NHRA Autolite Nationals 2007

What a fantastic friday, it turned out to be! I got to hang out with a good friend of mine, Jason! He's a super sweet guy and available ladies! ;) Sorry I don't have any pics of him... (I'll have to work on that!)

This is the one time a year that I absolutely refuse to miss! I watch drag racing religiously and one time a year I really get to be in the thick of it, I get to see and meet a good percentage of the drivers/racers. This year I did not sit in the same section as I have in years past (that won't happen again), so unfortunately I did not get very many pictures. However, I did get a chance to really have some good race & bike discussion with Karen Stoffer (sponsored by Geico) & Matt Guidera (sponsored by Mohegan Sun & Rocklin Harley Davidson). I met Scott Lewis and got to see Peggy Llewellynn run her career best. It was a fantastic weekend!

Here are a few pics from the day!

Me and Ashley Force!

Ashley's Top Fuel Car

John Force's Top Fuel Car

Go Angelle, Go!

Go Matt, Go!

All in all, it was as always a fantastic day! The weather was beautiful and the fans were so excited to see all the action! Can't wait till next year...

7/20-7/21/07 - Making progress!

First let me say HUGE THANKS to Eddy Palmer for teaching me how to ride his bike and allowing me to do what I do with patience and confidence! THANK YOU!

Friday, July 20th

Unfortunately, I do not have any photos to share with y'all this time, but I do have some good stats!

Friday night I got to run (Thank You, Eddy). I had a very good time and I'm learning more and more everytime I get on. There was a very nice couple at the track from Arkansas, the husband (young guy) who was also learning how to ride a dragbike. Much like me, he started on a streetbike and ventured his luck on a dragbike (courtesy of Mark Rissling). I really didn't get to watch too many of his runs, but from what I heard he got into the 9's. VERY COOL! :) I also heard he got a little loose on his last pass... ;)

The night started out good, my friend Jason introduced me to Matt Guidera (he rides a Prostock Bike sponsored by Mohegan Sun Buell) who happen to be doing a little testing @ his home track. Very nice guy, but he is much shorter then I thought. ;) LOL... you know I mean no harm, Matt. I got to talk to him and his crew about racing which was cool. Unfortunately, he did not really get to test all that much as he was having an "engineering problem"! ;) Hopefully, I'll get a chance to chat with him again at NHRA on Friday!

So on to my runs... I made 4 passes Friday night. As usual my first pass was decent:

• 11.27 @ 131.4 mph with 2.11 60' and .350 reaction
• 12.06 @ 120.3 mph with 2.00 60' and .282 reaction (this one my foot hit the shift lever and I couldn't find the air shifter button)
• 11.24 @ 133.2 mph with 2.02 60' time and .186 reaction
• 11.06 @ 130.4 mph with 1.79 60' time and .663 reaction

So overall, I am very pleased with my runs. As I stated earlier, I keep learning so much about what different things feel like on this bike and what I need to do or not do. I'm very excited about the progress I've made.

Saturday, July 21st

Grudge Fest! I inquired if Eddy wanted to run on Saturday and to my pleasant surprise he said sure. SWEET, I'm stoked!!! Grudge Fest starts at 6pm and there wasn't a large # of cars out and we were the only bike, except for my friend Dan (who was playin around). So I'm bound and determined to get some better numbers today. I know I can do this. I get all suited up and I'm ready to go... So we get up there do our burnout and prep to run:

• 10.33 @ 144.0 mph with 1.76 60' and .301 reaction (WOOHOO, I'm freakin' stoked... this is my personal best E.T. & MPH)
• 12.22 @ 134.6 mph with 2.11 60' and 1.24 reaction (tried something new and it didn't all work out, but I learned)
• 11.05 @ 141.2 mph with 1.97 60' and .537 reaction
• 11.08 @ 129.9 mph with 2.37 60' and .086 reaction (I was much more aggressive on the clutch but still managed to grab it again...dang it!)
• 10.84 @ 140.6 mph with 1.93 60' and .303 reaction (Again, more aggressive - only this time it was with the throttle)
• 11.55 @ 135.1 mph with 1.49 60' and .121 reaction (WOOHOO, again I'm stoked...my personal best 60' time) [This run was actually on the rev limiter (just a tad) and I finally dropped the clutch]
• 11.31 @ 136.4 mph with 1.77 60' and .259 reaction

So at this point I am elated and if you could have only seen me jumping around after my 10.33 run... it was very comedic! ;) Nonetheless, I was not consistent in the 10's nor did I hit the 9's but I did learn a great deal and feel I'm better prepared moving forward to achieve those numbers soon!

