So the new National DRAGSTER just landed on my desk. Not only do I like the new look of the magazine, but I really like what’s on the cover: The late Scott Kalitta’s DHL Funny Car. This issue is definitely a keeper. The Funny Car team, with Connie Kalitta, Nick Boninfante, Jon Oberhofer, and Jeff Arend and all the guys finally did it. It was so awesome that they could get Scott’s car to the winner’s circle where it belongs, and where it will go many more times. That team has been through a lot, but they haven’t given up. They got the big win on Monday, Oct. 5 in Memphis. I was really thankful that I could be there to witness the big win that day. I know how much it means to all those guys, to Scott’s family, and to all the Kalittas. I was thankful that I happened to be at that race and could be there on the starting line for their win and also for the celebration afterward.

Jeff’s wife, Windy, made every member of the team beaded bracelets that say Scott’s name on it. It also has “319 forever,” which was his number. I wear the bracelet every day to remember Scott.

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve written. It’s been a busy couple of weeks. I prefer to be busy though so this is a good thing. I’ve gone to all the races except Richmond. Plus I’m trying to get all the details worked out to drive the Get Screened America Top Alcohol Dragster at the end of the season. I’m trying to get everything done now so that when the race comes I don’t have to think about anything but driving. I want to do the best job I can of representing our sponsors. The Tom Conway-tuned dragster is going to have a nice-looking wrap put on it, the team will have brand new uniforms, and I’m having new hero cards made. This is all a bit challenging because I’m on a limited budget and I have a limited amount of time. It’s also fun trying to plan and figure out how to do all this. I can’t wait to show you what it’s all going to look like.

A big part of my goal for these races is to raise money for Operation Holiday Hope. During my time off this year, I decided that when I got back to driving I would be racing with more of a purpose. That’s why I’m now racing to raise money for a cause that means a lot to me. This organization is branch of Metro Ministries which was founded by Pastor Bill Wilson in Brooklyn, N.Y. I was introduced to Pastor Bill in my rookie season of Top Fuel and he invited me to the Metro Ministries headquarters in 2006. I saw children living in poverty like I’ve never seen before in this country. But then I got to see the hope and love that Pastor Bill’s organization provides for these kids. I got to hug them and laugh with them.

Pastor Bill has been a huge supporter of mine through some tough times over the last couple of years. I want to give back to him and his organization. I hope that I can get the racers and race fans to get behind me on this. All the money raised will go toward buying Christmas presents for the kids he reaches out to in his organization. There’s more information about it on my website. http://www.HillaryWillRace.com/Racing_For_Causes.html
There’s also an email address on the page you can click on if you have any questions or comments.

Of course I’m still working full on time on sponsorship for Top Fuel in 2010. It seems as though there has been a lot more interest and prospects lately which gives me hope, but I don’t have anything for sure yet. Things are definitely great for me right now. J My Mom is coming into town this weekend so I’m excited about that. I haven’t seen her since January, and it will be her first visit to Michigan so hopefully I’ll be a good host and find fun stuff for us to do. Maybe I’ll have good pics in my next blog.