Hey all-I'm sorry I've been MIA for the past couple months. What's going on you ask? Just been busy and haven't had time to post anything. So here's the absolute latest-we are not going to Iowa this weekend-dont have enough cashola to go out there. It is a LONG HAUL from Tazewell to Newton, Iowa. When you go that far-the checkbook needs to be healthy. Honestly, I'm not sure (other than contractual obligations) why we even race out there. Sure, everyone says that it is a super facility but there are plenty of nice race tracks that are much closer.

I guess I better give a quick recap as to how our season's been since Salem. We struggled with brake problems at Motor Mile, had a really solid run at Jennerstown finishing around 15th or so, ran second at South Boston until a knot-head took us out, had to skip Bristol due to having too many torn up race cars and nothing in one piece to take, and finally went to Mansfield and ran really well before having a problem with the ignition system with 50 laps to go.

All in all, I'm pleased with how the year's went. We have had a lot of fun racing this year-the Pro-Cup series is a great series to be a part of. The best way to describe it to those of you who don't race is that it's kinda like Cheers (yeah, random 80's reference there)...everyone knows your name and its a great family atmosphere, the officials treat us well, the fans are awesome and the on track racing is competitive.

I've learned a lot this year. I've learned a lot about the newest setup tricks (bump stops, coil binding, etc) but most importantly I've learned a lot about what I need to feel in the racecar to make it fast. The "light-bulb" started to come on in Jennerstown and it went full-on bright in Mansfield. I've also learned the importance of testing. Testing is, without doubt, the most important thing a team can do to be successful. You can do all of the "computer simulation" and all of the "homework" you want at the shop, but if you dont get to the track and put the "rubber to the road" then all you're doing is "spinning your wheels" (literally!)

Our plans for the remainder of the season are to skip Iowa and race for the wins at Kenly (Southern National Speedway) and Rockingham. We have a vigorous testing program in place for the remainder of the season, with tests tenatively planned for Motor Mile, Kenly and Rockingham, with a possibility of a test at good 'ole Lonesome Pine.

'till next time-(hopefully not as long as last time!)

MK