Alli and Jon

Ryan and his race car

Jamie, Cynthy, and Ryan

Ryan helping Grandpop grill

Snow, snow, go away! I want to go on the record as saying that I am now categorizing myself as a warm weather person. I don’t think that I have been home for an entire winter in about 20 years because we are always testing and racing during the coldest winter months. Granted, it can get really cold in Vegas or Pomona; even Phoenix, but never have I been “snowed out” for a race. I have decided that I am ready for one of two things — either spring to get here fast or my phone to ring letting me know that I need to load up my Sunglass machine and head to Pomona. I prefer the latter!

So far, though, it doesn’t look like we will be racing in Pomona. If that ends up being the case, it will be the first time since 1990 that I did not compete at the Winternationals. However, Toni and I are still going to attend the race for a couple of days. I have some contacts to meet with and I also have a RFC Board meeting to attend. It won’t be the same, but maybe Bob Frey won’t mind sharing the announcer’s booth with me for a couple of sessions of Pro Stock. We are still hopeful that something will transpire in the next week or so, but if it doesn’t, I will set my sights on a start in Gainesville. Just keep your fingers crossed for some good news to come my way.

With my racing program on a temporary hold, we are still staying extremely busy with our warehouse project. Equipment and tools are going fast and Toni, Jon, and I have started getting rooms ready to tear down. Late Saturday afternoon, during the middle of our snowstorm, Toni and I tore everything out of a “Laboratory” that had been built in the back of the warehouse. That meant cabinets, counters, shelving, equipment, sinks, and tons of lab supplies had to be removed. The only thing left in the room is the ceiling lights, and Toni refused to let me take them down without Jon or Jamie’s help. She kept making comments about tall metal ladders and electricity. What? For some reason I don’t think she trusts me!

So, for the time being, I have traded my fire shoes, firesuit, and helmet for steel-toed boots, coveralls, and a hard hat. Luckily, we all have our Wiley X eyewear, which also count for safety glasses. If I don’t get to race in Pomona and Phoenix, my goal is to have the building demolition project done by the first week in March. That way, we will have time to test in Bradenton before heading to the Gatornationals… one of favorite races. Now that is a plan that I am excited about!

In between the long weeks of physical labor, we have, however, stopped to enjoy some fun family time. We have had everyone together the past couple of Sundays to celebrate first Cynthy’s birthday and yesterday, Alli’s birthday. With Ryan being a very active 15 month old who loves to run around, we find it is way more fun to get together at our house instead of going out to dinner. We spend the day relaxing, enjoying each other’s company, and having an early birthday dinner. Ryan has plenty of family around to play with and loves helping unwrap any birthday present. I couldn’t ask for a better end to a long week.

Well, I am going to call it quits and get this blog sent out. I must admit that I have really enjoyed sitting here at my desk resting my sore body while I write my blog. Maybe this will be a good excuse for me to be more diligent in my blog writing huh? I figure that sooner or later Jon or Toni will be in here accusing me of “milking this job,” but hey, I’m the boss so I get to milk a few jobs now and then. LOL I’ll write soon to keep everyone updated on what is happening at Jim Yates Racing. Be sure to check back soon!