A full weekend of RACING...

Our weekend started out at the famed Govenor's Cup on Saturday, September 20th. This is always an exciting event, usually lots of spectators and tons of quick/fast cars. There's always a nice turnout of amazing and beautiful cars, ranging from funny cars, pro-mod cars, dragsters and of course motorcycles. The morning appeared to bring some clouds and the feel of fall...

But that did not turn away anyones desire to race...

We even got started ON-TIME and that's where it stopped...

We made our two qualifying passes and then we SAT... seriously we sat from 11am until 9pm. A little after 9:15pm we made our 1st round elimination pass. This was a curse and a blessing all mixed in one for us, we wanted to go home with the win of course but we ended up going out 1st round. Mona Christiansen and Craig Holsey ended up in the finals. Craig took home the win! Congrats!

As for us we were both tired and needed to get ready for the next day...

MDRA - Bakersfield, CA September 21, 2008

Wow, it seems like I just layed down and the alarm was yelling to get up... OH that's because that's what happened. Our morning started with us out the door and on the road by 3:30am. It was early but we were both very excited to race at a new track in a new place. So on to Auto Club Famosa Raceway. The trip was right on 4 hours and 246 miles.

I have to say the track was really nice, really well prepped and when you stood at the line it looked like glass on the top end. So smooth and so ready to hold some horsepower.

Last time we ran MDRA we ran the Pro Gas class which is a 9.20 index. Unfortunately, there were no other 9.20 bikes that showed up on Sunday so we ended up running the Super Bike class (9.50 index). So our first pass turned out a 9.54 which was good enough for us to get #1 qualifier. Not bad after a full day of racing/sitting the day before and a 4 hour drive. We ended up being the #2 qualifier which is still awesome!

The track had some issues getting everyone paired up and we ended up getting a bye run on our first round pass. On the the second round we paired against another busa. Unfortunately, it did not turn out in our favor and we started our trip back home. But we are excited to go back to Famosa!

I took some random shots of many racers...

So we wrap up our full weekend and get ready for the next weekend West Coast Challenge September 27-28th at Sacramento Raceway. Another full weekend of racing and we can't wait...

Till next time... BEE safe!

Saying good-bye...

It's hard to say good-bye sometimes, especially to those that have moved on. In years past I've had the pleasure and honor to get to know Joey's family. I love each and everyone of them dearly and consider them my own family. Recently we lost Uncle Gene, he was such a funny and stubborn old man. He will be missed dearly but we are happy he is not suffering or in pain any longer.

As we sat at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church where the Reverend Father David Dutra said many wonderful things about Uncle Gene. In his sermon he said something that made absolute sense to me, especially as years continue to pass since my mother passed. He said "we often grieve for those that have passed in fear that they suffered and mourn their pain, but in truth is us who are suffering and in pain. For the deceased have moved on and are now in a better place." I'd like to believe that is true, that my mom, Great Grandma Erma and Uncle Gene as well as all those who have passed before are all having one kick-ass party in heaven... Looking down and giving those left behind guidance to heal. It is true, those that are left behind are the ones suffering for those that have moved on. I still cry to this day and have a hard time dealing with my mom being gone and it has been over 10 years since her passing. I guess as a child that is something you never get over. I can't imagine nor do I ever want to know what it is like for a parent to have to bury their child. My heart aches for those who have lost. Nevertheless, we grieve and that is suppose to help us heal, right? I just wonder how long one is suppose to grieve before we are healed?

However unfortunate the day was, it is not often that I am able to capture a shot of the boys all dressed up and without any birdies in the shot (they sure look handsome)! Joey & Cody were pallbearers for Uncle Gene's funeral, Cody you did a great job! (Jordon tongue and all - LOL!)















I was also able to get a picture of Cody and Sara, they have grown so fast! It seems like yesterday that they were playing video games and running around in the sprinklers outside. Now they are in high school and trying to figure out who they are for themselves. We love you both tons and tons!















Till next time, remember to love like your hearts never been broken, laugh till your stomach aches and live like there's no tomorrow!