On New Year's Eve, Angie and I were invited to a New Year's Celebration at Scott and Amanda’s house. Tristan, Angie, and I jumped in the car to head to Charlotte. When we arrived, the TLC TV crew was there. They did individual interviews with each of us about how my sister and Scott’s relationship is. I had fun with it. Scott decided to do my interview, so needless to say, we had to do several takes because he just makes me laugh. Red Bull had provided them with lots of cool merchandise for the party. My mom and dad also got to attend the party. My highlight of the night was of course bringing in the New Year with my family. One other thing that was really fun was all of us started playing RockBand II. Tristan was dominating the drums, and I was playing guitar. It was harder than I thought it was going to be. I finally managed to get Angie to sing. We did the countdown at the party, and it ended with a big kiss from my new fiancé. I had a blast at Scott and Amanda’s and want to thank them for inviting us.

Wednesday evening, we were en route north for Don Schumacher Racing. I had been there once before just to leave my truck for a week. Angie and I arrived Thursday morning about 9:30. I was excited to meet my new team. Everyone welcomed us with open arms. We just stayed around most of the day seeing how they do things. We did go to visit Kelly at Impact and Antron Brown. All I can say about the weather is ITS COLD!!! That evening Ang and I had dinner at Texas Roadhouse. I had a great invitation from my fellow competitors Eddie, Andrew, and Chip to come over to watch the football game. It was nice hanging out with everyone at another place other than the racetrack. The guys shot pool and played darts while the ladies talked about wedding stuff. I can honestly say that all of us had a great time. I wish we could do it more often.

Friday was our day we visited some other teams. We went to Antron Brown’s shop. 3B racing has a nice facility. Antron showed us around, and then we took about 30 minutes to catch up on news. We went back to DSR, and when we got there, the Army crew was dynoing a blower. I like to see new things like that. When the Army made the pull it was extremely loud in the shop. I never imagined it would be that loud. It was very interesting. I love racing motorcycles and have done very well at it, but deep down you always have that desire to get in a Top Fuel car. The most important thing I did there was I got to sit on my new DSR Suzuki ride. I can honestly say that I am excited. I have not competed on a Suzuki for three years. I can say I am up for the challenge.

Friday evening we decided to go race go-karts with my new crew guys Jason and Tom. They had specific instructions from Steve not to get me hurt. The first race it was all of us together including Angie. Jason and Tom were easy on her, but I wasn’t. I bumped her to let her know I was back there and to move over. She didn’t, so I had to get a little aggressive in passing her. Jason ran one of his fastest times in that race, He was happy. Tom is really good at it also. Angie didn't race the second heat. It was four laps into the second race, and I just couldn’t make it. I had hit the wall in the hairpin turn in the first race and bruised my rib. I thought I would be alright, but I just couldn’t make it. I had to quit. I have never quit anything in my life until that night. Angie and I had a great time with Tom and Jason.

This year is going to be so much fun. Saturday morning we got up early to get home. The weather forecast didn’t look great so we waited until about 9 a.m. to leave Brownsburg.

2009 is going to be so awesome with the DSR team!!! I can’t wait!!! It will be here before we know it!!! I will write again soon.