West Coast Challenge

Think you got what it takes to take home the win? If so, bring your ride to Sacramento Raceway Park, September 27-28th for a fun filled weekend of racing! There is a class no matter what you ride. So don’t punk out… bring your ride and pick a lane!

September 27-28th, 2008
Gates open at 8am
Weekend pass is $35.00 and tech card fee will depend on the class you choose!

Plagarism in the highest fashion...

I was reading Angelle's blog today and read something that REALLY hit home for me. She wrote a list of things she believes in and after reading and sitting with what I had read, I came to realize I could not have sumed up my own beliefs any better. So without fail... I will share these beliefs!

Here are a few things that I believe ...

I believe that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe that either you control your attitude or it will control you.

I believe that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe that sometimes the people that you expect to kick you when you are down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe that no matter how bad your heart is broken that the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe that the happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything!

and finally, I believe that with faith, all things are possible!

Fourth of July 2008

What a fun day! Once again, I got to spend a great day with my baby girl! We hung out, laughed and had a good time!

Neither one of us are really into fireworks, so doing something that included them was really not a concern for either of us. But we hope everyone else had a safe and wonderful 4th of July celebration!

Sara is getting ready to leave for summer visit with her brother and it always breaks my heart when she leaves (I go through this EVERY summer). Last year I cried and cried and cried (seriously) for what seemed like a week. I couldn't talk to her on the phone without crying, that's how bad it was. I was a mess, chances are I will be the same this year too. LOL! We have a few more days together and I'm going to make the very best of them!

I have no idea how I'm going to survive when she goes to college, especially if its far. Oi Vey! But on the positive side, I'm also so very excited when she comes home again!

We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe fourth of July! Until next time...

Pics from North-South Dragbike Challenge

I will continue posting pics on here as I have time. But I know many of you want to see all the photos not just he ones I pick and choose. So here is a link to the Photobucket album. Enjoy!

http://s217.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/bumblebeezx/North%20South%20Dragbike/

North-South Dragbike Challenge - BIG EVENT DAY!

SUNDAY, JUNE 15th: Finally, the big event we've been waiting for and working so hard to promote. We were at the track by a tad after 7am and to our dismay there was not a long line of racers/spectators waiting to get in as we had hoped. As we pitted we kept our fingers crossed that the attendance (racer & spectator) increased. Unfortunately, that did not really happen and they opened the track up to run time only passes. We opted not to do any, but watched several people do all but hot lap their bikes.

We decided to run the 9.20 Index (Pro Gas), which is pretty dam impressive for a stock wheel base, stock motor hayabusa with minor modifications. So as we got into the show Joey was on me about finding a good spot (because I'm still learning...HAHAHAHA). Unfortunately, I didn't do very good his first qualifying pass.

• .099 R/T 2.29 60' time 12.39 ET 88.07 MPH (Oops, sorry babe...not a very sticky spot as she spun like a mofo)
• .131 R/T 1.62 60' time 9.64 ET 146.61 MPH

Now we are in the first round of eliminations and we pair with Joe Cabral.

• .128 R/T 1.60 60' time 9.29 ET 152.91 MPH (WooHoo, winner winner)

Now on to the next and last guy in our class Trace St. Germaine.

• .081 R/T 1.62 60' time 9.36 ET 151.61 MPH

Unfortunately, this was one of those times that NO racer/spectator wants to experience or be witness to. As Joey and Trace got to top end, from those at that end they say they saw Trace sit up and it appeared as if he just grabbed too much front break. All I saw from the start line was Trace wash out and go down, hard. I was freaked out, from my perspective it looked like Trace went down right in front of Joey and I know at that speed there is no way to stop or avoid something like that. Fortunately, Joey had passed him moments before Trace went down. The track officials did their job in getting to top end to take care of Trace. From what I understand he broke is leg and ankle but will be ok and back! Trace did take the win on that run, but somehow I think he may have some other things on his mind right about now! Get Well SOON Trace!