In addition, to me running my personal best this night, the bike shared in that victory. The pass that achieved the 144mph is the best mph the bike has achieved to date. I hope to lay down a better number as I get more comfortable out there, but recognize that number isn't going to change too much. :)

I'll be attending the NHRA Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, CA on Friday, July 27th. I'll try to post some pics and highlights from the day upon my return.

I hope to be back at the track soon!

Wednesday Drags

So in my completely bias opinion there truly is nothing that compares to drag racing... I decided to go out to Wednesday Night Drags @ Sacramento Raceway! I had not been in awhile and have heard that there has been a fairly good turnout of bikes. So I went to investigate... (ok not really I just wanted to go) :)

It was a good turnout, too bad we can't get that at our events. I need to figure something out to help promote our events and get a bigger/better bike turnout. No offense to you car people, but frankly I'm a tad more focused on the bikes... So with that said, its always interesting to go out to the track on days when the newbies come out with ego's in tow! Now let me preface this by saying, KUDOS to all for bringing it to the track vs. taking the risk on the street. However, lets follow some simple yet effective track etiquette:

• Wait your turn
• If your prompted to enter a lane (water box or not) - don't be scared thats what your there for...
• DON'T begin your burnout until prompted
• Roll your windows up (car people) - windows down eqauls drag which equals bad ET (and no one cares what your stereo sounds like!)
• When staging, roll into the beam until you see both amber lights lite up... if you deep stage go further until only the bottom amber is lit.
• When your light turns GREEN, you should already be gone... it don't get any greener
• IF something goes wrong with your vehicle during your run, PLEASE pull to the outside of the lane (as far as possible)... no one else wants to wait to run because your a dumb ass.
• Thank you!

Now on to bigger and better things... the girlz did great last night and I am always stoked to see any girl out having fun on the track (car or bike)! No offense guys but your a dime a dozen! ;) So with that said... here's Stacy on her GSXR 750. She is running in the high 10's and has knowlingly figured out what works for her off the line! I personally think she'd have a blast with an air shifter.

Here is Alicia of GoMoto, both her and her husband Ira race. His bike is currently "not feeling well"... so he did not race this night, but he was there in support! :) Good job, Ira!

What a great night of racing! I left before the end of the final run, so I am not sure who won last night (if anyone would like to volunteer that info, I'll post it)! Overall, it was a great night of good racing, great company and a beautiful weather!!!

I LOVE DRAG RACING... I think you've all heard me say that a time or two! I love anything that has to do with motorcycles (streetbikes specifically) and I am always looking for ways to promote safe riding and racing! To get people involved! There is such a stigmata about riders and it really is about educating ourselves and the public. We are not a bad group of people, in fact I've never found a tighter community of people, but that is not to say there are not those out there that abuse the very foundation we try to maintain. I love that anyone wants to ride, but please do it responsibly!

Few more pics from Friday the 13th...

Thanks Roni for the pics!

Helmet hair... not cute!

Back @ the Track...

After a very long absence (at least it feels like it), I've finally made my way back to the track. Only this time I'm not racing a streetbike... this time I'm taking the next step and racing a dragbike. Which is the next step in my long term goals to go ProStock. So here is a few pics of the bike that I am now jockeying (is that a word???) :) hee hee!

I'm so excited and want to take this time to give HUGE THANKS to the Palmer family for giving me the opportunity to ride. Here's me and Eddy talking about what things I need to be aware of... Also big thanks to my friend Tom for coming out to give some moral support too!

So its a tad different to go from a 636cc bike to a 1340cc bike! Some of the differences between what I have raced and what I am racing now... air shifter (what a FABULOUS invention, seriously I LOVE IT), wheelie bar, 1340cc motor, leave on the rev limiter, drop the clutch, no tach to gauge rpms... all of these things are tad different from what I'm used too (too say the least) but I'm super excited to see how far I can take it!

