So there I was, chugging down the highway driving this behemoth motor coach, headed to Florida with the two girls, Debi and Tori (names listed alphabetically AND in order of importance). It still hasn’t hit me that we just won Phoenix and have had the Top Fuel points lead for the past couple of weeks. But that’s OK, I like it that way. That is a good way to stay hungry. Remember me telling you that a victory makes us happy but doesn’t satisfy? It’s true.

We want to win in Gainesville just as much as we wanted to win in Phoenix or anywhere else. We went to the final there last year, so the Winners’ Circle is just a whisper away! The boys are ready and just need to be turned loose. We intend to pick up where we left off in Phoenix, only with more spectators there! Did you guys catch the final on Monday? There we were, just the teams, one ESPN camera (yes, one camera) and if I remember correctly, five fans in the stands. Two of them were temporarily unemployed and three missed their flight the night before (I just made that up). Seriously though, there were only about five spectators left!

It was a bit unnerving for me to watch Force go up in smoke in my favored right lane, but that was the lane that had been the best one for us all weekend so we stayed there. It turned out to be the best choice. Remember, I usually say that we choose the fast lane at the end of my blog? You thought that was just a tagline? Nope! It turned out to be our best run of the weekend. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to have had packed grandstands. So our goal is to dial it in like a bracket car and consistently go down the track again in Gainesville. Rumor has it that Wally wants to go for a ride in my motor coach (I started the rumor, but it works for me!).

Hey congrats to Fast Jack for taking the Funny Car win. It was a good day for DSR and we want to make sure that happens as often as possible! I think if you look at line up here at Schumacher Racing the argument could be made that we are poised to double up more in the Winners’ Circles this year more than ever before. We’re hungry, strong, funded, more experienced, optimistic, ready and did I mention hungry? You get the point. We are looking for a good year here and are focused on making it reality. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or that you can’t, you are right.” Guess what our mind set is?

By the way, for all of you Face Book fans, check out my Cory Mac fan page. It’s a regular Face Book page that allows you to write messages and look at fan photos. I also give up to date information between qualifying or race rounds when time permits. It’s fun and makes you feel like an “insider.” You can even stop by the Fram pit and snap a photo and post it on the fan page. Then you’ll really feel like an insider! That’s where we hope to be on Sunday afternoon, insiders at the Winners’ Circle. If we stay focused, get lane choice and choose the fast lane, we’ll keep it in the groove and pull up to next to Wally!

I’ll bet you guys thought I would be hootin,’ hollerin’ and jumping up and down about winning Phoenix didn’t you? Well, as excited as I still am about our victory, I’m going to do a lane swap. Yup, I know you are getting that feeling that you get when you see two dragsters switching lanes on the starting line. People always look at that like someone is up to something! No, I’m not up to anything, but in light of our recent victory in Phoenix, I would like to tell you about one of the decision makers who call those critical lane swaps.

Scott Okuhara is my car chief. No, I didn’t make a verbal misstep, I don’t mean crew chief, I mean car chief. I was recently asked to explain the difference. Todd Okuhara is the crew chief. He spends the majority of his time at the computer analyzing data between rounds. He calls the shots concerning tweaks and adjustments on the car. The car chief, Scott Okuhara, spends his time making sure the tweaks and adjustments are properly implemented. He is the overseer in the pit and hardly ever leaves the car. You see him in the pit, staging lanes and starting line. He’s the guy who goes out and backs me up after a burnout too. I’m sure you “old-timers” remember the day when it was always a nice looking girl wearing go-go boots backing up the cars. Not anymore, we tried to get Scott to wear the boots but he wouldn’t go for it...

Scotty (yeah, we call him “Scotty”) hails from Honolulu, Hawaii and is a 12 year veteran in the sport of drag racing. He is a former funny car guy and worked with Jack Beckman’s team before making the conversion to top fuel. Although we have racked up a few victories with his help, he considers the 2007 Skoal Showdown victory with Jack Beckman to be one of his best drag racing memories. We’ll have to slide into the Winner’s Circle a few more times and change that answer this season!

Scotty is the one who bridges the gap between “command and control” and the guys in the trenches. I know that you veterans recognize those as military terms and I’m sure that you would appreciate how we work together here just like the military does. The military has a chain of command and we have one here too. Scotty is like the Chief Master Sergeant (Air Force rank) who is in direct contact with the squadron commander. The guys communicate with him and if an issue needs to go any farther, he is the one who steps into the trailer to talk to management.

Scotty confesses to feeling like he’s a bit short-fused and maybe even a little impatient at times. I think he has harnessed that energy and converted it into a mental drive that helps to keep the car running the way it should. Don’t tell him I said that though, it might go to his head. Yeah, let’s call it impatience for imperfection where the car is concerned. He prefers that things go the way that they should and he uses that to his advantage to try to get it right the first time.

He likes to spend time with his girlfriend of four years, Mandy, and her two sons, Cody and Ben. Scotty also likes to play video games (golden tee) in his rare spare time. When I asked him if there was anything  particularly interesting about him that nobody knows about he simply said that he could tell me, but he would have to kill me...okay, maybe the short fuse thing has gone beyond what I talked about earlier. Let’s call Dr. Phil and get him set up with some anger management! Maybe he’s still irritated about us asking him to wear the boots and hot pants when he backs up the car...

 All kidding aside, Scotty’s successful execution of his role as car chief is absolutely crucial in our effort to thunder our way to the winner’s circle. We’re off to a decent start and he played an important part every step of the way. Scotty, thanks for all of your hard work my friend, I’m glad you’re on my team. You always choose the fast lane and keep us in the groove!

The 2010 season is underway, and thank God there’s nobody yelling, “boogety, boogety, boogety.” What in the heck does that mean anyway? Okay, I digress, I have to focus and keep it in the groove. Hmmm, that has a nice ring to it — keep it in the groove. This season begins with an advantage that I haven’t had in years. This is the first season in a long time that I have virtually the same crew as the previous year. You might wonder what difference it makes. Well, I’ll tell you, a crew gels together the same way a sports team does. Don’t believe it?  My guys made a believer out of me last weekend. They tuned the Fram dragster to the No. 1 qualifying spot and I believe, the most consistent car at the event.

Before I talk racin’ though, did you guys see the Nordic boat giveaway this weekend? That was cool! So here’s how it went, a guy from Denver goes on the web looking for a part and sees the Nordic Boat sweepstakes. Like everybody else, knows the odds are against him, but before logging off figures “what the heck,” and enters. He forgets about it, and goes about his business. Long story short, he shows up in Pomona and goes home with the Nordic Boat! He was so excited, you would have thought he just won the U.S. Nationals! So, off to Denver goes the Nordic Boat with its new owner. See, somebody really does win these things. It could be you next time, but remember, you have to enter to win!

Back to racing. We were consistent throughout testing, qualifying, and race day with the exception of one run during qualifying. Come on now, ya gotta really go for it sometimes! Spinning the tires during qualifying isn’t always considered to be a failure. It is successfully finding out what we shouldn’t do, and we did just that. The crew made adjustments and we got down the track on race day. We’re happy with the results so far, but far from satisfied. A Wally in hand is the only thing that completely satisfies in the world of drag racing, even then, you still want the next one after that! So the quest for satisfaction continues and the crew is hungry for our first Wally of 2010. They have more fire in their eyes than I have ever seen before and I like that. I especially like when my crew chiefs tell me to tighten my harness and hang on.

Hanging on is exactly what I’ll be doing in Phoenix this weekend. We plan to swing right over to Firebird Raceway and pick up where we left off in Pomona. Arizona is a great place to be this time of year, especially when there is drag racing! Stay tuned for some unexpected E.Ts. and speeds this year. If we keep going faster, we’re going to need thrust reversers like the jet aircraft use! Anyway, try to keep your eyes on the orange blur screaming down the drag strip, 'cause it will be the Fram dragster on a tear. I keep hearing talk about it being “my year” and we are going to do everything we can to make it happen. So if you are fortunate enough to make it to Phoenix this weekend, stop by the pit and say hello. If not, we’ll see you on ESPN2. You already know that we’ll see you in the fast lane, make sure you keep it in the groove too!
 

