Hey, there, blog readers! LP here with an update on Doug and the Snap-on team before we head for “The Big Go.” Since winning the race last Wednesday, things have been a bit of a whirlwind around here!

Like I mentioned in the last blog, Doug flew home from Reading after the race and came by the shop to say hi to everyone. The guys packed up and headed back to North Carolina, and arrived late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. It all depends on your perspective. Most of the guys hardly even remember the long drive home they were on such an adrenaline rush! The miles went fast with the congratulatory phone calls and thoughts of winning and making the Countdown on their minds.

We all got together at Doug’s house on Thursday evening for a little victory celebration. Sonny’s BBQ did us right and brought lots of food. We couldn’t even eat it all! We read all coverage by the local media, including a funny quote from Doug. David Poole writes for The Charlotte Observer, and Doug had this to say in his interview with David about the long wait: “We had to sit there since Sunday waiting to do this. ...I’ve had the same underwear and socks on for two days because I ran out. But it doesn’t get any better than this.” Now there is something you probably wondered about, right? He also told us his motor home ran out of water, but luckily, that didn’t happen until Wednesday!

There were lots more stories from rain-delayed Reading. Sitting around can drive you crazy, especially when so much is on the line! They all managed to retain their sanity. Well, at least those that had it to start with!

Some of us went for a ride on the pontoon boat, but it started to storm a little in the distance and we headed back in. Allison and I had just walked back from the dock into the house, when it went pitch black! Something had caused the electricity to go out at a couple of the houses, so the party moved outside. Doug has promised us another party with the next win….and if we win the championship? It’s going to be no holds barred!!

On Friday, Doug headed out to the Elizabethton, Tenn., Snap-on plant to visit some folks before he went out to Bristol Motor Speedway for the Busch race. Snap-on had a Day at the Races, and Doug spent some time visiting old friends, making new ones, and celebrating his win at Reading. Two of Snap-on’s finest, Paul Johnson and Larry Hamrick, hammed it up for the camera. Doug said they all had a really good time.

On Sunday, a few of us got together to watch the 30 minutes of coverage ESPN2 provided. In case you missed it, Wayne -- make that Flava-Wayne -- was caught on camera with the giant Snap-on clock around his neck with a chain. Too funny! He had no idea the cameras were out there when he walked out of the trailer with it around his neck (remember what I said about rain delays and sanity?), but I guess they thought it was too good to pass up! After all, it ended up on the show, not on the cutting room floor. Please, next time you see him, call him Flava-Wayne.

How great to see it on TV!! Despite the almost play-by-play Larry gave us via cell phone (still can’t believe it dropped right when Doug pulled into the lights…), seeing it is hard to put into words. It’s no secret we have had our share of struggles this year, and seeing all the guys so excited and happy almost got me choked up. Donna, you would have been proud!

On Sunday night, Doug and I headed out to SpeedTV for his appearance on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain. Their studios are just a few miles away in south Charlotte, so it was a short jaunt for us. First things first, Doug had to pay a visit to make-up. Pretty funny seeing him sitting in the make-up chair. I took a few pictures to capture the moment, but being the amateur picture taker that I am, the lights around the mirrors messed them up. Soon enough he was swept away into the studio, and I watched anxiously from the green room. Dave Despain got a kick out of Marty “The One Man Party,” and had them keep showing the footage over and over! We have all had a good chuckle over it, and in fact, Beasley has created a new dance called “The Marty,” all based on Marty’s starting line celebration. We are hoping it will become as popular as the Icky Shuffle.

I will have more updates for you from Indianapolis. We will arrive tomorrow, and it promises to be a fun filled, busy weekend. Here it comes…The Big Go!

Until next time, be good,
LP