The Western Swing was solid but we felt like we left something on the table at all of the races. We dropped cylinders at two of the three events and smoked the tires at Seattle which is not what we had planned. We qualified well 4th, 1st, and 3rd and were bouncing between 6th and 7th in points so we’re going into Indy feeling confident. Between all of the races, I got to spend some time with Snap-on franchisees Kenny Wells, Elson Chan, & Kenny Voss. It was great to meet all of their customers and host big groups out at our track-side hospitality.

After the Swing, I headed out to Vegas for the Snap-on Franchisee Conference, where they host a large group of their franchisees and their families. It was held at the South Point hotel and we had a lot of fun. We had three show cars at the event. The Snap-on Masters of Metal Tour was there which has one of our cars on display, and showcases everything from their diagnostics machines to their latest greatest hand tools. If you’ve never seen it, check it out online for their tour dates. We also took our other two show cars and they were looking good. One of the cars is a running show car so we can start it at any event. We hung out with a lot of franchisees at SFC and went out each evening to participate in the events and meet new people. What’s really cool about it is with every race I go to and do a ride along; I meet new people so I know more and more people each year I go to this event. It was really awesome and I look forward to seeing them out at the track. We’re hoping to get a win for those guys soon!

Brainerd overall was a good race for us. Again, we didn’t close the deal like we wanted but the slowest the car ran in the three runs it made it down the track, was a 4.07 at 311mph which is stellar. We did experience some issues like losing a blower belt and losing blower studs against Force in the 2nd round so we did have a little bit of trauma going on in the engine. We’ve checked the car over with a fine tooth comb to get ready for the US Nationals, our biggest race of the year.

People ask all the time what my favorite track is and I’ll say Denver, Charlotte, or Pomona but really the number one race in my eyes is the U.S. Nationals. It’s the biggest race of the year, pays the most for a win, is the cut off for the Countdown to the Championship, and I just love the history behind this track. It’s the most prestigious race. I think I’ve won more rounds at this event than any on the circuit and I’ve won it three times. I’m looking for that fourth win so I can be in line with some of the all-time greats.

We’re also having an open house at our shop this Thursday before the race, from 3-7, for any fans who’ll be in the Indy area and can stop by. There will be plenty of food and beverages as well as raffles every hour. Please plan to join us.

We’re bringing a great Snap-on Toyota to the party. This car has made a number of great runs this year and has gone a lot of rounds; we just haven’t punched it through. A win this weekend would definitely make our season and get us ready for the Countdown!
 

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