Race day in St. Louis confirmed that I hate to be the first pair down the track. We were up in smoke before we passed the Tree. This illustrates how important it is to qualify in the top half of the field and have that all-important lane choice. Do you know what we discovered? We found out that when we lose a round, whether it is first, second, or third, we usually lose to the eventual event winner. If we have to lose, I guess that’s the best way to do it! Our hats are off to "Hot Rod" Fuller for nabbing his first win of the season.

So, what do you do when you go out in the first round? You pack it up and watch the races! Then try to figure out what went wrong. Going out early not only affirms that you won’t get another Wally, but you don’t have the opportunity to accumulate data from the additional runs during eliminations. We did some testing following the event and were able to acquire some data anyway.

The Fram dragster is back on track and we are looking forward to Bristol. Yeah, I know, Bristol, that’s where I earned my pilots license in 2006. Friday night under the lights, right-hand lane, I’m on a good run and right around the 1000 foot mark, I go airborne... General Chuck Yeager has nothing on me! It sure made a cool highlight clip though, didn’t it?! Okay, that’s enough of that...

Hey, don’t forget that we have a Speedway Childrens Charity event on Saturday night at Bristol. No, I won’t be flying...but we (several NHRA drivers) will be racing around an oval for your entertainment. That should be something to see. The lineup will be determined by fan voting, so go to www.bristoldragway.com and vote for me...get me closer to the pole position! I am currently in the number 12 spot...come on, remember, I broke my dragster in half for you guys!!! It should be a blast wherever we start from, so come by and watch, it will be like driving in the local Wal Mart parking lot, the way you WANT to! The Wizard monster truck will be there too...crushing school buses....no children will be in the buses.....

Happy belated Mothers Day to all of you Moms out there! Where would we be without you? The NHRA never races on Mothers Day so families can devote their time to Mom. If you didn’t buy a gift yet....you are in trouble. Here’s a hint, Moms like flowers and chocolate, not to mention a big hug and an “I love you.” Kids, maybe you can do the dishes, take out the garbage without being told and clean your rooms! (Maybe the Dads out there can do that too...) Did I mention chocolate...? Attached here, you will find a custom-made Mothers Day card with a picture taken just a few hours ago up in Eagle, Wisconsin. The colors are amazing up there and this is a special card for all of the Moms reading this. Love you MOM!

My dog, Tori, got into my closet the other day; don’t worry PETA, she didn’t inhale....enjoy the picture!

The Fram boys and the rest of the Don Schumacher teams will see you at the races!