I would like to introduce the next two clowns—I mean, crewmembers from the team: David McCombs and Matt Schamback.

David McCombs, known by the F.B.I. as “Combres,” hails from Yorba Linda, Calif. Don’t you think he has a long drive to work? David is our cylinder head guy. He also boasts the title of “Crew babysitter.” I don’t know if I should elaborate on that or not — okay, I won’t. Rest assured, it’s an accurate title. David has three years of experience in the world of drag racing, so he’s still fairly new to the game, but he knows his stuff. Being trusted to take care of the cylinder heads is a big responsibility, and with David, there are no worries. Babysitter is also a big responsibility and — oh, I forgot, I’m not going to elaborate on that...

David is described by the crew as being a joker as he likes to have a good time on the road. Jokers are always on the prowl for new material, and David fondly recalls a side-splitting incident when Phil called another crewmember, Levi, a “billy goat.” I didn’t understand what was so funny — until I took a closer look at Levi. Okay David, did that make you laugh again? Poor Levi, that was ba-aa-aa-aad!

David does have a serious side though. He is happily married to his wife, Ida, and says that his favorite thing to do away from the track is spending time with her. Way to go David! Trust me, you have scored points with that statement! He also scores points by the way that he accomplishes his job on this team. David is relatively new like I mentioned, but he knows his stuff. I can only imagine how good he is going to be with a few more years under his belt.

Enter Matt Scamback. Matt has many aliases: Schammy, So Cal, and Sham-WOW! This guy has so many nicknames, the cops could never catch up with him. Well, as long as we can find him on race weekends we’ll all be okay. Matt hangs his hat in Glendale, Ariz., and has just a little over two years of experience in the drag racing profession. So he’s basically another new guy, but you wouldn’t be able to tell. Matt assists with the clutch and is in charge of tires. He has to balance the tires and get the pressure just right. That’s a very important job. Can you imagine what I feel in the car if the rear tires are even slightly out of balance? You know the sound your washing machine makes during the spin cycle and all of the clothes are stuck in a clump in one spot? I’m glad you understand! Matt understands too... most of the t-t-t-t-t-time... he, he.

Matt cites our victory at the Carolina Nationals as being his most prominent memory at DSR so far. Hopefully he will be a contributing factor in securing many more victories. He is an intense, straight-shooter and is all business when it comes to his job. He feels fortunate to be able to make a living at what he calls “his second favorite sport.” The only thing that has kept him from participating in his favorite sport on a full-time basis is broken bones. No, he’s not into pro wrestling; he likes motocross. Okay, truth be known, he LOVES motocross! Thanks to his sister teaching him how to skate, he likes hockey, too — enjoy your smile now, Matt, while you still have all of your teeth. Matt does engage in safe activities as well; he likes to draw and be creative when he doesn’t have broken bones in his hand! Stay off of the motorcycles, Matt, I need you here in the pits!

David and Matt are very integral elements that make up this team. Although in the broad scope of things they are virtual rookies, they are stepping up to the plate and making things happen here. Thank you very much guys… I’m glad to have you on my team!

Speaking of thanks...

I fully understand where freedom comes from. Thank you to all of our Veterans. Happy Veterans Day.