Check out the article on dragbike.com (to see included photos) @ http://www.dragbike.com/dbnews/anmviewer.asp?a=5198&z=3. Huge thanks to my friend Paul Cavanaugh for writing the article about me and my company! :)
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Flight of the Bumble Bee
Tuesday, September 08, 2009 By Paul Cavanaugh
Flight of the Bumble Bee
By Paul Cavanaugh
I do not know how many of you have heard “Flight of the Bumble Bee” by Rimsky-Korsakov, to be quite frank, it completely drives me crazy.
Fortunately, this article has nothing to do with it.
What it does have to do with is a woman by the name of Annette Rob who I met through www.sponsorhouse.com back in 2005 when I first started racing and was trying to find sponsors. Annette had also newly started racing and was on the website doing the very same thing. Sponsorhouse is sort of a social networking site where racers of all types try to find sponsorship. You can have friends much like Facebook and all of us drag racers have a tendency to find each other like magnets.
The Bee learns to fly.
Annette learned to ride on a dirtbike as a child under the tutelage of her father. As she got older Annette learned to ride on the street with a friend’s early model GSXR1100 and finally bought her own 2005 Kawasaki ZX636R where she had her first taste of drag racing at Sacramento Raceway in California.
She managed to do well ET racing getting the bike to run 10.75s. Then she had a slight mishap, which resulted in her waking up under the timing tower answering a bunch of trivia questions like, “What is your name?” “What is the date?” “Who is the President?” “Where do you live?” Admittedly, Annette told me she did not answer the questions very well so the paramedics awarded her a trip to the hospital for losing their quiz show.
It took a few months after the “looptie off the line loop” incident to get back in the swing of things. As time passed she got back to the 10.7 range again only to have to sell the bike for financial reasons.
A friend had been bugging her to ride his wheelie bar drag bike and Annette asked him if he realized she had wrecked her own once on the track. He did not seem to mind and told her to give it a shot. At first Annette was a bit apprehensive about letting the clutch go, wheelie bars or not and her first runs were in the blistering 14 second range (The blisters were on her feet from pushing the bike down the ¼.). Three months later she became comfortable and started knocking out 8.80’s.
She entered in S/C at the NHRA West Coast Motorcycle Challenge and was running all over the board from 11’s to 9’s while somehow managing to make it to the finals. The bike she had to race looked like a Pro Stock bike and she feared the worst. Annette said the run felt good but nothing spectacular stood out about it. At the track she was racing you do not know whether you won or lost until you get your ticket, a white one for a win, a yellow for a loss. When the lady at the ticket booth gave her the white one and congratulated her, Annette thought the lady had made a mistake. It turns out Annette had run an 8.904 for the win.
The owner of this bike had run into financial issues of his own and sold the bike. This left Annette without a ride again. Next, it turns out the company she was working for had financial issues of its own and downsized Annette out the door in October of 08.
4 months and 220 applications later Annette had not one interview for a job and started seriously questioning her ability to be hired. She had been to job fairs where 7 employers would show up to hire and there would be anywhere from 300 to 1,500 people there trying to get these jobs.
Annette did some soul searching and thought about the things she was talented at; marketing, and the things she liked to do; motorcycle racing. Putting them together she came up with www.bumblebeemotorsports.com.
While Annette’s dream is to pick up a Pro Stock ride, for now she is content enjoying herself at the track using her creativity to market her fellow racers.
Now that is something to buzz about.
See ya on the track!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Highly recommended... from my family to yours!
Now everyone has done the family photography sessions at JCPenney's or Sears or even maybe the Portrait People or something like that, right? And typically that is where we have taken our family photos. However, I am beyond delighted to share with you a recent experience I've had with an amazing photography company.
BMG Image is a very professional, personable and trustworthy company. Its hard to find a photographer that not only makes you feel comfortable but someone who you know has your best interest at heart! BMG Image is that someone... they are very attentive to your concerns and help you flourish in your images. Brett and Kathryn Gardenhire are beyond amazing people, I just love them. I could sit here and tell you a 100 reasons why they are amazing, the truth is their work simply speaks for itself!
Check them out and consider them if you need some photography services, whether those needs are family or professional! Check out the images below to get a taste of just some of their work...
I wouldnt trust just anyone to photograph my only Mother Daughter photos, I trust and love our photographer, BMG Image. And so should you!
