Resolute... not Resolutions!

2009 is on the way...

So they say New Year's Eve/New Year's Day is the time to make your New Year's resolutions! Which really is just another way to say you didn't get to all the things you should have done or wanted to do in the previous year. Ultimately, those resolutions end up just being black ink on that white tablet. The idea of the resolution is to complete goals, to feel achieved. Which is a great concept, but nothing more if it is never completed. So this year I will not make resolutions, but instead plan to be resolute. Resolute in achieving my goals/objectives! I am learning to be more flexible, fluid, and open minded. So my goals and objectives will change with the year as needed.

So with that... I hope each of you finds what you need in the New Year! Remembering there is a vast difference between what one wants and what one needs! I hope 2009 brings many welcome changes for all!

Prelude to a new opportunity...

The west coast has been patiently waiting (for lack of any other colorful terms) more racing opportunities. Over the past several years we have had the opportunity to race with great organizations such as Norcal Dragbike Association and Dragbike Promotions. In the coming years we hope to see those organizations grow and provide more race opportunities.

I am pleased and optimistic in saying, I believe MDRA can effectively replace NMRA and provide us with one more organization to race with!










After several meeting of the minds and discussions, I have graciously accepted a position with MDRA. My objective is to help from the racers perspective, to be the voice of and for the racing community! I am excited to be able to help out in an industry that I have so much passion for, not only as a fellow racer but as a spectator too. I have great respect for all the racers and hope to see the West Coast become even more competitve.

2009 MDRA Race Schedule

January 17-18th ~ Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, CA
April 18-19th ~ Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV
May 31st ~ Sacramento Raceway Park, Sacramento, CA
June 20-21st ~ Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV
August 8-9th ~ Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, CA
October 17-18th ~ Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV
November 7-8th ~ Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, CA

We are trying to get a race scheduled at Auto Club Fomoso in Bakersfield, CA but that is currently a tentative location until we can finalize details. Stay tuned and we will let you know more as soon as we do!

I look forward to the 2009 season, should any of you have any questions please let me know! Until we speak again...

Bumble Bee signing off!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving; filled with family, love, great conversation, delicious food and sensational memories!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2008!

BA-HUM-BUG

THE HOLIDAYS DON'T MEAN THE SAME ANYMORE, FOR SO MANY REASONS. :(

Speedworld Raceway, Wittman, AZ | 11-8-08

'Cheers' to a long drive to the P/G Championship!

We left California Friday late afternoon for our long drive to Speedworld Raceway in Wittman, AZ. We've made the drive to Firebird Raceway a few years back and that was a race we'd rather chalk up to a... learning experience, but at least the track was nice. Speedworld has a striking resemblance to LACR in Palmdale, CA. Hhhmmm dirt next to the drag strip...

The facility itself has 13 different tracks; ranging from a RC Airplane track to Dirt Bike tracks to Mud Bog tracks to of course the Drag Strip. By and far, their best revenue opportunities are clearly dirt related. But overall, the track is not too bad.

We made the trip with excitement that we would at the very least get to visit one of our favorite restaurants, Cracker Barrel. Seriously, if you've never had the pleasure... you are missing out. They make the best pancakes in the whole wide world. And as amazing as the restaurant is, there are none in California - not sure how that's possible.

I feel bad that I wasn't able to drive more then the very short time that I did. Unfortunately, driving could never be a career for me. I get way too tired way too easy. Joey did amazing, he drove the whole way there (12 hours).

We were suppose to start racing at 10am but did not make our first pass until a bit after 11am. Now considering the number of bikes we had in attendance there was no plausible reason "why" we were not on-time. But we were there and ready to have some fun!

When it came time to make a pass, Joey was ready to rock. His first pass out produced a 9.32 @ 150 mph. We both agreed the clutch must be going, so we (ok he) made some adjustments and got ready for the next round.

Our next pass was a 9.29 @ 151 mph. After speaking with a few other racers, Joey found out others were off a bit on their mph but pretty close to what they normally run in ET. So we were more comfortable knowing that.

Joey did great, consistent and calm. We worked together throughout the season and won the Championship! WooHoo!

Pro Gas Champion! WooHoo! I am so proud of you!!! You remained dedicated and stuck it out... it was worth it! I can't wait to see what you get for your efforts! YOU ROCK, JOE!

CONGRATULATIONS JOE FARIA ON YOUR 2008 PRO GAS CHAMPIONSHIP!

After all his racing he still drove 99.5% of the way home (another 12 hours). I suck at driving, I'm so sorry.

