Hey there, blog fans! LP with you again, this time from beautiful, sunny Memphis, Tenn. It’s Saturday morning, and I actually had to put on a jacket when I got the track. Now, I have been to Memphis once before in my lifetime, and that was last July. It was so hot, I could barely breathe, and from what I understand that type of weather is typical and usually lasts through September. Well hallelujah it is completely different this weekend, and we will take it.

Everyone knows weather plays a huge part in determining how fast these dragsters make it down the track, so throw in a nice, cool, breezy Saturday afternoon and we are probably going to see some pretty good times today. After yesterday’s qualifying sessions, we are in the No. 3 spot, with a 4.56 with a 9. The No. 2 spot went to Dixon, a 4.56 with an 8, and Schumacher took the No. 1 spot, a 4.56 with a 5. Wow! Talk about some close times. Today should be interesting, and I can’t wait for the racing to get started! I’m curious to see if the times will hold or if they get even faster.

First I wanted to share with you part of yesterday’s events. Doug is not only a successful business owner and race car driver, he is also an accomplished pilot. I have to tell you, flying with Doug has certainly spoiled me. Imagine if you can, no lines at security, no waiting for your zone to be called, no crazy person in the seat beside you…well, I have had to sit beside Marty the One Man Party on occasion, but I wouldn’t really classify him as crazy. But I digress. When Doug says be at the airport at 11:00, we are in the air by 11:10. Pull up to the plane, throw in the luggage, and it’s time to go. Gotta love it…

My whole reason for going on and on about this is to actually share with you some pictures I took yesterday when we flew in. Charles W. Baker Airport, located directly behind Memphis Motorsports Park, provided our landing strip access for this particular event. We flew right over the race track to make the approach, and I was able to get shots of the track from about 2,000 feet, give or take. It’s not quite as good as the view from a Goodyear blimp, but it’s still pretty cool, and I’m lucky to have a pilot for a boss.

Looks like the guys (who survived Thursday evening on Beale Street) will be warming up the car in just a few minutes, so I had better find a wireless signal sooner rather than later.

Until next time, be good,

LP