So here are the stats (let me preface these #'s by saying my 60' times were not so good):

1st run - 14.45 @ 105.4 mph (60' = 2.28)

2nd run - 13.44 @ 107.7 mph (60' = 2.11)

3rd & final run - 12.0 @ 119.8 mph (60' = 2.06)

Now keep in mind we opted to start out slow and I launched the bike like a streetbike. I feathered the clutch and attempted to find a comfortable rpm (again within reason since there is no tach). I spun the tire off the line on the second run and on had a hard time finding the air shifter button for the first two runs. On the 3rd run however, everything felt like it was coming together. I was able to find the button easier and hit most of my shift points. NOW I have to work on the reaction and 60' times. I'm not even going to list my reaction times...too embarrassing!

What a GREAT weekend! I hope to be back out there Friday and will hopefully have some more stats to post for you! The goal is to take this bike into the 8's which would me a major rush!

Keep the rubber side down (at least for awhile) and be safe out there!

Summer Visitation

We celebrated the 4th of July with some new friends, which was fun and low key!

We had expected to get to bed fairly early as we had an early morning ahead of us... [sara was scheduled for a 6am flight to Texas] **ICK** Unfortunately, our expectations were overrun by our desire to celebrate a little of the our Independence! We watched many fireworks, small and big; some which inspired a "aaahhhh" while others made us close our eyes (i.e., strobe light type fireworks...not so good). The air was filled with the smell of sulfar, thick and smokey. We ended up crawling into bed around 11pm. NOT GOOD. Especially, when we had to get up and out of the house by 4am. Haven't had to get up this early since...yikes...when I went to court back in November. Bygones...

The morning came VERY early! The alarm sounded at 2:45am and "oh gosh, its that time already" ran thru my mind. So I get up and get movin... when Sara says "its not that bad once you get in the shower"... [hee hee yeah OK] - I think. I hit the shower and do my absolute best to look the part, since once her flight leaves I have to head to work. No rest for the wiery. Well, the morning goes without a hitch. We get to the airport, get her checked in [to which they informed me I can't escort her up after today unless I have a ticket myself, she's not an unaccompanied minor anymore :(], so we get thru security and we head to Starbucks (my necessity this dam early) - Sara downed a Rockstar on the way to the airport [don't know how she drinks those things]. Then we wait patiently for her plane to board, all of which I was doing just fine. As they start boarding... Zone 1... then Zone 2... till finally they get to her [Zone 3]. I keep telling myself [be strong, don't cry]... yeah whatever. As soon as I hugged her, tears started streaming. She then starts to tease me... "are you crying, mom?"... Anyway, I cried and cried... Oh and cried some more. YES, I know she's only going to be gone for a few weeks, but it feels like forever and she's still within eye sight. This is gonna be ugly! So she boards and I finally stop streaming... sit down and settle in for the generally long transition from boarding to actual departing! I cry a little more and finally they push back from the terminal. I watch her plane taxie down to the runway, then it stops and turns around... [hhhmmmm that's odd - I think] and then because I'm in such a fragile state (weapy), I think maybe she had a fit and they are bringing her back. Like that would be a good scenario, right? "Ma'am your daughter was creating a scene on the plane and just out of control..." Yeah, I'm thinking that would not have been so good. So the plane taxie's all the way back to the terminal stopping just outside the terminal, and sits there for 25 minutes. All I can think is "if there is something wrong with the plane, get my baby girl off it"... But alas, it once agains taxies and this time...takes flight! As I watch her plane climb, tears again start streaming... I'm like a freakin water fountain at this point, definitely NOT cute. No woman crying is cute, don't care who she is. So now, my baby is off on summer visit and I am ALONE! Oh gosh, that's such a sharp sound... ALONE. I keep reassuring myself...[she'll be fine, she's going to have fun, she'll be back] all of which inevitably make me cry harder. Ironic huh?

So now I'm on my way to work and my lack of sleep is catching up with me, shit its 7am (now) and I've already been up almost 5 hours, while most people are just crawling out of bed. I get to the office and do what I do... I discover that my lack of sleep can have comical affects on ones speech and ability to function on all cylinders. My boss grants my request to leave a tad early so I can go home and recoop and of course...cry some more! Meanwhile, I'm anxiously waiting to hear from Sara, so I can put my motherly instincts to rest and know that she made her flight and connecting flight, safely. Finally, I can't take it and call her...[sigh] she is ok and made it safely! I feel better but yes during my conversation with her I did... you guessed it... cried! Seriously, ridiculous huh... Oh well, she is one of my prides of joy, so I reserve the right to boo hoo over her anytime. :) So she is safe in Texas and off to visit...

