Greetings everyone! I have been sitting at my desk for the past two days answering emails, trying to get some bills paid and returning phone calls. It seems like ages since I have been in the office long enough to sit at my desk and I decided that I needed a break. So, I thought I would get away from my growing mound of paperwork and phone messages and take a few minutes to update my blog.

I guess I will start by recounting our two day test session and the US Pro Stock Open at Maryland International Raceway. As I told you in my last blog, our Pontiac GXP was posting record numbers and that continued throughout the second day of testing as well. On Wednesday evening we all raced in the Pro Stock Open. There were 15 Pro Stock cars trying to qualify for 8 positions and everyone was running record times. We qualified in the 6^th position and by virtue of two holeshot wins, ended up in the final where our opponent was Greg Stanfield. It was about 12:30 a.m. by the time we were ready to race the final, Greg had lane choice, we both had identical .023 lights and he outran our Sunglass Machine for the win. I think my poor GXP was worn out after making ten runs in one day! Everyone had a great time but I have to say, it was a long day.

Well, it was no rest for the weary. We loaded up the rig and then Toni and I drove almost to Richmond before finally stopping for a few hours of sleep. The next day it was wheels up early to get to the track in time to park, set up and get ready for the weekend. As most of you already know, it was an awesome weekend of racing for all the classes. With cool temperatures and fantastic track conditions we had the quickest qualifying field in Pro Stock history. We ended up in the 9^th position (6.568), just .036 behind the pole sitter, Greg Anderson (6.554). We could not have been happier with the performance of our Wiley X GXP. Unfortunately, we didn't do as well on Sunday, but we are excited about the gains that we are making every week and the things we are learning that will help us grow our program for next year.

I was extremely happy with our team as well. I have already told you that Jamie and his wife Cynthy are expecting their first baby in a couple of weeks and therefore Jamie will not be attending the last two races of the season. To help fill the void, we have hired Tom Martino to help us out and he brings with him a great wealth of knowledge. Not only is he an experienced Pro Stock driver and engine builder, he is also a great crew chief and friend. Jamie and Tom worked all weekend along with my son Jon (who will also be helping us) to put our GXP solidly in the show and I could not have been happier with the results of our first race together.

I have to say, it will be a little different not having Jamie at the track with me. I don't think that Jamie has ever missed a Pro Stock race since he started racing with me several years ago and I know that we will all miss him a lot. What better reason, though, for Jamie missing his first race than having a new baby? I am so excited for him and Cynthy and can't wait for them to finally have their new baby home with them. Now, don't think that I can't wait to start spoiling it or anything like that!

I think that poor Jamie is already stressing on how we are going to email him the runs, graphs and computer data. We have all assured him that everything will be just fine. Thank goodness for modern technology! What did we ever do without wireless cards, email, fax machines and scanners?

Well, I guess I better get back to my phone calls and get this blog on its way. I will be updating everyone as the big baby day gets closer so keep checking back.