BMG Image is a very professional, personable and trustworthy company. Its hard to find a photographer that not only makes you feel comfortable but someone who you know has your best interest at heart! BMG Image is that someone... they are very attentive to your concerns and help you flourish in your images. Brett and Kathryn Gardenhire are beyond amazing people, I just love them. I could sit here and tell you a 100 reasons why they are amazing, the truth is their work simply speaks for itself!
Check them out and consider them if you need some photography services, whether those needs are family or professional! Check out the images below to get a taste of just some of their work...
I wouldnt trust just anyone to photograph my only Mother Daughter photos, I trust and love our photographer, BMG Image. And so should you!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
CLIENT APPRECIATION
I'm certain many companies enjoy the people they work with, but I get absolutely giddy when I can do or create something for one of my clients that they not only like but love. This appreciation is not only because my clients are all amazing at what they do, but they are genuinely great people!
I am very excited to have Sullivan Racing as a new client. Kalifornia Katie has been making history not only in her own right, but in NHRA. Katie has had a whirlwind year, including graduating from high school, attempting to qualify at Atlanta for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, taking runner-up at Dragbike Challenge/MDRA, qualifying and winning a round against her childhood hero, Karen Stoffer, at United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago, and attempting to qualify at Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver all within the last 75 days. Now I don't know about you, but my last 75 days was no where near as busy or fun! We have been discussing ideas and tools to assist Katie in her quest to obtain sponsors and fulfill her goal of racing NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle full time. Out of those discussions came a sponsor packet, autograph cards, a website and T-Shirts (coming shortly).
For those of you who personally know Katie, you know she is a very dedicated and determined racer. Her heart is into the sport and her passion is just one of the things that fuels her to succeed. For those of you who do not know her, trust that the somewhat reserved happy girl you hear about or see at the track is more than just a petite sweet woman, she is a fierce competitor who will eat you up on the lights if you fail to be on your game in the slightest fraction. This is her dream and nothing will stand in her way.
So as the next week quickly comes upon on, join us at the Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, July 24-26. And when Katie Sullivan "Kalifornia Katie" comes up to the staging lanes on her Pro Stock Motorcycle, put your hands together and root for her! If you can't make it to the races or just want to visit with her, stop by her new home on the world wide web at www.kaliforniakatie.com or on Twitter @KatiePSM745.
As the year progresses, Bumble Bee Motorsports will be attending more races, taking more photos and continuing to build relationships with the great competitors and companies involved in our sport/industry. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. Or if you have any questions or comments, we are always available. Visit us at http://www.bumblebeemotorsports.com/ or call me at 916-670-4349.
Special thanks to all my clients: Greg Means of Means Racing, PTS Xtreme Transmissions, Fields Performance, Portagee Racing, Modern OG Collective, Dragbike Promotions, Mike "Dragbike Mike" Scott and MMA.
I am very excited to have Sullivan Racing as a new client. Kalifornia Katie has been making history not only in her own right, but in NHRA. Katie has had a whirlwind year, including graduating from high school, attempting to qualify at Atlanta for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals, taking runner-up at Dragbike Challenge/MDRA, qualifying and winning a round against her childhood hero, Karen Stoffer, at United Association Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago, and attempting to qualify at Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver all within the last 75 days. Now I don't know about you, but my last 75 days was no where near as busy or fun! We have been discussing ideas and tools to assist Katie in her quest to obtain sponsors and fulfill her goal of racing NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle full time. Out of those discussions came a sponsor packet, autograph cards, a website and T-Shirts (coming shortly).For those of you who personally know Katie, you know she is a very dedicated and determined racer. Her heart is into the sport and her passion is just one of the things that fuels her to succeed. For those of you who do not know her, trust that the somewhat reserved happy girl you hear about or see at the track is more than just a petite sweet woman, she is a fierce competitor who will eat you up on the lights if you fail to be on your game in the slightest fraction. This is her dream and nothing will stand in her way.
So as the next week quickly comes upon on, join us at the Fram Autolite NHRA Nationals in Sonoma, July 24-26. And when Katie Sullivan "Kalifornia Katie" comes up to the staging lanes on her Pro Stock Motorcycle, put your hands together and root for her! If you can't make it to the races or just want to visit with her, stop by her new home on the world wide web at www.kaliforniakatie.com or on Twitter @KatiePSM745.