I can only imagine the amount of tissue I'm gonna need when I get home today when she's not there to greet me and inquire about my day... [oh goodness that's making me cry, now] I need to get a tissue! I'll journal some more when she returns...

Take em' OFF!!!

Today is a GREAT day in our household. Sara got her braces OFF today and the transformation has been amazing to watch. In November 2005, she got braces on and was VERY self conscious about her smile. She hated to smile and was reluctant to show her teeth at all...

Wow, what a difference a year and a half makes... NOW she's ALL smiles and can't wait to show off her NEW smile!

Look at those BEAUTIFUL pearly whites! She is so excited and I am so proud of her! Lots of LOVE to ya princess!

LOVE MOM!!!

Motorcycle Expo, June 2, 2007

So there was plenty of fun and amusement to be had this weekend. We attended the 2nd Annual Motorcycle Expo in Auburn, Ca this weekend. The weather was beautiful, a little toasty towards the latter part of the day but overall great. I went to represent and show some love for my girl Alicia's store, GoMoto. Although you can't see too much by the pic, GoMoto has a lot of GREAT apparel, helmets, etc. for women riders! She really has an impressive set-up! Her store is located at: 5739 Auburn Blvd., Sac., CA 916/339-3933. Stop by and see her crew, they will take care of you!

There were lots and lots of people and bikes there, although I hear not as many as last. However it seemed like a good weekend! Plush Racing and ChicRiders were there both representing their respective groups!

Alicia and Melody! Stacy is below (btw: Stacy where did you get your tank bag?)!

There were some stunt riders there as well, it always trips me out to see what these cats can do on their bikes. I still need to learn how to wheelie without looping! Think I'll just stick to straight line fun! ;)

Overall it was a great day and fun event! They even had a SUPER bike there... don't think I want to ride that bad boy! Could you imagine seeing that thing riding down the highway... LOL! It actually has a seat and steering wheel, that's how insanely huge it is! The specs on it said its top speed was 65 mph... HELLO!

I'm a big fan of Suzuki's and just couldn't resist taking a few shots of the girls bikes! Lookin' good girls, lookin good!

Such a beautiful bike... This is Stacy's 07' GSXR-750! GORGEOUS!

Here is Melody's GSXR, only I'm not sure what cc or what year... Melody fill in the blanks girl!

Through it all my daughter, was a trooper! Thanks for going princess!

That's all for now folks! PEACE!

So updates on me... Oh My….

What an amazing year (2006 to present)! Lots of change and tribulations were encountered in the past 16 months.

• My daughter started High School (Yikes!)



• I won my first ET race (FANTASTIC!!!) :)



• I got custody of my daughter (DOUBLE FANTASTIC!!!) :)



• We (me and my ex) sold my bike (this was VERY sad for me) :(



• We had a fabulous Christmas and a mellow New Years



• Me and my ex broke up and went out separate ways after 8.5 years (long story) :(



• I had to sell my truck due to the split (this has been HUGE for me too) :(



• Me and my daughter are persevering (or at least trying)



• My daughter will officially be a HS Sophmore as of 6/7/07 @ 12:03pm



• By the end of the month she will get her braces OFF, that is huge in her world!

It would be huge in mom’s too, if the payments stopped when the braces came off (fat chance). :) Oh well, her teeth look beautiful! :)

Summer is within eye sight and she has plans to go see her father for a few weeks in July, I’m torn. I want her to have a great summer but don’t want her to go to her fathers [long story]! Bygones…

I started playing volleyball again, which has been so much fun and good exercise. Heck, the first night I played I could barely walk for the next two days. I could take that as a sign that I am getting older, however I prefer to think of it as “wow, I really played hard”…

Mother’s Day was nice, me and my daughter spent the day together (as most days) and went to play some vball at our local park. It was a good day, low key and fun! This Mother's Day was a big change from last year, as I was racing Mother's Day last year! That was great too!

I’ve also learned how important forgiveness is and how few friends I really have. That’s a sad realization. I have a hand-full of friends that I can always talk to or count on, but then I have found I have far more wayward friends who talk to you when its convenient for them. WHATEVER!

I’m taking one day at a time and living moment to moment right now. I’m trying to stay involved in the bike world, because when I get my next bike I’d like to have a network of people to ride/race with and for parts, accessories, etc. Not to mention, they are all around fun and good people!

