This is the first time in four years I haven’t been to the Brainerd race. But believe it or not, I’m not feeling sorry for myself about it. If this were earlier this year, I def would be. The first several races of this year were just brutal for me. In February, March, and most of April, I sat at home and felt sorry for myself during every race. A lot of good that did me. Thankfully, I finally realized that. I guess it was so hard because I made drag racing my entire life for a good while, so then when I didn’t have driving anymore, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I’ve literally had to get a life. It really is better. There’s something to be said for that thing called balance.

I’ve been spending more time with friends and doing things I didn’t used to take the time to do. Like last weekend I drove northeast about two hours to Lake Huron with some friends. Being by that lake was so awesome; it reminded me of the ocean. I was born and raised in California so naturally I have a love for the ocean. I’ve really missed it since I’ve lived in Michigan. I’ve been missing out by not exploring this state and seeing the Great Lakes. Little did I know, Lake Huron looks, smells, feels, and sounds like the ocean. It doesn’t taste like it though because it’s fresh water, which might qualify it as being a little better than the ocean. Maybe. I even went swimming in it on Sunday. I can’t even remember the last time I swam in a lake, ocean, or river. It was so refreshing. I will definitely have to go again before summer is over.

After a fun and relaxing weekend, I came back recharged and motivated this week. What a concept. It’s really tough to measure progress in the sponsor hunt because obviously I’m not back out on the track, which is my ultimate goal, but I’m still plugging away. I’m increasing my contact list all the time. I’m building relationships. I’m learning. I’m doing research. I’m always sending letters. I had a number of conference calls and meetings this week. On Thursday, we participated in a webinar that focused on creating more effective sponsor proposals. It offered a lot of helpful advice and great tips. It also reinforced some things that we’re already doing. It seems like any company, any racer, any marketing firm, or even any fan I talk to has an opinion about the “right” way to do a sponsor proposal. Of course they’re all different. Of course I appreciate the advice. It reminds me of when I was first learning to drive Top Fuel. Everyone had the “right” way of doing it. I really appreciated all the advice. I tried to listen to everyone and learned that when you do that, you end up listening to no one. I should remember that. Obviously things eventually worked out with the driving part. I should apply what I learned with that to what I’m doing right now. Anyway, I just got off on a tangent here. Sorry about that.

I get relief from all this stuff by going up and using my practice Tree. It’s right upstairs from where I work, and it’s great to be able to just go freshen up on my reaction-time skills a couple of times a day.

If it were up to me, I would think about racing 24/7. But like I said before, it’s really not good for me. I’ve learned the hard way that I have to have other things in my life besides racing. And I think I’m much more pleasant to be around now. The irony is that I spend less time thinking about racing and sponsorship now, but the time that I do spend on it seems to be more productive and efficient. I’m not sure what’s in store for me this weekend. So far, I know I’m going to a Tigers baseball game on Saturday and enjoying the wonderful summer weather in Michigan. :) Have a good weekend!