Being a professional drag racer doesn’t mean that we only work weekends, on the contrary, there is always somewhere to go and something to be done all week long. As a driver, I am often asked to make personal appearances. Recently, I received a call from two dear friends of mine, Julie and Ron Vega, requesting that I make such an appearance.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association of America was hosting a 5th annual fund raiser at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Several of the Carolina Panthers were on hand to ensure the success of the event. NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett and Teresa Earnhardt were also in attendance, so naturally I was honored to be the first driver to represent the NHRA at such a worthy event. The event occurred on Thursday before the race at Bristol, so we made a detour to Charlotte on our way to the race.

It was quite festive with at least 200 people there along with the kids. Lots of activities including a silent auction, games, food and all kinds of fun interaction with the kids. The cuisine for the evening was especially nice; mac-n-cheese, and chicken fingers! I’m not kidding; I was in heaven, who doesn’t love that? In fact, it gave me an idea about opening a new restaurant for kids; It would be called Cory Mac-n-Cheese. Okay, maybe not.

Anyway, the event was geared toward the likes of the kids so before dining on kid food (it was really good!) I hooked up with my buddy for the evening; a young man named Talf. It is pronounced “Taff” the “L” is silent. That’s a cool name! We had a blast as we spent time together playing games and joking around. Here you can see a picture of us together at the event sent to me by Eddie Rhodes.

The fund raiser and silent auction reportedly raised about $400,000! These funds will be used to send the kids to camp so they will be able to enjoy sunshine, water games, boating, cookouts, stories around the campfire, and so many other things that they wouldn’t normally be able to experience. What a great thing for these kids! That is just one of the great functions of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of America and I am very proud to have been a part of this event. Hopefully, next year we can gather a few more NHRA folks to help ensure a successful turn out. I’m glad I did it, Mac-N-Cheese, chicken fingers, and the best thing of all, I have a new buddy, Hey Talf!!

So ... onward to Topeka. We have had much success there at past races. Several final rounds and a few Wallys have made Topeka a memorable place. Not only that, I was born in Kansas, so it is a bit of a homecoming for me. The Fram dragster and team is as ready as we can be so we’re looking forward to making some good, solid runs and being competitive out there. We have had a couple of frustrating weeks going out early in eliminations. I have a GREAT CREW and the Fram dragster is ready. If the law of averages kicks in...we are due for a good weekend! We are ready for it to happen now!

With the teamwork here at DSR, and the support of Fram, GMC, Nordic Boats, Rock Star and all of my guys, we are hungry for another one. There is no time like the present, see you at the races!