Here are the results from the race for each class:

Top Alcohol

Win Mark Risseling .038 R/T 7.42 ET

R/U Scott Pollacheck .144 R/T 7.33 ET

Outlaw 1 Power Adder

Win Mike Fields Sr. .062 R/T 8.14 ET

R/U Chris Phipps .053 R/T 8.52 ET

Outlaw 2 N/A

Win Augustine Herrera .052 R/T 8.62 ET

R/U Lloyd Gilbreath .223 R/T 8.47 ET

Top Gas 8.20

Win Don Tanklage .034 R/T 8.17 ET

R/U Roger Pearce Broke

S/C 8.90

Win Jerry Stinson .084 R/T 8.99 ET

R/U Nate Brown .172 R/T 8.64 ET

Pro Gas 9.20

Win Trace St Germain .004 R/T 9.42 ET

R/U Joe Faria .081 R/T 9.36 ET

S/G 9.80

Win LaMarr Wallace .231 R/T 10.16 ET

R/U Joe Giribaldi DQ

Super Bike 9.50

Win Jacob Petzke .106 R/T 10.14 ET

R/U Michael Powell .182 R/T 13.00 ET

Pro E.T

Win Randy Monte .089 R/T Dial: 11.05 Ran: 11.08

R/U Kenneth Machost .055 R/T Dial: 10.47 Ran: 10.46

Street E.T

Win Red Collins .060 R/T Dial: 10.70 Ran: 10.82

R/U Steve Gold .068 R/T Dial: 11.00 Ran: 11.13

Ladies

Win Melody Kho .071 R/T Dial: 10.70 Ran: 10.84

R/U Katie Sullivan .109 R/T Dial: 9.64 Ran: 9.80

Pitbike/ATV

Win Hans Shulz .545 R/T Dial: 20.00 Ran: 20.27

R/U Jessica Watson Foul Dial: 12.70 Ran: Foul

CONGRATULATIONS to all our winners and runner-ups. Y'all did a great job!

Despite the lower then anticipated turnout, the weekend was wonderful. SO MUCH FUN! Thank you Big Charlie for organizing the event and giving us a venue on the West Coast to play in. Y'all missed it, it was a great weekend! No better way to spend Father's Day in my opinion!

I'll post pics in a separate post soon! Till next time BEE safe and have fun!

North-South Dragbike Challenge - Day 2

SATURDAY, JUNE 14th: What a fun, full day! With some roll-over from Friday’s TNT, there were still plenty of people around to Test-N-Tune Saturday . The best part was TNT was not advertised as an open TNT, so the field was nearly all bikes. This allowed us to make as many passes as we wanted. Now for many this was exactly the time they needed to learn our track… while others (like us) used the time to dial in for Sunday’s event. It was the only real comparable we would have for our set-up (similar heat, track prep, etc.). We zero'd out the power commander and ran some MR11. We ran (once again) our best times on the bike:

• .048 R/T 1.59 60' time 9.31 ET 151.67 MPH
• .090 R/T 1.55 60' time 9.33 ET 151.46 MPH
• .119 R/T 1.55 60' time 9.24 ET 152.71 MPH (AMAZING!)
• .098 R/T 1.57 60' time 9.32 ET 151.87 MPH
• .069 R/T 1.58 60' time 9.29 ET 152.33 MPH
• .129 R/T 1.56 60' time 9.25 ET 153.08 MPH
• .091 R/T 1.59 60' time 9.31 ET 152.55 MPH

Seriously, this bike is amazing and what makes it more impressive is how great of a rider Joey is on it, really brings out the best in BOTH of them! While you look at those numbers remember he is still foot shifting, that is dam good!

In addition to our own best times, we watched Russell Neidigh (Big Rob's son) finally get that elusive 8 second pass. Now most people when they are achieveing a number that they have long awaited, scratch the surface of that number and then gradually make big jumps... not Russ. He jumped in with both feet and a quick ass 8.76. WOW, nice work! Did I mention he is only 17. We got to see the next generation of racers in full swing this weekend, with Russ (17yo), Katie (17yo), and Auggie's son (just turned 16yo). Simply cool!

I had my opportunity to finally test on Katie’s bike. I have so much fun helping Joey and learning from him, he gives me the confidence to do well or at least try. He was great and jumped right in to help me line up and get ready for each of my passes. Thank you honey, it was beyond wonderful to have your help again!

After talking to Charlie Sullivan about the bike (details like: how hard does it launch, does she go straight, what size is the engine, what do you launch at, what tire pressure do you run...etc) I was ready (theoretically). I have to admit I was a little nervous on the first pass, new bike, little different set-up then what I ran with Eddy, but overall let's go have some fun!

