Well the crazy 2007 season has come to an end. With all the anticipation and angst about the new points system and the parity, or lack of, the GEICO Motorcycle team closed out the year in the number 8 spot. Reflecting on that, I could probably point to specific incidents that triggered the downward spiral from the number 1 spot where we had poised ourselves early in the season. Analyzing the details to ensure we don’t repeat mistakes, I feel pretty good about all the improvements we did make. 2007 marked the first year that we put the GEICO Motorcycle Suzuki in the winner circle two times and at different tracks than in the past. We also participated in the Ringers Gloves Battle for the first time since assembling the team. Pretty huge for the team, since consistency was never our specialty.
Heading out west for the last two races, knowing that we were not in the top four, our focus was on that number 5 spot. Yeah, until I focused on, and thought about red-lights. That’s what happened in Las Vegas. There is a seven-second rule that I am very well aware of but with my head being in the wrong area, I took too long to stage and therefore timed out in round one at the AC Delco Nationals. The goal heading into Pomona, changed after that from finishing in the number 5 to number 7 spot. (I really love the people and track in Las Vegas, but would love to remove that race from the schedule because every year something stupid, crazy, or dangerous, happens to me or my family there. I have to figure out a way to beat the bad ‘mojo’ there!) Okay, on to Pomona, the last race of the year!
Debbie likes to have one party a season, a celebration with our "on the road" family and friends. This year, with the way the Las Vegas and Pomona events fell as far as dates, she decided to have a Halloween party. Her ulterior motive was the fact that she had wanted all year to dress up as "Grumpy" Jenkins. I attached a picture of her in costume. Pretty good job! We had a great group of characters that included: angels, devils, pin-up girls, prisoners, babies, doctors, Santa and elves, a great Frankenstein, Pirates of the Caribbean ghost, Inside Out man, Gary Stoffer’s "peeps and entourage", Rapper Scottman, a bobblehead basketball star, an appearance from a very believable Roy Hill, and more. We had a great time and it was a good way to kick off the last race of the season.
Pomona is close to where Gary and I grew up so we always see many friends from the past. We had a special surprise guest show up for this last event of the season. GEICO Motorcycle sent “Big Rick’ to support and cheer us on this year. You may remember he was there in Reading 2006 when we won the Toyo Tires event. He is the spokesperson and custom bike builder for GEICO Motorcycle. Keep your eyes out because I believe his TV show will begin soon. “Thanks GEICO Motorcycle, and Big Rick! Hope you can come to more races next year!”
Big Rick may also be transporting a show bike around the United States for us, so I believe we will be seeing him more often.
I have to be honest; I am sitting here waiting for the banquet to be broadcast on ESPN2. I started to write this blog yesterday as we drove to our friend’s house for a party. It was a two-hour drive so it gave me some time to write down my thoughts. Actually, that’s usually the time that Gary and I have our serious discussions and catch up on the week’s activities. This drive was no different so I didn’t get as far on the blog as I had planned. So here I am finishing it right before the banquet starts on ESPN2.
We all had a great time at the banquet. I’m still not sure about the second separation of points in the Countdown to the Championship, but do have to congratulate all the 16 drivers that made cut. I attached a picture of the GEICO Motorcycle team all dressed up for the Awards Banquet.
It’s about to start on ESPN2 so I will sign off for now.