Good day to all of you Cory Mac fans. My name is Billy Knight and I am writing to you from my warm, cozy office in frigid, Eagle, Wis. The snow is gently falling as I write this note and it’s hard to believe that racing will begin in less than two weeks.

As exciting as that may be, I didn’t sit down to my trusty Mac to write about racing today. I am writing to wish Cory a Happy Birthday!

Did I just do it, or does that only count as telling you that I am about to do it, and I still have to do it...? Better to operate on the side of caution, Happy Birthday Cory!

I have posted a couple of photos for you all to see. First, a photo of what it looks like outside right now. Yes, I guess I am looking for sympathy, hehehe.

Not really, I love to photograph the snow and winter scenery. Also posted are a couple of shots of what we photographers call “environmental photos.” These usually make the most interesting photographs, as they are shots of people doing whatever it is that they do without posing.

I’m sure that you will agree that Christmas Eve would be a most “target rich” environment for a guy like me with a camera! As many shots as I took that night, almost every one has Cory with a mug of java in one hand, and petting Tori with the other. That’s what I call multi-tasking!

I don’t have any secrets to reveal, nor am I here to post embarrassing photos, or poke fun at Cory (although, if he ever ticks me off...), I just want to post a birthday wish. So Cory, how does it feel to be @# years old?

If my calculations are correct, Cory is the only active Top Fuel driver out there who has 19 years in the seat! Even more interesting than that, I believe that John Force raced for nearly 20 years before he really started winning everything in sight; that is exciting to know.

That said, this could be Cory’s best season yet. Frankly, I think that he has another decade of racing in him if he wants it to happen.

First thing first, this season is going to be a good one. At the age of @#, he has more experience and wisdom than he has ever had. Think you would be a bit nervous if he was in the other lane?

I remember when he raced Pat Dakin in round one at Indy a couple of years ago. Pat took off before the Tree had even activated. Cory didn’t move an inch. He was controlled enough to wait for the light even though he saw Pat screaming down the track—not something that a racer wants to see. It’s that kind of cool-headed control that is going to make the difference this year — you just watch. I digress ... I tend to get out of the groove when I write.

So Cory, may this year bring you good fortune in the form of, many Wallys, dry race tracks, mechanical perfection, stayin’ in the groove, fan adoration, more Wallys, lane choice, No. 1 qualifiers, many round victories, sticky Goodyears, running on all eight, six-foot header flames, low ET’s, top speeds, and your competition watching as you pull away.

Happy Birthday, my friend!
 

Michael Knudsen, aka “Stretch,” hails from Oak Lawn, Ill.
If you don’t know where that is, it is located southwest of Chicago. I can get you closer if you have a mind to egg or TP his house some time! All kidding aside, Mike has six years of drag racing experience. He is currently responsible for the clutch and, on occasion, adult supervision for the rest of the team. Mike is one of those dependable guys who always gets the job done. This is his first gig with a Top Fueler, Yup, Mike is a former Funny Car guy. He was with Jack Beckman back in 2006 when Jack set the national speed and ET record, and sites that as his best drag racing memory with DSR thus far (uh, were you at Carolina last year Mike?).

For some reason, the guys refer to him as “the instigator" or "smart a.." … wait, I can’t say the second one here, this is a family show. I think you can connect the dots though. I did find out something about Mike that nobody knows though -- hehe, I’m evil. When he was in 8th grade, he finished third in a spelling bee after not being able to spell “abstanance ... abstanence ... a-b-s-t-i-n-e-n-c-e. Jeez, it’s harder to spell than it is to practice! I won’t hold that one against him. Oh, here’s another one, especially for you Chicago residents: Mike appeared on The Bozo Show in 1988. I wonder if he made it past bucket number three --that’s a Chicago thing!

Mike is happily married to his wife, Katie. This past September, they became the very proud parents of their first-born son, Andrew. Mike, like all normal fathers, enjoys time with his wife and son. Mike also, like all normal Chicagoland residents, loves watching Chicago sports teams in action, especially University of Illinois basketball and football games. Golfing and going to the beach (in Chicago?) are also on Mike’s “love to do” list. Actually, Chicago has a couple of really nice beaches on Lake Shore Drive; there’s Oak Street Beach at the north end of Michigan Avenue, and North Avenue Beach about a mile north of Oak Street. Okay, they have a short season, but they do have beaches. Mike won’t be at either of those places very much during the Summer though, he will be with the Fram team boppin’ around the country. Mike, like the rest of the team, it itching to bust loose at Pomona. I’m glad he’s on MY team!

Justin Jones, aka; David, Davy, JJ, Davy Jones, Peaches.
Peaches? I can’t wait for somebody to stop by the pit and ask for “Peaches.” That’s so sweet ... Peaches. I mean David (that’s what I’ll call him for the purpose of this blog entry), is our assistant clutch guy and has also taken over the duty of tire technician. I have to watch what I say about David, if he lets even a half pound of air out of one of the rear tires, I could be in serious trouble! David lives in Doerun, Ga. Georgia? Okay, now I think I get the peaches thing. Frankly, I’m relieved that it’s a reference to Georgia; I was beginning to worry.

David is about to embark on his third year in professional drag racing. He is not married (hear that ladies?) and is free to roam the countryside with the team throughout the season. Now, although he is single, he is “looking.” I don’t know what means, but if a young lady stopped by the pit looking for “Peaches,” I wouldn’t think that she was looking for a bag of fruit. Listen to this: he says that he likes Pina Coladas, long walks on the beach (in the rain), puppies, and traveling to paradise? Really? This sounds like a match.com profile! Okay David, whatever I can do to help. Again ladies, that’s P-E-A-C-H-E-S, Peaches!

David stated his best moment at DSR so far as being our win in Charlotte. Hear that Michael? We are hoping he has many more favorite moments like that this year! David likes being outdoors and riding four-wheelers. He also likes working on, and restoring old vehicles. I wonder when he finds a “significant other,” he can manage to put together a “his and hers” thing with his four wheelers, after all, he IS single, and LOOKING. Remember ladies, when asked to name your favorite fruit, you can’t go wrong with¬—P-E-A-C-H-E-S!

We had a decent season last year, we will build on our successes, and learn from our mistakes. With the support if crew dogs like Michael and David, this season is sure to be one for the books. Stay tuned for the next installment of “Meet the crew” as well as the kick-off blog entry for the 2010 season. We’re ready...
 

Hello everyone,

I know I am behind on my blogs and I need to get the rest of the Fram Boys up so you can put there names with the faces and see what they do on and off the track. And that way I can make fun of them a little also.

But things have been a little out of  control the last couple of weeks and that brings me to the hard part: my friend, Caroline Symmes, passed away Tuesday evening  Dec 1. But let me tell you something -- she might have only been five years old but she had the heart of a lion.

I was lucky enough to be able to spend a lot of time with her, thanks to her parents.

I guess you would say that she was like a magnet. Her little smile would just suck you into her life.

OK so she had me wrapped around her little finger but still you always knew where you stood with Caroline; you were either in the club or not and thank God I was because she might have only been on this earth for a short time but she changed my life and the lives of a lot of others as well.

There are so many things I will miss about her. The way she would stick her tongue out at me or when she would make what her mom, Libby, called "Crazy Eyes" that would crack me up.

But the biggest thing I will miss  is the way she could light up a room just by being there.

Pink was her favorite color; everything had to be pink, and it was the last word she said.

If you wish, funds can be contributed to the Indiana Children's Wish Fund, in memory of Caroline L. Symmes, 6435 Castleway W. Dr. Ste 13C, Indianapolis IN 46250.

Well, here we go; for the first time in a year I'm going to write my own blog. Bill Knight usually does all my typing for me -- he is great with words and he makes me look good -- but I think he will understand why I wanted to do this one.