• .419 R/T 1.73 60' time 12.23 ET 126.94 MPH (I was in no hurry off the line, wanted to get a feel for the bike. Once I got out there I had to find the shift button and just overall get familar with the bike)
• .138 R/T 1.40 60' time 9.52 ET 135.13 MPH (Alright, I got this now... let's go!)
• .054 R/T 1.37 60' time 9.50 ET 136.89 MPH
• -.012 R/T 1.60 60' time 10.03 ET 135.26 MPH (Don't even ask...total brain fart)

I am super happy with my passes, after talking with Katie she seemed pretty jazzed and said her best pass to-date was a 9.43 and she's had that bike for awhile. Not to take anything away from Katie, because she rides the heck out of that bike. I'm just happy to have gotten a 9.50 on my third pass ever out on the bike! Plus it felt so good to jump back on a bike and felt even better with Joey there by my side. Huge huge thanks to the Sullivan Family for giving me the opportunity to ride your bike, I had a blast!

Now we transition into Grudge Fest, things start coolin down including the track.

• .074 R/T 1.60 60' time 9.34 ET 151.95 MPH
• .099 R/T 2.13 60' time 10.01 ET 151.98 MPH
• .144 R/T 1.63 60' time 9.45 ET 150.46 MPH

Throughout the day Russ continued to kick butt and pull out many 8 second passes, not sure his head would fit in his helmet anymore (HAHAHA) the bike humbled him out and threw in a few 9 second passes for good measure! Overall, there were lots of quick bikes out many with no wheelie bars putting down some crazy good numbers. I am always impressed to see these guys get out there and ride those monsters. Seriously they have balls of steel.

Now on to tomorrow for the BIG EVENT!

North-South Dragbike Challenge - Day 1

Race ready… that is a good phrase to describe the weekend!

FRIDAY THE 13th: The “race” weekend started on the day that typically seizes the “bad luck” connotation, however, it was anything but. We were really excited to get out to the track and try out the new additions to the bike, some synthetic oil & a carbon fiber seat - allowing Joey to get 2” lower in the bike. We were confident this will allow him to achieve a low 1.5 60’ time. Sara even got to participate this weekend by working at the track, wow she's working...my baby is working. I feel so old! I'm glad she had the opportunity to learn and work in a place she is familar with, Thank you, Lisa! Next I want to get her more involved in racing, I want to teach her how to line Joey and I up. Show her what to look and feel for; she wants to race bikes so she needs to learn from the ground up (literally)!






























When we arrived at the track there were several people there, mostly bikes (even better). We saw plenty of new faces along with some familiar ones too! We had a full evening of racing for a simple Test-N-Tune. It was great! We were not mistaken with our instincts on the new seat, although Joey did mention how incredibly uncomfortable it was (a few times). It was a wise investment. We ran the following:

• .097 R/T 1.59 60' time 9.55 ET 124.02 MPH (First pass with new stuff)
  
• .096 R/T 1.59 60' time 9.33 ET 152.42 MPH (Bogged out of the hole, adjusted shock to hard compression)
  
• .128 R/T 1.56 60' time 9.30 ET 151.75 MPH
  
• .140 R/T 1.55 60' time 9.43 ET 150.28 MPH (Wheelie)
  
• .141 R/T 1.55 60' time 9.29 ET 151.67 MPH (Missed a shift and hit the rev limiter)
  
• .102 R/T 1.59 60' time 9.36 ET 151.70 MPH (Wheelie)
  
• .195 R/T 1.55 60' time 9.25 ET 152.42 MPH (Adjusted power commander)
  
• .106 R/T 1.54 60' time 9.29 ET 151.10 MPH (Quick shift 1st to 2nd)
  
• .167 R/T 1.58 60' time 9.34 ET 151.17 MPH
  
• .097 R/T 1.53 60' time 9.30 ET 150.96 MPH
  
• .191 R/T 1.58 60' time 9.73 ET 131.18 MPH
  
• .119 R/T 1.59 60' time 9.34 ET 150.79 MPH (Adjusted power commander)
  
• .146 R/T 1.57 60' time 9.36 ET 150.22 MPH (Adjusted power commander)
  

In addition to achieving that low 1.5 60' time as we had anticipated, we got to see some pretty cool passes from other racers.






























As we were leaving Friday night, Katie Sullivan came by our pit and asked if I was still interested in testing on her bike. Well… OF COURSE! Now not only am I excited about racing with Joey all weekend; now I get to do a little racing of my own. I was very excited... I really am happy to that we can be there for/with each other again, to share in each other celebrations and help each other figure out our mistakes!

Reflection and Appreciation!

