try to head there each time we have a Nat or Div in Milan.

Weather looks GREAT....and I should finally get to run my new 548. Yes....I'm excited to get back out there. Too much down time since Rockingham. I can't stand it! :)

Hope to see you there....please stop by and say "Hi!"  

 

Ohio Crankshaft, Amalie Oil Company, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, K&N Engineering, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio, Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School and it's always great to be powered by Torco Racing Fuels.

Why is it always "out-of-state'?

I just spent a very cool last couple of days in Florida. Not just any place in Florida....but Gainesville.

I am very fortunate to work for the best Drag Racing School in the world....Frank Hawley's Drag NHRA Drag Racing School.

Now I am a huge fan....advocate (and of course racer) of IHRA racing. Whether it's "N" or "I"....this is the facility to go to. Bottom line, Frank's programs are second to none. The list of "who's who" in the Drag Racing World who have attended, graduated....and even returned to the school is legnthy and  quite impressive no matter what your standards, level of drag racing or...sanctioning body.

Does it really matter anyway!?!? It's all about Drag Racing and promoting the sport we dearly love....right!?!?

Just to give an example (on going to school)....Laurie Cannister.

Does one really think...based on her current tiraid in IHRA AFC that she NEEDS TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL!?!?

NO.

But this past Monday and Tuesday...she did..and it was Frank Hawley that she went to. That is what is so amazing about what Frank has to share. It's not any certain type of racing....(bracket, sportsman, pro..whatever) What he teaches makes you take a look at yourself....and what you need to do at the track.....in your everyday life.....whatever. It's just amazing. Ask anyone who has been through his classroom. Until you experience it for yourself....well your just missing out on what you can really be.

What happened these past two days was outstanding. Laurie and Dale Cannister along with my husband Kevin went through Frank's Reaction Time Clinic the same time...that Susan Wade (IHRA-DRm, 1320TV.com...and many more) went through the Super Class that Frank offers.

Laurie & Dale Cannister, Susan Wade and my husband Kevin this past Monday @ Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School in Gainesville, Florida.

What happened over the last two days was SO MUCH FUN! I don't want to give too much of it away, because you will be able to read a lot about it in an upcoming edition of IHRA's DRM.

What may be even cooler..........is that you can WIN the experience for yourself. Please stay tuned to IHRA's DRM and IHRA.com for more details on a new contest....(I can at least give you the title.....) "Launch to a Dream". It should commence by the end of the month.

I have to add that I had a BALL just being away for a couple of days with Kevin, Laurie and Dale. We happen to all live in the same state....Ohio....only about 1.5 hours away from each other. As they were leaving Tuesday from the track to fly back home it struck me..................

Why do we live so close...(in the same state)....and only see each other in other states!!??!!

Too weird.............but that's racing for ya. Some of your best friends are miles...if not hundreds of mile away and you only see them in other states......what's up with that....lol??!!

Well anyway now that I'm back....it's down to getting caught up on...well sooooo many things and getting ready for not only a TV shoot this weekend for "World of Trucks" (Outdoor Channel)....but the IHRA Motor City Nationals next week in Milan.

IS IT HERE YET!?!?

I don't make the best spectator....    :)    So I am ready to get back out in my car and have some fun!

Looking forward to seeing you there....please stop by our pit and say "Hi". We have so may great things to share including details on special promotions with our sponsors and the great contest that is coming up with IHRA and Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School..................I would love to see you and tell you more!!

 A special thanks to all who make it possible....and even more fun.......to race with the big IHRA family!

Ohio Crankshaft, Amalie Oil Company, Aesthetic Finishers, Coan Engineering, Moser Engineering, Biondo Racing Products, Hoosier Tire Company, K&N Engineering, Advertising Edge, Inc, CSR Performance Products, Milodon, Borla Exhaust, Borla Headers, Jet-Hot Coatings, Weld Racing, ARP, Auto Meter, Cannister Motorsports Welding & Fabricating, American Racing Wheels, Performance by Fisher, Inc, Snap-On Dealer Tom “The Tool Man” Hirt Lima, Ohio, Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School and it's always great to be powered by Torco Racing Fuels.

 

Oh this is gonna be a good one!

