It was a pretty rough weekend for us in Memphis. I left too early, again, and lost, in the first round with a red-light. Every loss is tough for the team, however, I have to say the red-lights are the most difficult for me to deal with. When I encounter that kind of loss, I usually dig deep to pull the good out of the weekend.

That’s the great thing about the GEICO Motorcycle team. We are very positive, and make sure we’re there for each other. I don’t think I’ve introduced the rest of the team.

Gary has many hats, Crew chief, transport driver, and husband. He has always been involved in motors and racing, in one way or another. He loves to race, and if he can’t race, he loves to build motors. His current toy is a 1968 Pontiac Firebird. Yes, Pontiac-powered.

Doug Johnson, team owner, has a similar background in the love of motorsports. He, too, has drag raced in the past, and parlayed his love for the sport into an owner position. He is a great businessman, and even better friend. His wife Debbie, the glue for the team, was introduced to the sport of NHRA Drag Racing when she met up with Doug. She handles media relations and promotions for our team. She keeps everyone on schedule, and, oh yeah, she is also a gourmet cook.

A new addition to the team this year is Scott Chatelain, my nephew. He never really raced but while growing up he religiously watched his aunt and uncle participate in their hobby. He is now into two-wheeled motorsports, but in the dirt not on the asphalt.

When you include me, that is the GEICO Motorcycle Pro Stock Motorcycle racing team, and, a very close group of people. We are all very good friends.

In fact, in our new building addition we included a location for Doug and Debbie to park their motor home (that they use when racing the circuit), for whenever they want to head over the West Coast.

Speaking of the addition, it’s moving along. We have all the exterior and interior walls in place and the first pouring of cement, for the porch, is completed. My mom has been very good about taking the progress pictures while I am at work. Each morning, when I pull out of my driveway at 5:45 a.m., I am passed by the construction team, pulling onto our lot. The plan is to have it completed by Oct 1; before it gets to cold here in the Sierra Nevadas.

The other piece of the construction that is underway is Gary’s shop. Jessie Fenton, new friend and part owner of the Mohegan Sun Pro Stock Motorcycle racing team, will be building the shop for us.

Funny, it took the mutual participation with NHRA Drag Racing for us to meet, and we only live 20 miles away from each other. Small world!

Well, I need to get back to work, so I will be back in a couple of days.