These are both great things and its important to take time out sometimes to do both and be humble about it in the process. This last weekend (June 7th) was great on many levels. I had the chance to help Joey and get to know some of our fellow racers a little better. I was pleasantly surprised with an opportunity to potentially test on Katie Sullivan's bike for North-South Dragbike Challenge. Big thanks to the Sullivan family for the offer. In addition, I got to know Roxanne Webber (yet another girl who rocks on a dragbike - pictured at the bottom), her set-up is a little different then what Katie or I have been on but rocks it none the less. Eddy asked me to take care of the race for him (Nitro Night of Fire), since he couldn't be there and I was more then happy to do that. It really was the least I could do for the Palmer's considering all the opportunity they have given me. I have to say I was a little nervous that I was gonna forget something or someone was going to be unhappy, but overall it worked out well and the day was fun! Sara even had an opportunity to work at the track and even made a little money!

I LOVE THIS PIC

Nitro Night of Fire typically means a tons of people and a ton of cars. Joey had an opportunity to get in the show and compete for the $1,000 prize money. When we got to the track there were hardly any cars but most of our class (short of 2) were there. The track delayed things as much and as frequently as possible due to the low number of racers. We started time trials around 11:30am (mind you we were there by 8:30am)... We got to know Big Rob's son (Russell) and boy let me tell you this kid is a natural born racer. NO JOKE! He has a great attitude and really enjoys the sport. Big Rob has done a great job raising him!

Joey's first pass of the day was yet another "best". He ran a 9.26 @ 153mph. WooHOO! What's important to remember about that pass is he was running pump gas. Which means that there is a teen in that bike, he just has to find it.

Joey and Russ challenged each other ALL day short of actual eliminations. I think they both had a great time! Russ was really trying for his first 8 second pass and got close enough to ache for it, running a 9.05. As with any pair of racers that know how to have fun with it and be competitive, Joey and Russ pushed each other!

Joey paired against Charlie Sullivan first round and Charlie pulled out the win on that run. The great part about these races is if you go out you can still make time runs (all day). So that's just what the guys did. Mona qualified with two red-lights on the first two runs, then we got another qualifing pass and she ended up qualifing #1 (winning herself $100 for #1 qualifier). I am super excited to see Katie make it to finals (after being off for awhile from a knee injury) against Mark Riessling, she was running low 9's all day and Mark was running 7.30's all day (with two red-lights)! They put on a great show at the end of the day! Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to test but for a real great reason... Katie was in the finals!

CONGRATULATIONS to Mark Riessling

for taking home the win and $1,000 purse!

As slow as the day started at the end of the day, there were tons of spectators enjoying a night of GREAT racing!

We are very excited for this weekend - racing ALL weekend! With Test-N-Tune (Friday night and Saturday day), Grudge Fest (Saturday night) and then... North-South Dragbike Challenge on Sunday.

***

Don't miss it, it will be an event to remember!

Looking back over the past several months and the weekend, I have learned a lot about myself, the person I love and miss, I continue to learn and move forward daily and I appreciate the people in my life! Thank you and I love you!

Test-N-Tune - May 30th, 2008

Test-N-Tune: $7.00
Tech Card: $50.00
Limited # of cars: Priceless!

We ran with pump gas and ran a 9.28 @ 153.1 with a 1.55 60' time! It was a great night! The bike loves the track and having a stock wheel base gives us an advantage when the track doesn't have the best traction. There were very few cars out, which makes for a great night of runs. I think we got 12 runs in all! WooHoo!





















We will be out at the next big event Nitro Night of Fire on June 7th at Sacramento Raceway!
Overall, it was another night of great racing! Lots of bikes out including a couple Nitro Harley's getting ready for Charlie's big race on June 15th.

9.27 @ 153 mph

It's hard to put the excitement into words, so for lack of a better word... AMAZING is what comes to mind! We are very very pleased to have pulled out a beautiful...

9.277 @ 153.308 mph

With minor mods - some nice smelling fuel and a power commander this baby wants to scream. She loves the track and luckily so does her owner. With big thanks to PCP Motorsports for sponsoring us, we can't wait to see more!

Overall it was a fun night, with lots of bikes out for a test-n-tune! Our friends Lloyd & Shelly were up from Fresno, Cuda brought the beast out and there were many other styles of bikes out... playin! It was a great night with FANTASTIC results! ;)

http://w217.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w217.photobucket.com/albums/cc288/bumblebeezx/TNT 5-23-08/68bf7d51.pbw" height="300" width="400">

Until next time... BEE safe and have fun!

NHRA Chassisworks ET Race - 5/3/08

As the seasons change, the weather follows! It was beautiful outside! Lots of sun and a little breeze! The ET race was after the Junior Dragsters double elimination race, which means we waited and waited... but that's just the way it works.