Let's go back to Las Vegas for a second. If you remember, my teammate Tony Schumacher and I had to race in the second round and it was a great side by side battle, my 3.860 beating his 3.868 . Then I lost in the semifinal round on a holeshot by Larry Dixon; that hurt a lot. Your guys work hard every day to give you the best car they can so you hate to let them down.

Now the good thing was my Fram Tough Guard Top Fuel dragster was still in the hunt for the championship; the bad news was it all came down to Pomona -- one race and only four rounds: wow.

All three of us get by first round so, at that point, the championship is probably out of my reach but I have to race Dixon second round and if I can take him out Tony wins the championship and I can race for second place. Well, we all know what happened: I had my best light of the weekend but so did Larry. I run 3.829 to his 3.841 and I get my butt handed to me on a platter. But what a race it was; I was just on the wrong side of it.

You hate to let the boss down and your teammate also but as it turns out Larry smoked the tires in the semis and Tony is the champ.

So let's get to the point and maybe everyone can understand what I'm getting at. If you read my blog in Indy, Jack Beckman and I went too see a beautiful young girl by the name of Caroline Symmes; she has cancer. I asked Jack to go with me and I could barely get the words out and he was all over it.

The reason we had the chance to see and hear about Caroline's story was through my much better half, Debi, who works for a place called Bright Starhealth Care.

The day we went to see her we took all kinds of Fram stuff and MTS and Valvoline shirts, hats, and car key chains. She was very happy. The best part of the day was when her mom, Libby, let her go outside and  drive her electric truck for us. She isn't able to go outside very much.

Sometimes things happen for a reason and I understand that only God knows what that reason is. Now for the bad news: little Caroline has taken a turn for the worse and things don’t look good for her so I felt that I had to write this blog and share my feelings about her.

This whole thing makes me see what should always be the most important thing in our lives: our families and the people we come to care about along life's journey. I can tell you that to have Caroline in my life has made my journey so much better because she is a very brave young lady.

So please take a few minutes and say a prayer for her and her family. She needs it more than you know.

I may have live my life in the fast lane -- it’s the one I chose -- but this little girl has stopped me in my tracks.

Thank you for reading and I will keep you up to date.

David McCombs, known by the F.B.I. as “Combres,” hails from Yorba Linda, Calif. Don’t you think he has a long drive to work? David is our cylinder head guy. He also boasts the title of “Crew babysitter.” I don’t know if I should elaborate on that or not — okay, I won’t. Rest assured, it’s an accurate title. David has three years of experience in the world of drag racing, so he’s still fairly new to the game, but he knows his stuff. Being trusted to take care of the cylinder heads is a big responsibility, and with David, there are no worries. Babysitter is also a big responsibility and — oh, I forgot, I’m not going to elaborate on that...

David is described by the crew as being a joker as he likes to have a good time on the road. Jokers are always on the prowl for new material, and David fondly recalls a side-splitting incident when Phil called another crewmember, Levi, a “billy goat.” I didn’t understand what was so funny — until I took a closer look at Levi. Okay David, did that make you laugh again? Poor Levi, that was ba-aa-aa-aad!

David does have a serious side though. He is happily married to his wife, Ida, and says that his favorite thing to do away from the track is spending time with her. Way to go David! Trust me, you have scored points with that statement! He also scores points by the way that he accomplishes his job on this team. David is relatively new like I mentioned, but he knows his stuff. I can only imagine how good he is going to be with a few more years under his belt.

Enter Matt Scamback. Matt has many aliases: Schammy, So Cal, and Sham-WOW! This guy has so many nicknames, the cops could never catch up with him. Well, as long as we can find him on race weekends we’ll all be okay. Matt hangs his hat in Glendale, Ariz., and has just a little over two years of experience in the drag racing profession. So he’s basically another new guy, but you wouldn’t be able to tell. Matt assists with the clutch and is in charge of tires. He has to balance the tires and get the pressure just right. That’s a very important job. Can you imagine what I feel in the car if the rear tires are even slightly out of balance? You know the sound your washing machine makes during the spin cycle and all of the clothes are stuck in a clump in one spot? I’m glad you understand! Matt understands too... most of the t-t-t-t-t-time... he, he.

Matt cites our victory at the Carolina Nationals as being his most prominent memory at DSR so far. Hopefully he will be a contributing factor in securing many more victories. He is an intense, straight-shooter and is all business when it comes to his job. He feels fortunate to be able to make a living at what he calls “his second favorite sport.” The only thing that has kept him from participating in his favorite sport on a full-time basis is broken bones. No, he’s not into pro wrestling; he likes motocross. Okay, truth be known, he LOVES motocross! Thanks to his sister teaching him how to skate, he likes hockey, too — enjoy your smile now, Matt, while you still have all of your teeth. Matt does engage in safe activities as well; he likes to draw and be creative when he doesn’t have broken bones in his hand! Stay off of the motorcycles, Matt, I need you here in the pits!

David and Matt are very integral elements that make up this team. Although in the broad scope of things they are virtual rookies, they are stepping up to the plate and making things happen here. Thank you very much guys… I’m glad to have you on my team!

Speaking of thanks...

I fully understand where freedom comes from. Thank you to all of our Veterans. Happy Veterans Day.

We don’t have a single crew chief for the Fram team. We have “co-crew chiefs.” Todd Okuhara and Phil Schuler fill those shoes, and make the tuning decisions together. They each bring a different approach to making decisions. Combine their talents, and we end up with a Top Fuel dragster in contention for the Full Throttle Championship.

Todd Okuhara hails from Honolulu, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. He has 12 years of experience in the world of professional drag racing. The majority of his work has centered around fuel Funny Cars. This is his first season calling the shots on a dragster. I can only imagine what he’s going to be like with a couple more years under his belt! Todd says that one of the things that he likes best about working at DSR is that he has everything at his disposal needed to win a championship. Although Todd tends to take a more conservative and scientific approach to tuning a dragster, it still takes the full backing provided at DSR to be a serious contender for the Full Throttle championship.

Todd would have been a good Cub Scout. He is the kind of guy who is often seen, and seldom heard. His steady, calm, and level-headed demeanor has a tranquil effect on the entire crew, even when things get hectic in the pits. Todd has an innate ability to calm Phil Schuler down ... more on that in a minute! He is also a very humble guy. Todd isn’t the kind of guy to run toward a camera. He is perfectly happy to tune the car to a great run, smile, and quietly stroll back to the pit and try to make it happen again.

It’s hard to hide something from Todd. He has an ability to read people, and that is an invaluable skill to have when serving in a supervisory capacity. Knowing something about people and what makes them tick comes in handy when serving as part of a management team. Todd might be a quiet guy, but he is very aware of what is going on, not only with the car, but with the guys on the team as well. No matter what is going on, like a still pond on a windless day, Todd remains steady.

Todd says that his favorite thing to do away from the track is to spend time with his wife, Amy, and his son, Shane. In fact, when I asked him what he liked doing other than tuning the car, he stated, “Time with my family—period!” No question there! That’s the kind of steadfast guy that he is. Todd Okuhara: Steady guy in the trenches, making it happen behind the scenes. I’m glad he’s in my corner!

Now, let’s shift gears a bit (as I clear my throat, and adjust my collar...). Let me introduce Mr. Phil Schuler, my other co-crew chief. Phil is the kind of guy who would strap a jet engine on top of the blower and pack the headers with pure gunpowder if he thought it would make the car go faster! Forget the fact that I am strapped in front of said gunpowder … Phil wants to make it go fast all of the time. Enter, Todd Okuhara -- calm down Phil. Thanks Todd... Yup, that’s our Phil! He’s a genuine southern boy from Sumter, South Carolina. Affectionately known as “Philbilly,”... go ahead and finish laughing...okay, that’s what everybody else calls him. I call him “40 grit,” which is my tribute to his somewhat rough nature. Phil lets you know what he thinks and rarely holds back. On occasion during qualifying, we might shake the tires or break loose and have a bad run. Todd will ask me what I felt during the run. Phil, on the other hand, will ask, “What the hell did you do to it?” When you have 23 years of drag racing experience like Phil has, you can ask a driver anything you want to—just like that!