I’m working very hard to better our lives and eventually buy my own home. This is a very slow process, as it is for most, just seems particularly slow for us. Although, I’ve never been good at the whole patience thing, but MUCH better then some. I am working hard at it! Overall, the past 16 months have been filled with many many celebratory moments and many moments of shear heartbreak. I'm learning how to be better person, to do what's right and not always what's easy. I'm learning who I am again and trying my darndest to establish my independence (seems to be a big thing for me, must be something lacking from my childhood... LOL!!!) All the while trying to be a good parent and provide the basics as well as the occassional luxury (this is MUCH harder to come by these days). It would be SO much easier if I could just win the lottery...

That’s all for now! Keep the rubber side down (at least for awhile) and be safe out there!

Life Changes....

Well, it would be a far cry from reality if I said my life hasn't changed A LOT in the past 60 days. They say all good things must come to an end, unfortunately that has been true for me. I recently made a major life change that effected many many people in my life, not all in a good way. :( For those of you who know me, you know what that change has been and I thank you for your support and well wishes! Now its just a matter of getting back on my feet and rising from the ashes. I've heard the Phoenix does that as well, perhaps I should consider getting that as a tattoo! :) lol!!

I've learned many many things and experienced many wonderful and not so wonderful things over the past 8.5 years and I thank him for every minute of it. I'm sorry I can not be the person he needs and deserves. I will always love him and wish the best for him! I hope one day we can be friends again. Until then, he is always in my thoughts and loved. Take care!

Lots of love to my friends and lots of love to his family for all the support as well. I have every intention to once again race and ride, right now priorities still remain family but wanting to ride/race again is a great motivator!

We hope to go visit the Englands in the next few weeks and hopefully see my girl do some kick ass racing of her own! Summer is quickly approaching as are more changes... but we will persevere through it and do what we can to land on our feet! ;)

Talk to y'all soon!

Better late than never.....?

Well a very Happy belated New Year to y'all! I hope your new year was eventful yet memorable!!

I wish I had great news to report, like I have a new bike... but nothing that exciting! In fact, I'm still without wheels and its killing me as riding/racing season spawns its beautiful head! I see more, more and more people riding as the days get warmer... :o(

However, some very good friends "The Englands" should have or should be preparing for the Grand Opening of their new bike shop ENGLAND'S PERFORMANCE, 13540 St. Marys Rd., Red Bluff, CA (530) 527-2928. If you want motor work done, this really is the place to do it. I've known them for 7 years and they are great people and phenominal when it comes to bikes/engines. When I say its in their blood, I wish it were an exaggeration, but its NOT. Even if you have questions, consider this a resource.

Another friend of ours (TB) is getting prepped for the season. His bike is looking fantastic, sits so low and just plain looks mean. He's about ready to rip up the track and I really can't wait to see it. I'll post pics when he goes out, really a great guy and is super excited about a new season with a new bike! Keep it up, Bingo!

Outside of that... all is pretty dam boring and uneventful on this end. No wheels, no racing and no riding! Ah, well... it is what it is and its great motivation to get a new bike, right?!

Keep both wheels on the ground (occassionally) and be safe out there!

Peace!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with love, laughter, great company, yummy food and of course lots of thanks for all our blessings! Gobble, Gobble!

Taking it to the next level...

HUGE congrats to my girlfriend who has been making great strides in her racing career. She had been riding a GSXR-1000 for the past year or more (I've posted it before). Recently her dad sold her 1000 and purchased a Hayabusa for her. Wow, looking to adopt J.E.???

Her dad has been racing in a series up in Oregon and she recently made the journey up there to watch him at Finals and to participate in a little racing of her own. This is her first time down the track with her busa and literally three out of four times she had ridden that weekend. She's a born natural!



She opted to race in the event as opposed to just racing time only's. She was doing great, cutting a 0.10 off her time each qualifing run. As great as that sounds, it also means when it comes to dial-in (since she was racing ET) it becomes very difficult to pick a dial-in time. After much discussion they agreed on a dial-in of 10.80.



Well, she ended up breaking out with a 10.7 and consequently told her dad she knew she should have dialed quicker. These moments are always bitter sweet, because your happy as heck that you broke out and ran quicker then you predicted... but it also sucks because you inevitably lost. Needless to say, the guy she raced dialed an 9.80 and she tree'd him (big time). After the race he came over and told her that he didn't think he had anything to worry about with her and was WRONG!

Way to go, girl! I am so proud of you and CONGRATS on moving up the busa! That's ROCKS!