Overall, it was a good day! Not too many cars so the wait between rounds was not crazy. It was a fun day, filled with good friends and racing!

CONGRATS Mona! You brought home the win! We are so proud of you! WooHoo!



The day ended in wondeful ways! Till next time...bee safe and have fun!

The first GRUDGE FEST of the season (4/26/08)!

What an amazing day! The weather was truly Spring like, mid-to-high 80's with a slight breeze! It was gorgeous and that kinda weather brings great track conditions! It was the first Grudge Fest of the year and it was packed, they said there were over 200 cars in attendance and approx. 10 bikes! The down side to that many cars is the bikes sit for long periods between runs. Gotta take the good with the bad!

We had a GREAT night! We pulled some amazing numbers out of the bike! Babe, don't doubt your ability, I DON'T and NEVER have! You did GREAT! It seems like everytime we get her out there she just continues to shine more & more! Its no secret that Busa's were created with the drag strip in mind, but they outdid themselves this time! This bike continues to impress us each time we go out!

Here are the stats:

9.51 @ 150.4 mph (w/ a 1.61 60' time)
9.37 @ 151.3 mph (w/ a 1.59 60' time) Now that's what we are looking for, we knew she had in her!
They say its not a solid run (especially if its a great number until you back it up, well...) our next pass did just that!
9.36 @ 150.6 mph (w/ a 1.57 60' time) WOOHOO! Simply amazing!
9.49 @ 144.7 mph (w/ a 1.60 60' time)
9.53 @ 149.0 mph (w/ a 1.59 60' time)

Simply a PHENOMENAL evening of racing!

I'll keep y'all posted on the next time we're out! Until then...keep both wheels on the ground (at least for awhile) and BEE safe!

BB

Family Reunion - Redding 4/19/08

What a GREAT weekend! We had the opportunity last weekend to go up to Redding and ride/race with family/friends. One of our great friends came down from Colorado, a few others came up from Modesto and we made the trip from Sacramento to go play in Redding! Once upon a time we used to all ride/race almost every weekend. Life takes a funny turn every now and then, people move and start new beginnings. Then without notice those that are so important to you come back front and center! We are so excited to be able to rekindle those friendships!

Redding Drag Strip: It was our first time to their track, and it was great; very well prepared and the people were friendly! We'll definitely be making a trip back up there! A few people that have raced Sacramento Raceway and Redding Drag Strip said we should expect to lose a tenth off our times. Fortuntely, we didn't lose anything! We maintained our mph (150mph) and obtained an ET of 9.49, keeping in mind we ran a 9.47 at Sacramento.

We also managed to beat "THE KING" on his turf and fair-n-square! We're not being arrogant or cocky! Joe is a phenominal rider as is Joey! Joey has always admired Joe's ability and attitude towards racing! One of the best things about racing someone who runs a little better #'s then you is they push you, push you to perform better! This was no exception! Joe and Joey got up there, paired up with the intention of simply having some fun! It was a GREAT race, from launch to finish! Joey got Joe out of the hole then Joe out sixty footed Joey, but Joey pulled around him at the top end! Joey's ET 9.49 to Joe's 9.51, it really was a sight to see!

The following day we all got up, went to breakfast (like old times) and then proceeded into the rest of the day by enjoying great company and great riding! We have huge respect & big love for the England family! Thank you for letting us stay with you and have such a fun/wonderful weekend! We can't wait to do it again!

Funny Car Fever | April 12th 2008

What a wonderful weekend! The weather was beautiful, not too hot and definitely not too windy! It started off early and ended late, but we wouldn't have it any other way! There were many race day participants and tons of fans, which is very cool to see!

We have a full bike field (16 bikes) representing NorCal Dragbike Association. We also had two alternates (Joey and sorry I can't remember his name)! Fortunately and unfortunately, Joey & ? didn't get to compete but they did get to make time-only runs all day!



It was a super fun day! There were lots of people there enjoying the day! Lots of very fast cars, fast bikes and great people!







We are super proud of Mona Christiansen! She took out all but one dragbike, taking her all the way to the finals! You rock, girl! We are so happy to see you do so well, although we are disappointed in the finish (which had nothing to do with you). Keep smiling, you did great all day long!



Overall, it was a great day! Hopefully the final events of the day won't be an issue next event! Til next time...keep both wheels on the ground (at least for awhile) and BEE safe!

BB

Some additional photos!

I'm super proud of you babe!