Over the last couple of weeks things have been pretty crazy here. With three races back to back we have not had a lot of time to even breathe. We don’t have any full time people working in the shop so that leaves me to help out everyday. Thank goodness we have managed to get everything done in time to leave for the races.

Matt has had several good outings in the countdown. With two semifinal appearances and one final round appearance he has moved up to third in points. We feel like the Championship is within reach. After the Charlotte race we found some power and I think it is showing. Currently we are four rounds out of first so each race from now until Pomona has to be stellar to say the least. Matt and I will be racing Phoenix and Michael Ray will join us again for the last two events in Las Vegas and Pomona. Michael is doing an excellent job of riding the bike and we are enjoying him being a part of our team.

The sponsorship hunt still remains the same. We are currently seeking sponsors for the 2012 season. Right now neither one of us has funding to race next year. We are trying to be optimistic because our team is running strong right now. I think we have a lot to offer a company that wants to get involved in a family oriented team and sport as NHRA drag racing.

Even though this is probably the most stressful time of year as far as racing it is still my favorite time of the year. All of the girls are getting their dresses for the banquet. It reminds me of being in high school and going to the prom. We always have so much fun at the banquet because the stress is over for the night and it is all about having a little bit of fun with the people you spend the most time with and that is our racing family.

We have a new member in the Smith family. Her name is Miss Juliet Leigh Speed. Amanda had her baby on October 4 after being two weeks over due. Juliet weighed 9lbs 4oz and was 21 inches long. She is so beautiful. Amanda and Juliet are home from the hospital and are doing very well.

So to say the least the 2011 season has been a very challenging year for us with both of our sponsors pulling out on us in the middle of the year. We have managed to make it this far and we both feel like we can’t quit now. We have to contend for this championship and try to win it. We really could use the money. I would like to say thank you to Haltech, Steve Nichols, Red Line Oil, PJ1, Mark and Marshall Stockseth, Tyler and Stacy Wilson for supporting us in a much needed time. Its been very hard but we have kept the faith and God will get us through this. A special thank-you to all the fans that have supported us.