Well earlier this week I get a call that I'm going to be the next victim....I mean...person interviewed for the fairly new feature in IHRA's DRM titled "Getting Off Track".

Now mind you, I have not only read the feature, (which I think is pretty cool BTW) but I was also on hand during one of the previous interviews with my buddy Laurie....so I kinda knew what to expect.

I received my call from Randy Cunningham....(he is a scream!) and we get started. Now I don't want to give anything away....but........there were some pretty interesting....shall I say "off-the-wall" inquires. I certainly hope I answered everything OK. There were so many questions...that I really can't remember how I answered what. I just hope I didn't come across too goofy..........but if I did, well....I was honest. We'll all just have to read it together when the next issue of DRM breaks next week.

My husband Kevin and I took a couple of new pics to use with the story. He's no photographer and well I'm no model....(but we had some fun)....so, we'll just leave it at that. 

Seems to be some pretty good news on the motor front. We'll get my "new-to-me" short block back from Ohio Crankshaft next week. I hope to test @ Milan next Saturday before I head to Gainesville for a few days. As of right now, the weather doesn't look good....but it could change....right.....please?! 

There is a SUPER COOL contest that is coming up with IHRA & Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School. I absolutely can not wait to tell the world about it. The first "step" happens in just a little over a week.

Before that contest starts....check out the contest from one of our sponsors K&N. Now this is COOL for any fan. Deadline is fast approaching...so don't wait to sign up!!

http://www.knfilters.com/hp_challenge_sw.htm

STAY TUNED for more...........it should be quite a ride! 

Rockingham - The Good....The Bad....

I was so excited about going to Rockingham....for so many reasons. First race of the year, never raced the Spring Rock race before, seeing some of the sportsman racers who we haven't seen since last fall, running my new combo....and of course....THE ALL-STARS!

Well...........most of that went OK.

We arrived on Wednesday and got our pit set up. Thursday was tech day. I was also aware of the Chamber Day that was going to be held that evening at the track in the staging lanes. I was fortunate to be asked to take part. Very cool! What I didn't know...until I got my car up there...was that I was also going to be asked to "SPEAK".....and do a burnout for the crowd.

(When you're lacking 70" in wheelbase...and about 7200 HP....my car looks SO tiny down there compared to the TF car of Bobby Lagana!)

(Below...Track Owner Steve Earwood and myself during Chamber Day - Pic thanks to Brian Wood)

THAT...turned into a very important burnout. When I came back to our pit....we knew something was wrong with the new motor. Couldn't tell where the sound was coming from. Kevin checked the top part....and all checked out fine.

Since Kevin doesn't have his new TD yet, he deceided to bring along my 482 motor to set out for sale.................we normally do not have room in our trailer to bring any extra BIG items like that with us. GOOD THING HE DID! If we would have found a problem with the valves....or something, we could have just changed the heads....not so. Of course NOT!

So....out comes the new motor. Thanks to Laurie Cannister's AFC crew...and very good friends of ours...we got the motors swapped. Dale, Steve, Laurie's Dad Bob...and Walt...were just the manpower we needed and we couldn't have done it without them. My crew (Kevin and DQ "Bliz") were up until 5:30a Friday morning trying to button everything back up. Normally it wouldn't take that long...but there were a few things that were different on the old motor...and some parts needed to be changed over. When you're tired....nothing goes FAST!

Now...Friday morning and the 1st Q pass. I thought I should be able to put numbers in the throttle stop simular to what I had been running for the last couple of seasons.............NOT. Car went out there and ran a 9.20. Made some changes...came back out and ran a 9.16.

(Staging lanes Saturday Morning before 1st Round of Regular Event - Love Ya Roger Richards!!)

Not a good feeling going into 1st RD on Saturday morning...but after some serious thought...both Kevin and I deceided to make some WHOLESALE changes. It didn't help...on top of everything else that the vacuum pump deceided....to well.....stop vacuuming.........it didn't SUCK...and that caused a problem as well, esp. with running Alcohol. So no vacuum pump....no E-Vac...different tranny and converter and a very different combination. We really had to watch the fuel set-up...and were having a hard time not "milking" the fuel down. Thank heavens we run Amalie....THAT is some GREAT stuff!