As the year progresses, Bumble Bee Motorsports will be attending more races, taking more photos and continuing to build relationships with the great competitors and companies involved in our sport/industry. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know. Or if you have any questions or comments, we are always available. Visit us at http://www.bumblebeemotorsports.com/ or call me at 916-670-4349.
Special thanks to all my clients: Greg Means of Means Racing, PTS Xtreme Transmissions, Fields Performance, Portagee Racing, Modern OG Collective, Dragbike Promotions, Mike "Dragbike Mike" Scott and MMA.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
It's been awhile...
Well it's been awhile and I feel like my days run into my nights lately! Sorry for the long delay... They say for every opportunity that you exhaust that being open and flexible will bring new opportunity. Right? Anyway... things did not pan out with MDRA, I got to meet and know some great racers and I am thankful for that - in addition to the experience. But MDRA is a struggling organization and they still have a lot to learn about the sport. I wish them the best of luck if for no other reason than for us West Coast racers to have another place to lay down some rubber.
However, as a racer and business person... I can see how the line can get blurred. But in this sport it is extremely important for that line to be defined...to be CLEAR! Racers put a lot of money and time into a sport that they know will not show them the financial return. We do this because we LOVE it... it really is that simple! It is hard for a person who does not drag race to always think from a racers perspective and yes, I understand that there are times when thinking like a racer will not be beneficial. But it is critical to any race organization to be in the trenches and know the language... to walk the walk not just talk the talk. Having love and respect for your racers is a great start, but it is so much more than that! In the end... say what you mean and mean what you say!
But on to bigger and better things... I have a continued opportunity to work with Big Charlie again for the remainder of the 2009 season and to look at options for the 2010 season. The most important thing to me is to continue to stay involved in drag racing on multiple levels, because this is what I LOVE! I am fortunate enough that my family is always right there beside me!
In between all this craziness, a good friend of ours (you may have heard of her - Katie Sullivan) made the field at the NHRA Chicago race and made it past first round against Karen Stoffer. Miss Kalifornia Katie, she's had a whirlwind month, from winning runner-up at the MDRA May 31st race to graduating from High School to making another hit at the big times with Pro Stock Motorcycle all at the tender age of 18. I have so much pride and excitement for what she has achieved, it gives me goose bumps and she's not even my daughter. I have a lot of respect Katie and her family. Her father Charlie, is by far one of my favorite people. He's always so positive and fun loving! I will continue to root for Miss Katie and I look forward to seeing her obtain sponsorship and make a name for herself! MUCH LOVE and RESPECT!
If you haven't been by my website lately, check it out (www.bumblebeemotorsports.com). Drop by and leave us a comment, we'd love to hear from you or better yet help you out with your marketing needs!
Till next time...BEE safe!
BB
However, as a racer and business person... I can see how the line can get blurred. But in this sport it is extremely important for that line to be defined...to be CLEAR! Racers put a lot of money and time into a sport that they know will not show them the financial return. We do this because we LOVE it... it really is that simple! It is hard for a person who does not drag race to always think from a racers perspective and yes, I understand that there are times when thinking like a racer will not be beneficial. But it is critical to any race organization to be in the trenches and know the language... to walk the walk not just talk the talk. Having love and respect for your racers is a great start, but it is so much more than that! In the end... say what you mean and mean what you say!
But on to bigger and better things... I have a continued opportunity to work with Big Charlie again for the remainder of the 2009 season and to look at options for the 2010 season. The most important thing to me is to continue to stay involved in drag racing on multiple levels, because this is what I LOVE! I am fortunate enough that my family is always right there beside me!
In between all this craziness, a good friend of ours (you may have heard of her - Katie Sullivan) made the field at the NHRA Chicago race and made it past first round against Karen Stoffer. Miss Kalifornia Katie, she's had a whirlwind month, from winning runner-up at the MDRA May 31st race to graduating from High School to making another hit at the big times with Pro Stock Motorcycle all at the tender age of 18. I have so much pride and excitement for what she has achieved, it gives me goose bumps and she's not even my daughter. I have a lot of respect Katie and her family. Her father Charlie, is by far one of my favorite people. He's always so positive and fun loving! I will continue to root for Miss Katie and I look forward to seeing her obtain sponsorship and make a name for herself! MUCH LOVE and RESPECT!
