This will be my first blog since teaming up with Scott Griffin Motorsports so I wanted to bring everyone up-to-speed on everything. They say timing is everything and we have lots of changes going on; all coming at a time when our sport is really ready to explode to a whole new level of fan and sponsor appreciation. Of course, I’m talking about the new NHRA ownership with HD Partners. And I’m sure The Coca-Cola Company will be putting more resources behind the POWERade Series as they look for ways to make the races even better and more exciting for the fans. It’s just a great time to be racing.

As far as the season goes so far, I think we’re off to a good start with some great qualifying runs and elimination passes. We've tried some new things along the way and had a few bumps in the road. But hey, we’re still 10th in the points and only 168 behind Tony Schumacher in fifth.

In Norwalk we qualified fifth and lost to Bob Vandergriff by a nano-second (0.050) in the first elimination round. It’s the tightest, fastest field in history this year and anything can happen. We’ve got a great car and team and I’m confident she’ll some right.

As you know, I’ll be returning to Thunder Valley this weekend exactly one year after my little dust-up there where I went for a crazy ride (I was even on the Paula Zahn Show!) I have just a little extra incentive to settle the score with this great track. By the way, I want to say thanks for all the heartfelt fan mail I received last year wishing me good luck - grateful as I was for the outcome.

So Cookie (my Cocker Spaniel) and I are having a great time traveling around the country trying to beat the heat and at times impossible traffic. I've included a picture of Cookie after a hard day on the road doing what she does best -- lounging in the trailer!

My GMC Dualie has sure been getting a workout lately and it's been up to the task. I’m looking forward to the mountain country around Bristol. As always we’re grateful for our sponsors who continue to be as supportive as ever. Special thanks to GMC for the big black vans, which are loaded with Fram filters and Lucas Oil while burning some of Evan’s Torco Race Fuel, and a warm welcome to Jet, our newest sponsor.

When it comes to hospitality, our boy James does it all, setting up the hospitality rig and cooking lunch for me and the guys. We really couldn’t do it without him!

All in all, we’re looking forward to an exciting second half and we we’re looking forward to seeing you in the pits. Drop by and say hey.

Over and out,

C. Mac