Phil also has an extensive Funny Car background and recalls many events with DSR as being among his most memorable. Winning the 2006 Skoal Showdown as crew chief and setting the Funny Car e.t. and mph record in 2006 brought a smile to his face as he fondly recalled these events. In addition, our win in North Carolina was Phil’s “home race,” and it’s always special to win at home! Rumor has it that his hometown newspaper posted a headline that read, “40 Grit earns braggin’ rights in Charlotte!” Just kidding; I made that up. But it would have been cool!

Mr. 40 Grit—I mean Phil -- is happily single and likes to play golf and race Pro Mod-style cars. When I asked him if he had any secrets, he said that if he told me they wouldn’t be secrets anymore. Really, he looked at me as if I just keyed his car when I asked him that! I thought he was going to hit me. That’s our Philbilly! Even though the other guys on the team also describe him as being, shall I say, “straightforward,” Phil lends his own style and expertise to make this team into a winning combination. His efforts to “throw everything we have” at every run has resulted in some very respectable qualifying spots. He and Todd complement each other in a way that allows us to utilize the best that they both have to offer.

Thanks to both Todd, and Phil, the Fram dragster is a serious contender. When they get the combination right, believe me, all I can do is hang on for dear life! With two races to go, they will utilize their talents to do what has to be done. I can’t think of anybody else that I would rather have in my corner in the home stretch. Thanks guys, I appreciate your work.

We’re taking the fast lane to the winner’s circle -- Todd and Phil know how to get there.
 

It’s impossible to describe the looks on the guys’ faces as they arrived in the shutdown area. I told you last week that they were ready, and they were; their hard work paid off. Now they know the taste of victory and they are like sharks that sniffed fresh blood. The boys are ready for the next one, and frankly, I think it’s a good thing that we are racing again this weekend because these guys are wound tight. I can’t wait to turn them loose on the Texas Motorplex.

It’s a nice feeling to come out of the box shooting and hit the target dead-center in the first Countdown race. It was awesome to see Don Schumacher standing next to the Fram dragster holding up his index finger as he smiled and said, “You’re number one!” We are happy and enjoying our victory, but now it’s time to turn our attention to the next race. I wish that I could think of another General Patton quote here but for some reason, I can only hear John Rambo yelling, “Nothing is over!” We have a good start but there is so much more to do — time to look ahead.

Oh, before I forget, I want to congratulate my teammate, Matt Hagan, for making it to his second final round. That will boost their confidence in the same way that our victory has lifted ours. Wouldn’t it be nice if we both made it to the final round again?

Thanks to everybody for all of the kind words this week. I received 48 text messages in a short period of time after the final. It’s so hard to answer everybody so here’s a mass “Thank you!” As excited as everybody is about the Carolina victory, I think Cyrus is the most excited, see the photo to the right. In the words of Hank Hill, “That dawg ain’t right!”

So, as much as we would like to digest and enjoy out victory, there isn’t any time. The Texas Motorplex awaits, and we are anxious to get on the track and show what we are capable of achieving. Remember Patton’s words about feeling sorry for the opposing armies? Well, the Fram machine is advancing, and we aren’t taking any prisoners.

See you — in the winner’s circle!

Most of us lead very busy lives and our minds are filled with concerns for everyday things like school, work, paying the mortgage, or fixing the car. I ask you to take a few minutes and remember all of the victims who died in the World Trade Center attacks in 2001. Remember where you were when you heard the news? Remember running to the TV and watching it in total disbelief? I urge you to take a minute out of your busy day and remember the victims, as well as all of the military personnel who have served and are still serving in the war on terror. They do what they do, so we can be free and safe. I’ll keep this short and let the graphic at the right do the talking.








 

I have to admit that I believe that my Fram team is up and ready for this run for the championship. The guys are the best that they have been all year. We had three awesome runs during qualifying, then a minor glitch in round four and corrected it. We got a little greedy during eliminations, trying to win the race and get lane choice in the next round, and broke the tires loose a couple of times. Hey, ya gotta see what the track will hold, luckily, I was able to pedal and cross the line first. Round two was a big match between the Fram/Bud teams — the winner would get the No. 4 spot in the Countdown. It was a good race until I could feel the powerplant mixing it up behind me at about 850 feet. No matter what, a driver doesn’t lift on race day — I didn’t —BOOM! If I had to lose that round, I certainly had to do it with the throttle wide open. What good would it do to lift, lose the race, and save parts? I’m glad that you understand!

My “reliable source” in the grandstands had his trusty Nikon D-300 (I swear he sleeps with it next to his bed) pointed at the Fram dragster all the way down the track. You can see the nice sequence at the right. No, I didn’t get out of the car, face Florida, and thank Big Daddy. I was too busy trying to get out of the HOT fire suit! You might think that the fire was entirely behind me — think again! My helmet paint blistered from the heat, the fire suit, neck brace, gloves, everything except for my shoes, were trashed. The explosion sprayed oil in the cockpit, and the fire burned my suit all the way down my leg. Thank you Impact Racing Equipment. The heat was intense enough to make me feel like I had a sunburn. Again, thanks to Impact Equipment — AND Big Daddy Don Garlits, It wasn’t as bad for me as it could have been. The 55th U.S. Nationals is in the books, we are No. 5 in the Countdown, the crew is coming together nicely, and the Fram dragster has teeth — time to roll!

Time to roll down the highway to Charlotte and the zMax Dragway. Four lanes? That is going to be wild. I thought that I had experienced just about everything that there is to do in my 19 years as a Pro, now they want us to run down the track 4 at a time. Think about it, that’s 32,000 horsepower all at once. It might be worth buying a plane ticket to see this one! Even if I wasn’t racing, I would go just to see this up close.

By the way, I want to thank everybody again for their prayers for little Caroline and her family. If you haven’t read about her, please go back to the blog entry before this one and read it. I’m sure that you will be inspired to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She has a battle ahead of her, and trust me, your prayers will help immensely. Also, thanks again to Jack Beckman for going along and making the visit more successful than I could have hoped for. Little Caroline, we are still thinking about you!

By the way, did anybody find anything out about the paw prints on my laptop? Somebody has been using my computer... We are off this weekend, and the Fram boys are ready for the next race already. That’s a good sign. They are shining and tuning up the best running car that we have had all year long. This is the best time for that to be happening. It’s Countdown time. This is where it matters more than ever, and we are DUE! If you think that last run was hot, wait until the Fram boys are turned loose on the zMax. I remember a quote from General George Patton before his troops went after Hitler, he said (I cleaned it up for prime time) “Ya know, I feel sorry for those poor [guys], I really do!” Then he turned the American troops loose...

See you in the fast lane, it’s the one we choose... and if it breaks loose, I’ll pedal, and we’ll still get there first!

Somebody has been using my computer. There are big ole paw prints all over the keyboard, and strangely, there are cigar ashes on the floor ... very strange. Anyway, I thought I would add an important blog entry today. As you know we are getting ready for our first qualifying blast down the quarter-mile at Indy and it seems like the races have already begun. Schedules have been keeping us very busy but every now and then we need to take time out for very special people.

My girlfriend Debi, has been making home health care visits as an additional part of her nursing career. Recently, she met a very special little girl named Caroline. The little 4-year-old is battling cancer. Today, Jack Beckman and I went to her home to pay her a visit. Caroline is a drag racing fan (smart little girl!). When we arrived at her home, she couldn’t wait to take us outside and show us how fast her little plastic green truck could go! I’m glad that she doesn’t drive a dragster because she took off so fast that I KNOW she would have put a holeshot on whoever was in the other lane!

As most of you know, Jack Beckman not only drives the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Nitro Funny Car, he has also battled cancer—and won! When I asked Jack to make the visit with me, I didn’t even finish the question before he answered, “absolutely yes.” We had a nice visit with Caroline and took her some drag racing goodies. She is now the proud owner of a die-cast Fram dragster. Fram cap, tee-shirt, oh and some cool Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services stuff, too. Fast Jack is not the kind of guy to show up empty handed!
Caroline has a sister, Natalie, and a brother, Sully, who take good care of her and are there for her every day. She also has a special day coming up — her 5th birthday! Happy birthday Caroline! I remember my 5th birthday—no I don’t, who am I kidding! Anyway...