If you haven't been by my website lately, check it out (www.bumblebeemotorsports.com). Drop by and leave us a comment, we'd love to hear from you or better yet help you out with your marketing needs!
Till next time...BEE safe!
BB
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
MDRA Lost Wages Jackpot Race | Las Vegas, NV April 18-19, 2009
LOST WAGES JACKPOT RACE MDRA April 18, 2009
The drive was boring but some parts were pretty! Despite its remote location Tehachapi is actually pretty. Sara: Te-Hay-Chapi (LOL...You're awesome)! Anway, it was a decent drive but we were all very happy to get to Vegas! Once we all got settled we headed to dinner and then went to do a little site seeing, as this was Sara's first trip to Vegas (not just the airport).
Cuda takes the win against Roy Sears and due to a racer experiencing mechanical failure, Cuda earns a bye into the Funnybike semi-finals. Unfortunately, the run against Sears also hurt his motor. Next round, Cuda knows his motor is not going to make a full run without full detonation so he chooses to stage and breaks the beams. Yet another racer experiences mechanical failure and this earns Cuda runner-up place in the Funnybike class!
What a great weekend, loonngg but great! We took off Friday for our weekend in sin city. Cuda, Big Rob hauled Joey's bike to the track (thanks guys), so he rode with them; while Sara and I drove my car. Its always fun to take a road trip, especially to a city you've never raced in! We've heard great things about the Vegas track and presume it to be everything everyone has stated. Besides it has to be awesome... the big boys were just there on April 5th.
The drive was boring but some parts were pretty! Despite its remote location Tehachapi is actually pretty. Sara: Te-Hay-Chapi (LOL...You're awesome)! Anway, it was a decent drive but we were all very happy to get to Vegas! Once we all got settled we headed to dinner and then went to do a little site seeing, as this was Sara's first trip to Vegas (not just the airport).
We arrived at the Las Vegas Strip about 7am on Saturday and it was cold. The wind was blowing and it did not feel anything close to Las Vegas weather! But the morning warmed up quickly! It was time to buckle down, test the track and endure the wind and sun! All of which we were elated to do. The track was everything everyone has said about it, awesome track prep, phenomenal traction and yes even the head wind we've heard about more then a few times! We had a great turn out, somewhere close to 70 bikes!
Joey shown above... Think he's happy to be racing in Vegas??? No way!
Big Rob below on a qualifying pass...
Joey on a qualifying pass...
Another qualifying pass...
We qualified number 1 (nice place to be) in Super Bike and paired against Racer Steve in first round eliminations on Sunday! We were excited and ready for another great day of racing!
Due to some unprofessional drama by another competitor, Cuda's class was eliminated Saturday. However, he was able to join the ranks of FUNNYBIKE to compete for the event. Now that has a nice ring, right... FUNNYBIKE MIKE!!! I like it! Mike is always spectacular to watch, always provides such showmanship and skill! Can't wait to see him race his street tire bike against the 12" tire/wheelie bar bikes tomorrow!
LOST WAGES JACKPOT RACE MDRA April 19, 2009 ELIMINATIONS
Big Rob paired againt Thad in first round eliminations and won! WooHoo Rob!
In the finals, Rob paired against Daryl Wiltz and unfortunately backed out of the beam and the official DQ'd him.
No your eyes are not decieving you, that is Mike Fields, Sr. paired up against Roy Sears in the Funnybike class.
Just a little rump difference! ;)
Time to get down to business...
Time to get down to business...Cuda takes the win against Roy Sears and due to a racer experiencing mechanical failure, Cuda earns a bye into the Funnybike semi-finals. Unfortunately, the run against Sears also hurt his motor. Next round, Cuda knows his motor is not going to make a full run without full detonation so he chooses to stage and breaks the beams. Yet another racer experiences mechanical failure and this earns Cuda runner-up place in the Funnybike class!
We paired against Racer Steve in First Round eliminations and we took the win, which put us into the finals for Super Bike.
Finals paired us against Wil Kimbrough... and for the first time... WE TOOK HOME THE WIN!
We wrapped up our winning trip to Vegas with a quick bite to eat and then headed home! WooHoo, JOE FARIA winner winner of the Lost Wages SUPER BIKE class!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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