Hey, blog readers! LP coming at you from beautiful Bristol, Tenn. As I mentioned in the last blog, I’m from Kentucky. After being up north for the past few weeks, it’s nice to be where people talk like me. I thoroughly enjoyed being in New Jersey and northern Ohio, but every time I opened my mouth people would look at me funny and ask me where I’m from. Being back in the south and being able to order a sweet tea and a cheeseburger without a funny look is nice. I wonder if the people in Denver will think I talk crazy, too? Only five days until I find out!

But enough of that silliness. Let me bring you up to speed on the happenings of the race team. On Wednesday night, my dear friend Robin, Donna, some of the crew members and I had an impromptu fireworks celebration. Robin and I hit a fireworks emporium once we crossed into Tennessee, and after asking permission from the hotel clerk, started our July 4th celebration. Before the sparkle had gone out on our first two-foot sparkler (pretty cool, I have to admit), the guys pulled up, fresh from a fishing excursion in a nearby creek. At least that’s what they said they were doing. I didn’t see any fish. But they did kind of stink, so I believe them.

I didn’t take any pictures, but will share one more tidbit of information from the evening’s festivities: when the caution label tells you not to hold the firework in your hand, don’t. It’s just not smart. Everyone survived, though, just long enough for them to lose their money playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Next time you see Red, call him King High, a little nickname he picked up after thinking he had actually taken the hand with a pair of nines and a king. Needless to say, I took his money, too. Everyone has promised a rematch, so I will make sure to keep you posted if my winnings were pure skill or just amazing luck.

On Thursday, Doug and Marty sponsored the Bristol Dragway Celebrity Golf Benefit, raising money for Speedway Children’s Charities. Lots of drivers came out to support the cause, as did race fans and golf fans from all over. Barbara and Lori did a fantastic job organizing the event, and by the end of the day, over $34,000 dollars had been raised for a great cause. We are grateful to everyone for letting us take part and show our support.

As I type the last words of this little blog, they have just fired up the Snap-on Tools dragster to get it warmed up for the last qualifying session of the weekend. I had to include this photo taken earlier today. You know fans are diehard when they bring along their own gas masks. I love it!

We are in sixth position right now, and we just can’t wait to go racing tomorrow. The shop is only a few hours away, so lots of DHP employees are here. I would like to say thanks to all of them for coming out, and hopefully everyone got the right tickets!

Until next time, be good,
LP