I wanted to do this quick blog entry today to tell you all about Caroline, and to ask that you remember her, as well as her family, in your prayers. Don’t be mistaken, prayer is powerful and effective and she could use them from all of you. I thank all of you for reading this entry and for remembering Caroline in your prayers. Now, it’s time for me to get ready for round one.

See you in the fast lane...and let me know if you see anybody with huge paws playing with my computer...

Hi, my name is Cyrus. I live in Eagle, Wis., and I am president of the Cory Mac fan club up here. Cory is busy signing autographs and getting ready for the U.S. Nationals, so I am going to be your guest dogger ... I mean, blogger for today. I have temporarily borrowed my owner’s license plate to express my support for Cory and the boys this weekend! He’s a Mac fan, too, as you can see. In case you are wondering, yes, I am the same Cyrus who has the hots for Cory’s Cocker Spaniel, Tori. She loves me too, she just doesn’t know it yet!

Rumor has it that Cory’s team tested a new car last Wednesday during a session at Indy. I am not sure if I’m supposed to be telling you this or not, but when you see him scream down the track like a scalded Greyhound (Not only is a scalded Greyhound pathetic to see, it’s FAST!), you will know that they have been up to something! This is Indy, The Big Go, the granddaddy of them all! You can bet that they won’t be doggin’ it this weekend (get it ... doggin it ... I’m a dog ... OK).

Anyway, this year's U.S. Nationals promises to be every bit as big and exciting as the Wiener Dog Winternationals. Cory is No. 4 in the Countdown to 1 and I know that he and his guys are up for this weekend. By the way, somebody asked me a good question the other day. They wanted to know why we dogs ride in a pick-up truck with our heads out the window at 60 mph with no problem, but get irritated when somebody blows in our ear. You want to know why? Nobody spits in my ear when my head is out the window! What a stupid question ... some people! Another thing, why do they say that a dog is a man’s best friend? Think about it for a minute, if a man’s best friend is a dog ... he has a problem!

Oh, I’m also supposed to tell you to stop by the midway and sign up for the Nordic boat drawing. The boat won’t be there but you can still sign up. Why wouldn’t you? It’s a free boat! So get to the U.S. Nationals this weekend, it’s going to be a great time. I know things are expensive but at least gas isn’t over $3 a gallon like it was last year. That’s almost $21 in dog dollars! Stop by the Fram pit and say hi to Cory and the boys. I’m even going to try to get there (I know Tori is going to be there...).

I am going to close for now. It takes forever to type with these huge paws. Before I go, I would like to leave you with a word of wisdom if I may; don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful .... think about it!

See you in the fast lane at the U.S Nationals -- it’s where the big dogs run!
 

Well, we have had a few good weeks. We’re somewhat happy, but far from satisfied. Does that make sense? The car seems to be running very well. We have gotten down the track every time we came up to the line in Brainerd and made our best runs during eliminations. The guys are doing as good of a job as I have seen from any crew and they have been giving me a bad hot rod on race days. Our clinched spot in the Countdown shows that!

Most of my guys came from a Funny Car background, and to get a Top Fueler figured out the way they have is commendable to say the least. I couldn’t have asked for a better crew.

We have another week of racing at Reading, then with the “Big Mo” on our side, it will be on to the Big Go! This is really a good time to have things come together the way they are. We need a Wally though; my guys deserve it.

By the way, before I forget, I want everybody to go to the Fram Web site and sign up for the Nordic Boat drawing. Come on guys (and ladies), this is a drawing for a free Nordic Boat. What would keep you from entering! Okay, no more excuses. Just go to www.fram.com and you will see the icon on the right that says enter to win a boat...easy! Do it ... as soon as you read the rest of the blog. But don’t forget. Wouldn’t you kick yourself in the future if you would have been the one to win the boat, but YOU forgot to enter? Okay, I think you get it now!

My daughter, Courtney, came out from California and went to Brainerd with me. We had a good father/daughter time at the races. We even got a little t.v. time on NHRA Race Day while we were riding the scooter around the pits. This is her last bit of leisure time before she starts college (cha-ching cha-ching). She got to see dad win a couple of rounds and now she gets to crack open the books. The really heavy, thick, expensive books. I hope she doesn’t read this, it might scare her (cha-ching.....). I don’t understand this; why can I go into Barnes and Noble and get a huge hardcover book, 400 pages thick, for $10 in the bargain bin, but a textbook that is half the size is over $100? I don’t get it ... cha-ching ... (in case you haven’t figured it out, cha-ching is the sound of a cash register emptying my pocket).

Now, we are headed in separate directions. She is headed back to the west coast, and I am on my way to Reading. It’s nice to go into this race with our spot in the Countdown secure. Now, our next goal is to try to bump into the No. 4 spot. That will be tough to do because Brandon is the guy ahead of us. We are less than a round out of that position, with a lot of team competence and a little luck, it’s definitely within reach.

On the immediate family front, everybody is doing fine and keeping very busy as usual. Tony is off to Purdue, Connor has his nose in a book, Jake has his nose everywhere, Debi is navigating her way through whatever schedule she is working this week, and I am out the door too. Tori is prancing around as if she has been crowned the new Queen of Indianapolis, but still eats out of a bowl! We haven’t heard much from her long-distance boyfriend, Cyrus, for awhile. Something tells me that he’s up to something. Time will tell!

Now that you are semi-caught up on family stuff, it’s time to go racing. Okay don’t forget, go to the Fram site and register for the Nordic Boat. In case you didn’t get that, go to the Fram site and register for the Nordic Boat (I think they got it...). If you will be in Reading this weekend, please stop by and say hello. It’s always nice to see all of you folks in Reading! We’re ready, my guys are on top of it, and they have told me to tighten my belts and hang on, cause this dragster is going to go! As usual we’ll see you in the fast lane. It’s the one we choose!
 

Well, it has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the past couple of weeks but the swing is in the final stretch. These few weeks are grueling ones as I remain on the road for the entire duration, but there is a consolation prize; my family is on the west coast and I get to spend some quality time with them while I am here. Don’t get me wrong, I miss being home in Indy but making the best out of my travel situation makes it more bearable during this portion of the racing schedule. My daughter, Courtney, and I, have been having a blast!

We hit the batting cages, play miniature golf, do the “mall thing,” and, of course, go out for dinner to top it all off. Yeah, I long for a home-cooked meal after so much time on the road, but time with my kid makes it worth it! By the way, if you think you’re going to see pictures of me in the batting cage —you’re nuts! So after being hit by a few baseballs and having my tail kicked by my daughter in miniature golf, it’s getting to be that time again. Time to head to Northern California and do some drag racing!

There’s only one race bigger than this one for me during the season—Indy. Nothing is bigger than “The Big Go,” but this is my sponsor’s race so it is an important event for me and my crew. This is the one where everybody shows up, especially the people who write the checks! We always do some cool things during this event. One of my favorite things is when everybody gets together to race down the quarter-mile in street machines. It’s a great opportunity for people to experience staging a car and racing down the track. It’s fun for me because I get to be the official starter. I keep waiting for an extended staging duel so I can kick somebody out of competition! It hasn’t happened yet, but I’m hopeful. I remember one time when a particular lady driver was under the impression that everything would be done for her and that all she would have to do was hit the gas and go straight. No, she didn’t think that she would even have to apply the brakes at the end of the run. She was right, she didn’t have to do anything at all, the kitty litter was there to stop her...yada yada yada...this is gonna be fun!

The fun will continue with a Children’s Charity event that features drivers playing poker and the proceeds going to a good cause. Saturday is the big Fram dinner and it is always to see everybody who is involved with the racing operation gather together to have some fun and great food. I have to be careful though, the food is so good that the temptation to over-eat is there...remember, I have to squeeze into that car on Sunday! Have you ever tried to get into a top fuel dragster? That’s a chore all by itself, then it gets even more fun when working against gravity and trying to get out of it at the top end! Okay, the bottom line is that I have to watch it and not eat too much at the dinner. I hope they have that cheesecake again....