For everyone else, let me remind you that this was her first time at the track on a busa and one (1) of a hand full of times she had ridden it that weekend. This girl has talent and my prediction is this: IF SHE STICKS WITH IT, WE'LL SEE HER RACING PRO IN NO TIME!

Not to steal the glory from her dad, as he won the Championship in the series he had been racing in Oregon! HUGE Congrats to him! He is a TRUE inspiration to those that know him and to those that don't... they will!

Much LOVE to the whole ENGLAND family!

This too shall pass...

We have officially sold black beauty and I am currently without wheels. She went to a good home, a guy bought it for his wife. He called to tell us his wife won't let him get near it and that she loves it! I am so happy she went to a good home, makes the separation a little easier to deal with.

As sad as it is, the future looks bright. We are saving up to buy a GSXR-1000 which will more then make-up for the loss. For those of you who are familiar with my drag racing goals, this DEFINITELY follows suit. I set three goals at the beginning of 2006:

1. Win a race
2. Be consistent
3. Upgrade to a GSXR-1000

We are nearing the end of 2006 and I managed to achieve (or in the process of achieving) all of my goals. #2 is always an ongoing goal and the rest happened purely by circumstance. Overall, not too bad for 2006!

I will post new information or pics as they happen.

Stay tuned...

www.WomenRidersNow.com

First, Thank You Genevieve for all your hard work, dedication and efforts to the sport of motorcycle riding for both women and men. Your an inspiration to all women who want to experience the freedom and independence that riding can bring.

Second, Thank You for posting my recent win at the NMRA race in Sacramento, Ca (under your Way To Go Girl section). I am confident as my drag racing career continues there will be many other opportunities to share!

Last, but not least... for those of you who have not had the opportunity to visit www.womenridersnow.com, please take a moment to do so. Genevieve has created a site that is a clear definition of her passion. She loves to ride and loves to share the latest news, events and accomplishments of all women involved in the motorcycle industry.


That's all for now... be safe and have fun!

Winning Photo from 7.1.06 Race

Photo provided by www.hooliganunderground.com
Ran a 11.02 @ 130 mph on a 11.00 dial-in!















Too much fun under the sun...

TIME SLIPS from 7.1.06 NMRA Event

• .108 reaction, 1.95 60', 11.07 ET @ 129.1 mph
• .095 reaction, 2.17 60', 11.18 ET @ 132.0 mph
• .366 reaction, 2.46 60', 12.32 ET @ 125.7 mph
• .075 reaction, 1.95 60', 11.19 ET @ 130.2 mph
• .008 reaction, 2.37 60', 12.21 ET @ 126.8 mph
• .107 reaction, 1.95 60', 11.09 ET @ 118.42 mph
• .246 reaction, 1.97 60', 10.96 ET @ 129.0 mph
• .104 reaction, 2.04 60', 11.26 ET @ 108.0 mph
• .109 reaction, 2.01 60', 11.02 ET @ 130.2 mph

NMRA 10th Annual Northern Challenge / 7.1.06

What a great weekend, the weather was beautiful and we were blessed with a 4 day weekend! Saturday, NMRA came to town and my hubby fronted my entrance and racing fees. What would I do without him (in more ways then one). Thank you sweetheart! As usual I raced in the Street ET class! The bike turnout was fairly low, but close to what we anticipated. As a bonus some very dear friends of ours were there to enjoy the day with us!

The day started out as any other race day, getting everything packed and ready to go. Only this time the kids decided they wanted to go too! Very cool! So off we all go to the track to enjoy a day of racing with family and friends! Once we get to the track, we unpack and for the most part relax. The wait before race time is always longer then they say, but who's complaining!

I go through my normal routine. Wipe down my bike, strap it and make sure I am ready to go! Our first qualifying run comes up and I run a fairly decent number (I'll post times a little later, I don't have the time slips with me at the moment). But as my runs continue (some qualifying, some time only) one thing becomes very apparent... I am consistent. Which rocks, beyond belief. I've been struggling to get consistent since my accident and today is the day! WooHoo!

All in all, I made it to the FINALS and I dialed an 11.00 - I ran an 11.02 @ 130 mph. My opponent broke out, which means he ran quicker then he dialed. This was bad for him, because that means I WON, but good for him because he said it was the best he'd ever run! Congrats, good competition always makes you push yourself. On this run, I was on my mark. I launched fairly well, decent (although not great) 60' time and hit all my shift points which equals me running pretty darn close to my dial-in time. Either way, enough to bring home the win!

