This is Toni and I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on Melissa’s progress since her ankle surgery. The doctor had to actually remove a bone in her ankle and make repairs to one of her tendons. She was fitted with an air cast and as of Sunday, has started walking with the aid of just one crutch. I expect she will be walking unaided by Monday and hopefully will have the stitches removed Wednesday. I know that she is still planning on traveling to Chicago for the race next weekend and is counting on the doctor agreeing with her plans.

This weekend, while taking care of Melissa, I was able to experience an entirely new way of keeping up with the pro qualifying sessions. Melissa was resting as comfortable as possible on her couch with her foot elevated and her ankle packed with ice. I, of course, was keeping her company. Well, I did have one of her lap tops on my lap broadcasting NHRA live, another opened on the coffee table, my cell phone by my side, and I was hanging onto every word that Bob Frey was saying. I know I have stood on the starting line and watched Jim make over a thousand qualifying and elimination runs and I am always nervous, but nothing was as nerve racking as not being able to work on and watch the race car go down the track.

I did, however, get to experience all three qualifying sessions through the words of Bob Frey – something I haven’t been able to do before. You know, while standing in the staging lanes or on the starting line we really can’t hear what Bob is saying. Sometimes, in between burnouts, I can catch some of his remarks but very rarely do I hear what he is actually talking about. Now, I know why so many people listen to the live broadcast. I have gained a new appreciation not only for Bob Frey but also for Alan Reinhart and all of the NHRA announcers and the job they do for all of us. The next time, however, I will have to insist that they only give me good results of our qualifying runs and not tell me that we just blew up an engine and missed the show by speed.

Well, it has been a long weekend for all of us. Jim and Jamie have been calling every few hours just to check in on Melissa’s progress and give us an update of the racing events. After yesterday’s final qualifying session, Bill Jenkins had the engine out of the racecar and loaded up for Al to take back to Jenkins Competition. The guys at the shop are planning on making the necessary repairs and have it done in time for Al to drive it back to us in Chicago.

Melissa is hoping to go back to work Monday and as long as she is getting around ok I may drive back home. Jim will leave Topeka Monday morning and drive the rig to Chicago. I know he is excited that he gets to race again in just a few days and I have to admit I am looking forward to being back on the starting line.

By the way, Melissa sends her thanks to all of you who have sent well wishes for her speedy recovery. They were all greatly appreciated and really made her feel better. Thanks a lot for checking in and I promise to have Jim write the next blog real soon!