Hey, it was fun to be in the booth with Mike Dunn and Paul Page during eliminations on Sunday. Don’t get me wrong, I would much rather have been on the track going rounds but it was fun to be in the booth with those guys as a consolation. By the way, my hat goes off to Troy Buff in the Bill Miller dragster for stepping up with his best run in the first round. That was a tough race to lose. Not only did Troy make his best run, but the Fram dragster made its best run of the weekend as well. Troy made it to round three and I made it to the booth. No more of that!

So, on to Sonoma with hopes of hoisting a Wally. If you are going to be there, stop by the pit and say hello. If you won’t be there, see you on ESPN 2, in the fast lane—it’s the one we choose!
 

What can be better than spending Father’s Day with your dad and watching your daughter graduate from high school? Not much, unless you have access to ice cream at $1 for a whole pound! That’s exactly what’s on the menu this weekend in one of the most fan-friendly places on the NHRA circuit, Norwalk, Ohio.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of seeing my daughter, Courtney, graduate from high school. That felt as good as any Wally that I have ever hoisted over my head in the winner’s circle. It was a very nice outdoor ceremony, but it started to get a little bit warm. Unfortunately, there was no $1 ice cream available there, but it was a nice California day nonetheless. When she received her diploma, I had to resist the desire to stand up and do a victory dance with both fists pointed skyward like Rocky Balboa whippin’ up on some Russian giant! Congratulations to her and all of her classmates. Now it’s on to college; I can feel my wallet begin to feel a bit thinner.

It was also quite nice that her graduation weekend fell over Father’s Day and we were able to spend it together with my dad and the rest of my family. So many celebrations for the price of a single plane ticket — you can’t beat that deal with a big stick! Knowing that you are all such rabid NHRA fans, I am sure that you are aware that we don’t run on Father’s or Mother’s Day. It was nice to spend it with the people that I love the most and not have to race. I hope that you all did the same thing. Now it’s time to get back to business.

It’s time to load up the motor coach and head to Norwalk, Ohio, for the next event. We are rested and certainly have a great opportunity to get out there and win some rounds this weekend. The track promises to be a warm one, and it will be a mechanical challenge to make a full run without smokin’ the Gooodyears. A driver has to be ready to pedal the instant he (or she) feels the tires break loose. Be on the lookout for tire smoke and fish-tailing, it’s going to be a wild one!

The points race is heating up, too. The FRAM Tough Guard team is currently fifth in the points with Morgan Lucas and Shawn Langdon breathing down our necks. We have experience on our side as well as the full resources of DSR. The FRAM team knows what we have to do.

This is an unusually short blog entry I know, but Tori and Debi are sitting in the motor coach honking the horn! Never keep two females waiting — NEVER! So, if you can, get to Norwalk, have some ice cream, and stop by the FRAM Tough Guard pit to say hello. This could be our week. HONK, HONK… I’m coming ladies!!!!

See you in the fast lane, if there is one this weekend, it will be the one we choose!

A dreary, rain-plagued weekend in Joliet proved to be a dismal affair for the entire DSR team as everybody went out in the first round. Mama said there would be days like this… she wasn’t kidding. Even Tony’s streak of 35 straight first-round victories was snapped when Terry Haddock got by him with a 3.97. Well, now that we have a very bad day behind us, it’s nice to be able to move forward.

The weekend started with a magnificent team party hosted by Don and Sarah Schumacher at their home. As usual, it was a very successful event and a good time was had by all. Great food, adult beverages, wonderful atmosphere, and everybody enjoying each other’s company. Thank you Don and Sarah for another wonderful evening!

Friday brought a road bump or two for the Valvoline Guarantee boys (Usually the Fram Tough Guard boys!). After having some difficulty in the first two rounds of qualifying, Todd and Phil figured things out, and the Valvoline/FRAM machine was back on track and screaming down the dragstrip. As most of you already know, rain delayed the start of eliminations, but once we got going, there were no further delays and racing went on as scheduled.

The folks responsible for preparing the track did a fantastic job drying and readying the surface for racing. The track definitely had teeth, and there was very little tire smoke throughout the day. We were qualified in the No. 9 spot and were the first pair to fire up. Matched up against “Hot Rod” Fuller, who was making his debut appearance of the 2009 season, it was sure to be a tough race. Although the Valvoline/FRAM dragster made its best run of the weekend with a 3.861 to Hot Rod’s 3.885, our reaction times were the determining factor; my .091 light to Fuller’s .059 put us on the trailer. Definitely not a good way to start the day.

Something that hasn’t happened since 2004 occurred in Chicago this past weekend; all of the DSR nitro machines were defeated in round one. That certainly isn’t the way that we do business at Don Schumacher Racing. W.C. Fields once said, “Start each day with a smile — and get it over with.” Hopefully, we have gotten all of our first round ugliness over with and will be able to pick up the pieces and get on with the DSR winning tradition. Adding insult to injury, the Schumachers suffered the loss of a long-time companion, their Rottweiler, Apollo. You all know how much I love dogs. I can’t imagine losing what I consider to be a family member and still putting on a great party and big weekend of racing at my home track. Don, Sarah, and Megan, my heart goes out to you for the loss of Apollo. Better and brighter days are ahead.

It is hard to believe that it has been an entire year since we lost Scott Kalitta in that qualifying accident, but in fact, it is the first anniversary of that tragedy. Jim and Jon Oberhofer are hosting a private event where we will spend time celebrating Scott’s life and career. It will be nice to sit around with everybody and tell stories about Scott. All of us feel lucky that we had him for the time that we did. There hasn’t been a day that has gone by that I haven’t thought about Scott. I’m sure that I speak for the entire drag racing community when I say that he is sorely missed.

It was our good friend, Rocky Balboa that said to his son, “It isn’t how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up and fight that matters.” This team is already back up on its feet and ready to start swinging and punching in Englishtown. Watch for the entire DSR team to come out gunning for big game on the east coast and get back to business. Tough times never last, but tough people do. We’re not called the FRAM Tough Guard team for nothing! Full speed ahead to Englishtown…

… and we’ll see you in the fast lane, it’s the one we choose!

Race day brought much cooler temperatures (30 degrees cooler) and the track had teeth! In spite of it getting a bit warm in the seat at the top end, we hung on for the victory and the thrash was on for round two. Doug Kalitta, in true gentleman fashion, came over to me in the staging lanes and after smiling and expressing his satisfaction about winning his first-round match, wished me luck and then suited up. Well, round two didn’t go our way as you probably know so I wished Doug the best as he went on to the final round.

The next runs for the FRAM Tough Guard dragster came during testing sessions the next day. We made several successful runs down the track throughout the day and gathered lots of useful data. Hopefully that information will serve to load our nitro shotgun and blast our way into the winner’s circle as we head into three in a row: Topeka, Chicago and Englishtown.

We had to get back to Indy right away after testing, so me, Debi and Tori (aka, the Torinator) fired up the motor coach and headed back. A big bowling event to benefit Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis was next on the agenda. Several drivers showed up and we all had a great time as we were cheered on by about a hundred NHRA fans. About $9,000 was raised for the hospital via silent auction and a good time was had to boot (more southern talk from Atlanta).

Several of you have been asking about Tori; she is doing fine and has no idea that she has been fixed! Healed nicely, she is back to her old self and acting like she is “all that.” Many people who were parked in the vicinity of my motor coach in Bristol can attest to that! When I let her out, she would go and visit people by her own invitation. What can I say, she is the Torinator!

Isn’t it funny how you can always tell what your dog is thinking by the way they look at you? The two top “looks” have to be “feed me" and "I have to go outside.” She is giving me a different kind of look right now. I think that she is reminding me to say “Thank you” to our veterans.

