My name: Rachel Brunner. My mission: To write this blog before Todd gets back in to realize that I have commandeered his computer to sneak in a quick message to all of you.
Giving you an update from the shop: quiet, empty, and lonely. The guys have gone testing in Phoenix and from what I’ve heard, the cars are sounding pretty awesome. It’s always so strange when the guys are gone from the shop. Almost like the life of the building is gone. Travel safe, boys!
I have been lucky enough to be affiliated with the racing industry for seven years now; for 4.5 years I worked for Mac Tools and I’ve had one great year with Kalitta Motorsports, first consulting and now as team manager. I took a short hiatus in between Mac Tools and Kalitta Motorsports to relocate from Columbus, Ohio, back home to the great state of Michigan where I was born and raised and started a family. Let me tell you that time at home away from drag racing was painful! I couldn’t bear to watch it on TV without being able to be a part of it. Once nitro enters your blood stream, you can’t ever get it out!
When I started as team manager this past November, I was overwhelmed with the way everyone welcomed me and my crazy ideas. If you haven’t heard of some of the things I’ve asked these guys to do, check with them. I’m sure they’ll have a million stories of my wackiness. But even still, everyone’s been pretty receptive to trying things a different way and I’m very appreciative. Needless to say our off season’s been busy. The work the guys have done both on the cars and within the teams has been incredible. What I’m most amazed with is that despite the adversity we’ve faced, there is only one feeling that can be felt here within Kalitta Motorsports and that is passion for the sport and winning. We deserve to win…and we will!
So, is it time to go racing yet?
Aside from my love for drag racing, I love something else almost as much: college football. And, seeing the state I’m from, you might have guessed that I’m a HUGE fan of those Wolverines. And yes, they had a disappointing season and yes, they lost to Appalachian State, however, they not only won the bowl game against Florida, but they dominated! So, I go on the record as saying that 2008 is the year for my teams -- ALL my teams: Watch out!