So we bid farwell to Arizona...

+ CNTL

My new mantra... POSITIVE CONTROL (+ CNTL). It feels good to say, the word itself "positive" makes you smile just saying it. Control referencing what I need to do with my life, stop doing what I hate which is being a victim and take control. I am making a new commitment to me, my daughter and my life.

+ CNTL

Reality Check

Reality has hit home HARD lately and I am officially scared about our future. Unfortunately, all I can do is wait and have faith that it will all work. They say everything happens for a reason and I have to believe things will work out.

I took some time out to honestly just escape from everything, all my worries and stresses. Just some time with nature and of course I brought the camera. I figured I'd take my chances and try to remember how to get to River Road, which for those of you who really know me... know I am terrible with directions (seriously). So I was very proud of myself when I was able to make it all the way to my destination without getting lost!

I drove for awhile and finally picked a place to pull over and just take in all the scenary. It just so happens the spot I pulled over had a little surprise. As I was snapping random shots, I looked over and saw a large "J" carved into the bark of a tree. It was an unexpected surprise to end up at a spot with a "J" carved into the bark of a tree considering a friend of mines name starts with that letter. Funny.















I was even able to find my way home, which is an event in itself for me. I get lost going everywhere! It was a nice escape now back to reality...

West Coast Challenge | September 27-28th, 2008

We love racing and there is no better way for people like us (race freaks) to spend our weekends! We were very excited to have two full weekends of racing back-to-back! We started our weekend off with TNT on Friday night.

Joey had a few great runs against Auggie Herrera and then he paired up with Auggie's son Gage (I'm certain I spelled that wrong...sorry). Those two pushed each other and had fun all night! Gage is one heck of a racer and he's only 16! We were both very impressed with his skills. He was able to get a 1.44 60' time on a stock wheel base busa - WOW!















We were happy to be at our "home track" which is 20 minutes away from home, no long distance travels for this race!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

You couldn't ask for a more beautiful morning, not too cold or warm. It just felt good! We stopped to get some grub and headed to the track! There were a hand full of people waiting to get in the gate when we arrived. Everyone was excited for a weekend of racing!















For the event being an all motorcycle event, it was a nice turn-out. We had some people who are new to racing and of course our race veterans (I think we fit into this category now - LOL)! We had a great pit area (thank you Charlie) which always makes me happy!















To make the event that much better, our great friend Joe Sisk was able to come out (just like old times). Joe moved to Georgia for a bit but missed us too much so moved back home (or something like that)! Either way... we are just happy to have you HOME Joe! We told him to bring his leathers, as we had every intention of throwing him on the bike. We think he was pretty happy... what do you think?






























Joe did great, he got a 9.70 on his second time out! Great job, Joe! Can't wait till you can come back out!
















We did great, achieving some of our personal best times. We got a great 1.52 60' time which landed us a 9.25 ET @ 152.16 mph, we got a low ET of 9.23 @ 152.45 mph and we got our best mph to-date of 153.89 which brought us a 9.26 ET. We had consistent 60' times and overall had a great day! The weather was cooperating and were one of several people who achieved their personal bests in one way or another! Saturday was used as a huge test-n-tune, which made for a fun relaxed day!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

Another great start to a race day! Time to have some fun...















We qualified #1 in the Pro Gas with a 9.24! WooHoo!

Katie and Charlie qualified #1 in Super Comp with a 8.209 (on the button) with their Turbo Kawasaki! Great job!















If you've ever seen Mike "Cuda" Fields, Sr. ride his Turbo Busa, you understand the anticipation everyone feels when he lines up! We have seen him get pretty wicked out on the track, but today was a smooth beautiful ride. Cuda ran his personal best this weekend of a 7.48 @ 187 mph. Simply AMAZING!















The weather was a bit hotter today, but that didn't stop us from having a great time!















I am very proud of Joey, he made it to the semi-finals against Big Rob. It was a great race, the guys pulled out the exact same ET 9.302 but Rob got the hole shot win! Congrats Rob, it was a great race for them and the spectators! But next time, its all us! ;)















Many others did great this weekend too! Ray & Destiny keep it up, it will all come together for you. In the meantime, have fun and get comfortable!















We are super excited to have been there to see Mona get her first, second and third 9 second pass! You rock girl! Her best pass resulted in a 9.92 on a stock motor ZX6!















The next race we are looking at is MDRA in Vegas! WooHoo!

Till next time BEE safe and always have fun!