Memorial Day is always the beginning of summer and also celebrates the end of long winter seasons for people who live in the north. Racing, baseball, biking, traveling and enjoying the outdoors easily clouds our minds on this particular day. The truth of the matter is, we wouldn’t be able to be so care-free and able to enjoy our lives and freedom is if wasn’t for the sacrifices made by our service men and women. Not just those who unselfishly gave their lives, but the ones who still serve, especially during the holidays and times that we enjoy the most.

Somebody is always “watching the wall” while we work, sleep, relax or play. So, without writing a long and somber tribute to those in uniform, I would just like to extend a very heartfelt “Thank you” to all of our military members, past, present, and future. I, for one, immensely enjoy my freedom and realize that it came at a price. I encourage everyone who reads this to give pause and think about our military people this weekend. If you see someone in uniform, take a minute to shake their hand and say thank you. I have inside information that a gesture like that, makes all of their hard work worth it. Veterans, I sincerely thank you. God bless every one of you.

Never forget; All gave some, and some gave all...
 

Well NHRA race fans, it’s another good week of racing in the books and the Fram Tough Guard dragster and team charges onward. We left St. Louis with another first-round victory and a close race in round two against the always tough, Antron Brown. We are still No. 4 in the points and the top 10 race it as tight as ever. My Tough Guard team is hungry and really beginning to gel. It is going to be a great season!

This was the first time in all my years of racing that I squared off against Chris “The Golden Greek” Karamesines. He took a shot at the tree and fouled out, but you have to hand it to a guy who has been around for as long as he has. He shows up, qualifies, and goes for it on race day. It was an awesome thing to be able to race against him. Only drag racing fans who have been around for a very long time know this; back in the 70s, he had white dragster called “The Chizler” and later campaigned a gold-plated dragster that regularly appeared at U.S. 30 drag strip in Merrillville, Ind. I’d better stop there; I’m starting to sound like a fossil!

We lost a very close one in the second round to Antron . I cut a .052 to his .056 light so were virtually even off of the line. It was a good race – would have been better if we had crossed the line first but it was a good run anyway. There seems to be a trend lately – when we get beat, it is usually by the event winner. Don’t bet on it happening every week, but the trend has been noticed.

Next, we head for Thunder Valley Dragway in Bristol, Tenn. If you have never been there before, you have to see it. It is one of the most beautiful dragstrips you will ever see. The people are very nice there too. It’s that “southern thing” again! I am still saying “y'all” from Atlanta, so I will fit right in with the folks who live there in Tennessee. It’ll be good to see ya’ll again! How did that sound? Anyway, if you show up at the track, stop by the Fram Tough Guard pit and say hello.

Bristol is the scene of one of my best victories as well as my worst crash. Come on, you guys were thinking about my Fram Boost dragster breaking in half back in 2006 weren’t you? Some of you also remember the “Nitro final” back in 1999 when funny cars and top fuelers raced against each other. I got past Ron Capps in the final that year. You wouldn’t believe how many people meet me for the first time and say “Hey, I saw your crash!” That one has earned a permanent spot in the highlight reels. Don’t look for an encore, I intend to keep it glued to the track. How about a winner’s circle hoe-down! (Is that how you spell hoe-down?) I think that’s the name for a southern party! Spoken like a true Yankee!

Tori the Top Fuel dog has been doing fairly well. She was fixed a couple of weeks ago. I had that done because I don’t want to be a grandfather. She is healing and will be back at the races very soon. Remind me to tell you about her and her buddy “Cyrus.” He is the new neighborhood puppy stud, or at least he thinks he is. More on him later.

Oh, before I forget to tell you, the drivers are participating in another Children’s Charity Event before the race next week. We will be golfing for dollars! The proceeds go to help kids with all kinds of problems. I was pretty excited when I found out that it was a golf outing. I am a pretty good golfer actually. The last time we did one of these, I shot a 68! Not bad huh? Are you surprised? No kidding, I shot a 68, then we went to the second hole...

By the way, I’ll bet that you thought that I had forgotten; I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the Mothers out there a very Happy Mother’s Day! I have always said that I have spent the best times of my life, in the arms of another man’s wife–my mother! Happy Mother’s Day to you Mom! I love you with all of my heart, you are the best! Here’s a flower for all of you who put up with everything that we put you through over a lifetime. God bless every one of you.

On that note, it’s time to start thinking about getting the motor coach ready for the trip south. After a nice Mother’s Day celebration with my Mom, it will be time to get back to business. So the Fram Tough Guard boys are itchin’ for their first Wally and Bristol would be a great place to do it. You know the tagline...

See you in the fast lane, it’s the one we choose!
 

Atlanta is in the books, and the Fram Tough Guard dragster and crew are currently in fourth in the point standings. I know that we’ve only raced six events so far, but can you ever remember such tight point battles so early in the season? Everybody is going at it like it’s two events away from the Finals! That’s great for the fans and makes for lots of “Malox moments” for the drivers!

I have to say that I am very proud of the Fram Tough Guard boys (notice I didn’t just say “Fram Boys” like I usually do). This truly is a new team, and these guys have stepped up to the plate. I think they’re hungry and we are within a whisper of our first Wally of the year. We have been sooooo close a couple of times this year already.

Did you see that first-round match up against Larry Dixon? Man, you have to be on your game to beat him on any given race day, and let me tell you, I needed everything that I had to get the win light, by two inches! That was a close one. We made it to the third round before we lost another close one to the eventual event winner, Morgan Lucas. Congratulations Morgan! I remember my first Wally, and I can tell you that it’s a feeling like no other. I just hope that the next time he takes the Wally, he does it at someone else’s expense!

So now it’s a busy week off then back to racing in St. Louis. Man the season is really moving ahead isn’t it? By the way, before I forget, I want to say happy birthday to Jeff Bye and Ed Cody. Don’t worry guys, I won’t reveal your ages … unless you make me mad. I was hoping to go another couple of rounds on Sunday so that I could have dedicated the victory to you but there was this Lucas kid … take it up with him! Anyway, here’s an I.O.U. for a birthday victory! I hope to deliver soon.

Thr Fram Tough Guard boys are hungry as I mentioned before. They are getting used to going rounds and expect to continue doing that on race days. I don’t think that I could ask for a better crew. I really think that if we end up with a Wally soon, these guys are going to be like sharks in the water. Once they taste victory, they will become addicted and will do what it takes to get their next fix! Good car, team, and sponsors and momentum is on our side. Time to head into St. Louis with victory in mind!

See ya’ll in the fast lane… it’s the one we choose!

Most of us have experienced tough times and challenges in our lives. I can remember events where we barely had enough time to get the car ready for the next round of racing. Days where the thrash was so tough that we didn’t even have time to start the car after we put it back together. I can remember sitting in the car in the staging lanes wondering if the thing was even going to start, much less make it down the track! Can you imagine sitting in a Top Fueler and wondering if it was put together properly? I don’t have to do that anymore thanks to the guys at DSR.

If you were lucky enough to have been at Gainesville for the final round, you saw the action while it happened. If you weren’t there, let me tell you what went on. Members from all of the Don Schumacher Racing teams charged in after our semifinal victory to get the FRAM dragster together again. The MTS, U.S. Army, NAPA, and Valvoline guys were helping the FRAM boys get it all together. Not that the FRAM guys couldn’t have done it, they have in the past, but all of the teams chipped in to make sure that we were a GO for the final round. All of the different team uniforms made it look like the NFL Pro Bowl in the FRAM pit!

I can’t tell you what a great feeling that it was to see all of the other teams helping out like that. It not only helped my FRAM boys, but it enabled me to make sure that my head was in the game. We had the Larry Dixon in the final, and that’s a tough call to answer on any given race day. Let me tell you something, because of all the help that we received from the other teams, I was able to concentrate and fully ready myself for the final round. Believe me when I say that we were ready for the run. The guys tore it down, put it back together, and made sure that it was right. The only thing that wasn’t right for us was the right lane.