I managed to get by first round...even though I had NO idea what the car was going to run. Run completion says it would have been an 8.849....so yes...I did some playing at the top end. Even managed to win the first round of the All-Star Shootout against #4 Tony Helms (Super Guy BTW).

(First round of All-Stars - defeated #4 - Tony Helms)

That's where the luck ended. We got up to the staging lanes for the Semis in the Shootout...and FORGOT TO TAKE THE WEATHER PAGER WITH US..............UH....DUH! It rained just enough while we were up there...and the air changed JUST ENOUGH...that we really should have taken some fuel away. Well...it cost us the round...as the car wouldn't get out of it's own way. It was way too fat.

I don't even want to talk about 2nd round of the regular event Sunday...we had the car figured out...and well.........I saw a little green. Tell ya anything? SIGH........

All and all....for what was handed to us....we really shouldn't have won any rounds. Being a part of the Chamber Day...just being IN the All-Stars (what a great program - Thanks IHRA & Summit!) and of course....seeing my best friend whoop up on 'em again in AFC, was outstanding.

Now we'll get the new motor sorted out...fixed...whatever it needs and actually be able to go test @ Milan before the Milan National (our next race). We tried to test...and now the track will be much better and WARMER than what we had in early April.

Between now and then, Kevin, myself, Laurie and Dale Cannisiter are all going to Gainesville (Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School)...mid-May. I'll have more on THAT later....and an exciting CONTEST that is coming up! I also have some TV to do here in Lima @ The 4-Wheel Jamboree for the World of Trucks show that airs on the Outdoor Channel.

So...no rest...........and I LOVE IT!

 

 

Talk about "off and running"!!

Wow...I haven't even raced yet and I can't believe what an exciting season it is becoming already. In just the last month, I have started to work for Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School and it is just an awesome oppoutunity.

I spent 10 days in Gainesville last month starting with the Gatornationals and taping an episode of "Inside Drag Racing" during the 2008 induction ceremony of the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. That was really cool! For those of you that know me....trying to use what my producer, (Ted Jones) called a "Golf Voice" during the taping was actually quite hard. I don't really have a quiet voice.

What made the trip even more fun was having my best friend and co-hort Laurie Cannister along. She was able to fly down to Florida with me and not only attend the banquet with me but also work the Frank Hawley booth during the race. It was too bad when she had to fly home that Monday, but she still had lots to do to get her funny car ready for the San Antonio event.

After returning from my stay in Gainesville, it was off to tape more TV shows in Louisville, KY. It was for a HUGE Trucking show that was very simular to a PRI for over-the road trucks. It was HUGE! We taped 4 episodes of a series called "World of Trucks" for the Outdoor Channel that will air later this year.

Now if all that wasn't exciting enough...........it was time to get ready for San Antonio. Not to race my Quick Rod car, but to fly down with Laurie and the rest of the Kalbones crew. This season I have been hired by Kalbones Grill'n Sauce team owners Kevin & Wendy Sims to handle all of their PR for their AFC team. Going to this event was not planned for me at the beginning of the season. I was originally supposed to join them in GA for the ESTN last month. Due to a few things that came up, the team was unable to test and well....we needed to use my airfare for something.

MAN....was I glad it happened the way it did!! Joining the team in San Antonio for what turned into a racer's dream weekend is something I'm so glad I didn't miss! National records, Last "Woman" Standing...winning the event...etc...what just something else.

So now.............it's my turn! After a very exciting year for our team (Performance by Fisher Racing) in 2007, I can only hope this year can be half as good.

I have a new motor in my Quick Rod car along with Kevin's tranny and converter out of his QR car. Since Kevin will be running TD eventually this season, we did a lot of part-swapping.

Next week will be the race I have been looking forward to since last fall - Rockingham Spring Nationals and the Summit All-Star shootout. I am so happy to have made it in the very first All-Stars and it will be one heck of a race. There is not one person out of the 7 other QR racers who aren't capable of taking it all. 

We have put the final touches on my car and now are finishing up the trailer and living quarters. Why don't I do more in the fall so I don't have so much to do in the spring!?!? Guess it's just because we're so tired of dealing with it all summer. Oh well....here comes a trip to............Wal-Mart................. :(

Hope to see you all in Rockingham.....please stop by and say HI...at either my pit or the Kalbones AFC pit. I'll be at one or the other!