Hi everyone. I just wanted to take a minute to write a quick blog before starting a very hectic week. We had a nice weekend or should I say, week day, at home, did some yard work, kept up my exercise program that Toni has me on (three miles a day whether I want to or not), and even got to celebrate a belated birthday dinner with Toni's dad and Evelyn. Of course today it is back to work. We almost have gotten all the Sam's Club supplies put away and the trailer is almost loaded and ready to go.

On Tuesday, we, along with several other race cars, are planning on testing all day at MIR (Maryland International Raceway) in Budd's Creek, Md. It is always fun to go back and test at the track where I grew up bracket racing. Through the years, the Miller family has worked extremely hard to build a first-class racing facility and they are very accommodating to our needs. The track itself is always awesome and always produces fast and consistent e.t.'s. We need to break-in tires, we have some new clutches to try, we have new carburetors to work out and we will be working on a new chassis set up, so I need to be able to go to the finish line without any worries. I then plan on leaving early Wednesday morning to drive to Indy for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. I can't think of a better way to spend my Labor Day weekend.

Speaking of Labor Day, have you ever asked yourself why the first Monday in September is called Labor Day? Well, I decided to do a little research and found out that the holiday began in 1882, "originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the working man. It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the end of summer for many. Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894.

Ok, I just glanced at my schedule for the next 10 days and nowhere do I see a "day of rest" penciled in, so I think I will just plan on celebrating the working man part of this holiday and win me a Wally on Monday afternoon. Now, that sounds like a celebration to me!

Have a great Labor Day Weekend and if you can't come see us at the track at least tune in to ESPN2 for all of the great coverage.