I didn’t want to write a tome here, so I will keep it short. THANK YOU to all of the DSR teams who pitched in and made things a lot easier on us going into the final round. I cannot even begin to explain how it feels having all of these guys supporting the FRAM team going into the final. Also thanks to all of the sponsors who back these operations and make things happen financially. The graphic that accompanies this blog entry it a tribute to the teams and sponsors for a job well done. Again, a heartfelt THANK YOU to everybody, see you in Houston!

The weekend started out with several of the DSR teams hitting the road headed to West Palm for testing sessions. As I mentioned in the last blog entry, each team is only allowed four testing days per season, so this was a big event for us. The Fram boys, along with Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, and the Connie Kalitta Funny Car team, unloaded our toys and hit the dragstrip to burn up some testing time.  As usual, my Fram boys busted their butts to get this monster down the track. You see how busy they get when we have a good weekend and have to make four runs don’t you? Well, imagine making six runs in one day! That’s what we did, six test runs in one day. The Fram team earned their money, and it was worth every penny.

The data that we collected enabled us to hit the ground running when we arrived in Gainesville so as you can plainly see, testing works! We qualified in the No. 3 position and that is the best place to be (other than No. 1 or No. 2!) going into eliminations on Sunday morning. Believe me when I say that I sleep much better when the Fram boys put the dragster in the No. 3 spot and I don’t have to be one in the first pair down the track. Even Tori sleeps better!  As you recall, we were No., 9 at the last race and the results were less than memorable. That night before we raced Doug Kalitta (he was No. 8 and we were No. 9) Tori was sitting in my lap after dinner and she looked at me and said, “No. 9, what are you, nuts?” I didn’t know that she was so aware! Bottom line, No.  was the result of the team doing their job and gathering data and using it properly to get the Fram dragster down the track. Way to go boys!

Racing in Florida is a good thing this time of year, but it is still warm and humid and that can wreak havoc on a Top Fuel dragster, and it did. BOOM, went the Fram dragster in rounds two and three! Once again, as Bob Frey would say, driver gets out of the car, faces Ocala, Fla., and thanks "Big Daddy" Don Garlits for the design of the rear-engine car. I have been asked what it feels like when the engine lets go a mere 12 inches behind my head; it feels like an ex-wife going up side your head with an iron frying pan; not that I would know, but that is a good way to explain it. Then there is the task of stopping a dragster with oil all over the rear tires; quite sporty I must say!

Rounds 2 and 3 were a bit unusual for us. It isn’t very often that the Fram dragster grenades an engine, and we went through a couple of them at the Gatornationals. In addition to that, can anybody remember the last time that they were in a pedaling contest with Tony Schumacher? See what I mean? We had an unusual race day, but it was worth it.

While going down the track, a driver can usually tell when the engine is going to go. There is a certain sound and feel that the engine is supposed to have and believe me, when it isn’t happy, that’s when the situation begins to change. When the tires start to spin, the G-forces aren’t as strong because the car isn’t being pushed forward as hard, then you pedal and the car starts to throw you around like a rag doll. If the tires hook back up, it slams you back in the seat, and if the tires don’t grab, the engine over-revs and that isn’t good. Suddenly, you get the frying pan to the back of the head again, not that I would know what that feels like...

In qualifying, obviously we would let off of the throttle, but when that kind of trouble happens during eliminations, in an effort to win, wide open throttle is usually how a nitro racer runs. When you keep the throttle open, even when it doesn’t sound right while trying to win a race, the risk of blowing it up is obviously there. But it is after all, race day, and most guys just don’t lift!

So the tires broke loose in round two against Tony; we weren’t the first team to have that trouble in the right lane. Then in round three, I knew that we had an ignition problem before we made the run. But like I said, it’s race day and you have to take a shot, and stay on it if you can. I did, and BOOM! Notice I didn’t say anything about the frying pan...bye bye power plant, thanks again "Big Daddy!"

In spite of the fireball in round three, we felt good about going into the final round. We had help from the entire DSR team. Guys from the all of the other teams pitched in and helped us get ready for the final round. Let me tell you, there is no feeling in the world like having the full compliment of DSR manpower in your corner. It was a total team effort and we felt very ready going into the final round. Not to take anything away from Larry Dixon, a formidable opponent to say the least, but the right lane bit us in the behind again (not that hard to do since it’s only three inches off of the ground). I pedaled twice before I realized that I wasn’t going to catch Larry Dixon, and my first trip to the finals at the Gators landed me in the runner up spot. It doesn’t get you a Wally, but we did get some points and moved from 9th to 6th place in the overall standings. Only one Top Fuel guy had a better day than we did. Good job Fram boys, and thank you to all of the DSR teams who helped us answer the call for the final.

Before this weekend I had never been to the finals at the Gatornationals and I am glad that I can no longer say that! I will be gunning for the coveted Wally next year in Gainesville. Good weather, fast cars, a great Fram and DSR team and magnificent fans and a significant bump upward in the points; what else (besides the Wally) could a driver ask for? Now it’s onward to Houston! More warm weather and fast cars; we’re ready! The Fram boys are packin’ up and hittin’ the road again and we are hungry. Come on by the FRAM pit and say hello! See you in the fast lane, it’s the one we choose!

By the way, has anyone seen Tori? Last time I saw her, she was playing with Cyrus...

It sure was nice to see packed grandstands and smiling fans at Firebird Raceway again. I TOLD you the weather was going to be great! Good weather, great fans, fast cars, tricky left lane... You saw the coverage on t.v., I guess I don’t have to say much more. I think there were only two victories in the left lane in round one. It happens, kind of like premature acceleration...it happens! Yeah, I’ll get to the red-light in a minute.

We were in the number eight spot until Doug Kalitta punched his way into the show on his last qualifying attempt. Doug bumped us back to the number nine spot and that meant that he had lane choice. Number nine is a really tough spot because you are usually the first pair out and are put in the less desirable lane. Doug was on his game after winning the first Wally of the season at Pomona so I knew that I was going to have to cut a good light against him. The combination of needing a good light and the new timing sequence jumped up and bit me in the header pipe when the light went red. It didn’t help when the tires started to chatter either.

Well, it has always been said in drag racing that if you don’t red light once in awhile, you aren’t trying hard enough. Now that I have convinced myself and Fram dragster fans that I am trying hard, the team can move forward. Not until the green light comes on though! Looking back over my 18-year career as a driver, that was my eighteenth red-light start. One per year; glad I got that over with for the season! Negative people might see that run against Doug simply as a red-light start, I was thinking that it was a display of consistency... I didn’t think you were buying it... Okay, next race...

By the way, I want to thank Charlie Allen and the NHRA Safety Safari for their usual great job. Thanks guys!

Remember when I wrote about the cold weather in Indy and the snow, wind, hail and all the other good stuff that wouldn’t go away? I found a solution, drive a dragster and head to Florida! Gainesville is the next stop on the NHRA Full Throttle tour so that is the direction that the DSR caravan is headed next. Before we get down to business in Gainesville, the teams are going to stop in West Palm for testing sessions. Most of you know that we are only allowed four days per season for testing so this is a big deal. I’ll fire up the motor home and Tori the Top Fuel Dog (aka, the Torinator) will ride shotgun for the ride to Florida. Stay tuned for details and pictures!

Speaking of pictures, some of the neighborhood dogs are realizing that there is a Top Fuel hottie in the neighborhood and they are calling on Miss Tori. Every thirty minutes, some pit bull knocks on the door wanting to know if Tori can come out and play! Attached you will see a picture of the new neighborhood “stud.” At least he thinks he is! His name is Cyrus and he has the hots for Tori. I went out and bought a garden hose...stay tuned! Hey, maybe we can sign him with Fram and they can be top fuel “spokes dogs.” Just a thought. Okay, time to fire up and get to West Palm for testing. I have my camera with me and will snap some shots to share with you next time.

Cory and Tori are on the road again, see you in Gainesville!
 

Congratulations are in order for my teammate, Ron Capps. It has been awhile since he has seen the winner’s circle and is as nice to see him back there again. You can’t help to notice not only the good job done by "Ace" and the crew, but the driving job that Ron did. Remember all of the problems we were having in that right lane? Everybody was chattering the tires at about 200 feet. