Hello to all! It's been so exciting getting to see everyone at the two races that I've attended. I have the best fan support and am always amazed by the amount of people who stop by during the races to chat and get autographs. My fans keep me strong and encourage me to persevere! I greatly miss being at each race but know that God has a plan for me. Let’s all pray that it is racing!

I have been fortunate to join a brilliant race team, Vandergriff Motorsports. Bob Sr., Bob Jr., and the team are such an incredible group of guys! Our first race together was in Chicago. When packing for the race, I felt a bit nervous, as I had never met the team. Arriving in Chicago under the gun, with new equipment, no testing, and never having worked together proved to be no challenge. The team’s experience and dedication put me at ease immediately, and I really feel that together we have the formula to win races. Our team’s average age is 41. I like the feel of a mature team. The crew chief Jim Dupuy is genius and knows how to win races!

In Chicago, sponsored by Patton Cat, we qualified 6th and lost in the second round on a holeshot but still essentially had low e.t. of the event. In Norwalk, sponsored by Michigan CAT, we qualified in the 4th spot and had solid runs on all our passes but lost first round to Cory Mac. We ran exactly what we wanted to run, just lost in a close drag race. A great start for our new team!

So the burning question seems to be… “When are you coming back full time?” I wish I could say tomorrow, but I don’t know that answer for certain as of yet. The economy and Caterpillar seem to be looking a little brighter, and I am hoping to have a full sponsorship for next year with a few more races this year. Go buy some Caterpillar stock!!! It is a bargain right now but is steadily climbing! Nemo and I will definitely see you all in Indy! Nemo? Who’s that? It is the name of my car. As most of you well know, I used to name my cars after the ladies in my life. The only problem with those names as learned from Mama Fuller and best friends Ali and Dave is what if the relationship doesn’t work out? So I have officially changed my Car Naming policy. I am going with cartoon characters from this point forward. I chose Nemo because he was taken out of his comfortable fish bowl to a far strange place and relied on his friends to help get him back. Nemo’s story parallels my life in a lot of ways! Thanks to all who keep the Nemo keepsakes coming. I have received stuffed animals, key chains, patches, and stickers. Look for Nemo in Indy!!

I continue to train with my best bud Dave Tomchec. I’ve been running, which I thought I would never be able to do again. It’s been grueling but well worth the challenge. We have been doing sprint workouts and hill inclines. Straight up! 60 yards! We are trying to gain speed, which helps with my overall health and reaction times. I’ve always said “Strong Body, Strong Mind.”

So my new house is coming along… Back to my construction roots. Growing up, I worked on my dad’s construction crews and built Wal-Marts all over America. Since the age of 13 years old, I would hit the road each summer and join his construction crew. Those years instilled drive and dedication, which paid off in my racing career. My largest undertaking was removing a window in my bedroom and installing French doors to directly access my pool. Nothing like a huge gaping hole in the wall with 120-degree heat. I have added built-in cabinets, but my favorite feature is the music!! I added speakers in every room and even in the backyard. Not sure if my neighbors are liking it but suits me just fine.

My travels took me to Santa Monica for the 4th of July with friends. We had a great time on the beach and did some power shopping in the Garment District! That is where I found the now famous man purse (Ed Hardy messenger bag). I posted it on my Facebook page and received great responses and much attention. I even contacted them for a possible sponsorship! The trip was relaxing and well deserved. We rented bikes and rode along the beach, ventured through Venice Beach, and I even worked out at Muscle Beach. I thought I was doing well by benching 300 until I looked over and the lady next to me had to be benching 400. Next time, I will bring my friend Lee Priest. He is one of the most popular body builders in the world. Had some of the best tacos ever at a local favorite called Titos Tacos. Not on my eating plan but Dave wasn’t there so I indulged.

Will close with a favorite quote of mine:

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious." — Vince Lombardi