As I made my way back to our pits, I could see my husband running out to great me with the Trophy in his hands. That vision made me a) so proud to be able to win for him and b) to get my first OFFICIAL WIN! I got a trophy and everything! As I got closer to my hubby he motioned for me to go around the front of the tower for photos. When I rounded the curve all our family and friends were standing there cheering for me! It was the BEST! As I prepped for photos (can't be having helmet hair) my husband and kids joined me for the pic and to my surprise, so did Karen Stoffer. How wonderful to have a sincere Congrats from a women representing the very career I long to participate in! THANK YOU!

I really could not have done it without my husband. He has given me all the knowledge and courage to be my best! THANK YOU HONEY, I LOVE YOU! Special thanks to our kids for being there and being patient with mom! And thank you to all our friends for being there and celebrating this long awaited victory!

I will post photos or links to photos as soon as I have them!

NMRA Winter Challenge / 5.13.06

What an amazing weekend! Aside from getting the best Mother's Day present, it was just an good weekend. Although we received some weird information about some friends of ours, it was overall good. My husband stayed true to his comment of letting me race on Saturday, which I am absolutely elated about. Not just because I got to race, but due to many reasons. 1) It was my first NMRA race, 2) our starter was KAREN STOFFER (she got her start in drag racing through NMRA), 3) it was my mommy's day present, 4) I got a GREAT 60' time (for me) and last but not least I just LOVE racing.

First, let me say Karen is wonderful. Not only did she tough it out at the races with us (it was warm outside), she also worked the tree for us. She is such a great person and an equally great racer! It was wonderful to be able to share our day of racing with her. Thanks Karen for everything!

The temperature was around 93 degrees, so the air was not very good.

Now down to some #'s:
.297 reaction, 2.094 60' = 11.64 ET @ 124.1 mph (this run was on a 4/10th - Pro tree)
-.824 reaction, 1.957 60' = 11.00 ET @ 128.7 mph (RED LIGHT, this time they changed the light to a 5/10th tree - THANKS)
.018 reaction, 2.046 60' = 11.79 ET @ 114.2 mph (GREAT LIGHT, too bad I hit the rev limiter too many times)
.136 reaction, 1.770 60' = 10.88 ET @ 127.9 mph (FANTASTIC RUN, my best 60' time EVER) - Back in the 10s WOOHOO
-.031 reaction, 1.954 60' = 11.34 ET @ 127.3 mph (Not bad, too bad I was just a tad quicker then the light!)

That does it for qualifing, now it's time to average out and DIAL a time. 11.00 sounds about right!
.249 reaction, 2.003 60' = 11.44 ET @ 124.5 mph (Overall, not a bad run despite the fact that I hit the rev limiter twice) I LOST... boohoo

Time ONLY run
-.670 reaction, 2.229 60' = 11.69 et @ 125.2 mph (We asked for a 5/10th tree and got a 4/10th tree...)
By the time we got to this time of day I was lucky to be standing. I was exhausted from the heat and battling a massive headache. So I'm not too disheartened with this run, but know I could have done better.

MUCH LOVE AND THANKS TO MY FAMILY! I LOVE YOU!

What a great weekend. We had a GREAT time and my hubby said a few of my runs actually got Karen's attention. Plus I got my BEST 60' time ever and back in the 10s. I'm stoked! What a fantastic Mother's Day gift!

Happy Mother's Day (to me)...

I am blessed and if I don't say so myself, so is my husband.

We were lovingly discussing Mother's Day yesterday (Thursday) and he asks "so what do you want for mommys day?". I smiled BIG because I had been waiting for the question. You see... we have a race in our area tomorrow and I've been wanting to race in it, but as previously posted finances are not conducive to that activity right now. So when he asked I already knew what I wanted. When I told him I wanted to race, he smiled and said "do you have any money?"... to which I replied "no, that's what I want for Mothers Day... that is my gift. You pay my way to race on Saturday"... He smiled again, chuckled and said "Ok". So hopefully, he was serious and I'll get to race Saturday and still spend a WONDERFUL day with my family on Sunday!

But seriously how many women ask to RACE as their Mother's Day gifts? Most women want flowers, candy or jewlry EVEN on Mommys Day. But not me, all I want to do is RACE!