I really thought that I was doing a good job in keeping current on my blog writing until I realized that it has been a few weeks since my last post. I guess time flies when you are having fun.

As I explained in my previous blog, prior to the Richmond event, we spent a few days testing at Budds Creek, Md., racing in the MIR Pro Stock Open and then it was on to Richmond where the weather was cool and the ETs and speeds were record-setting. Ryan did a great job qualifying in the 13th position and recorded his quickest ET at a 6.605. Since the track is only about two hours from our shop we were treated to the company of lots of family and friends and everyone had a great time.

We weren't sure what our racing schedule was going to be for the remainder of the year but we are happy to report that Ryan will be driving the Sunglass Machine at both the Vegas and the Pomona races and we are all very excited about that. Ryan has never been to Vegas or Pomona so he is in for a real treat. There is no better way to wind down your first year in Pro Stock than Halloween weekend in Vegas and the World Finals in beautiful, sunny Pomona, Calif. Notice that I used the word "sunny"! We are very much counting on that part.

As you can imagine, with only a week before I have to leave with the rig, we have all been very busy making the final preparations for our last two races. Jon has been working, nonstop, on our GXP, Toni has been finalizing all of the travel plans for the team, I have been getting the rig ready to make the trip west and Ryan will be honing his driving skills racing his Sportsman cars at Maple Grove this weekend. Go get them, Ryan!

By the time we get to the end of our racing season, most drivers dread the long trip west, but I must admit, I really enjoy the drive this time of year. The weather is usually cool, the leaves are changing and the landscape is beautiful. I plan on leaving on Sunday, right after Ryan's first birthday party, go by Richard's shop to pick up the engines and then head to Vegas. My plan is to drive 2,600 trouble-free miles and arrive in Vegas on Wednesday morning. We will get set up and then Ryan and I will attend the NHRA Fanfest which will be held on Thursday evening right in the middle of Freemont Street. If you are in town for the race, you have to come and see the amazing event that NHRA puts on for the fans. It is absolutely incredible and a lot of fun too!

Did you notice that I mentioned that Ryan was having his first birthday party? I can't believe that it has already been a year. For those of you that told me that a grandbaby would change your life forever, I am here to say that you were 100 percent correct! That little guy is such a blessing and it is so much fun to watch him grow and change day to day. All you grandparents out there know exactly what I am talking about! Anyway, Jamie and Cynthy will be having a small family get together this weekend to celebrate his first year. I can't wait!

Speaking of birthdays, prior to the Richmond race, my baby brother Jason turned 50 and his wife Loren and their son Jason Jr. surprised him with a grand birthday celebration at the W Hotel in Washington D.C. It was awesome. There was a cocktail party on the top floor terrace which just happened to overlook the White House, then, there was dinner, dancing and socializing until the wee hours of the morning. Of course my entire family was there as well as many old and new friends. Everyone had a great time and I am sure that my brother Jason will always cherish the memories of a perfect 50th birthday celebration. Hey, I can't wait until he turns 60! That's a memorable birthday too, right? I'll have to talk to my sister-in-law about that. LOL

As you can see, we have had a lot of fun things going on in the Yates family lately. It has been really nice having an extra weekend off between races. Besides attending birthday parties, I have had time to work on and wash my boat, work on my yard and even monitor my new bird feeder. I am happy to report that we FINALLY have birds and a squirrel that visit every day! How cool is that? Since the bird feeder is "squirrel proof" I don't have to worry about them getting into the feeder, but I'm still having a blast watching all the birds. See what happens when a pro stock racer stays out of the race car too long?

Well, speaking of Pro Stock racing, I am going to wrap up this blog and get back to my unanswered phone calls that have been stacking up on my desk since I have been writing. Jon says that we are right on schedule as far as getting everything ready and loaded up by Friday so I better do my part and find him some parts that he needs! We are so excited to be racing with Ryan in Vegas – you never know, this just may be where his luck changes and he wins his first race. Viva Las Vegas Baby!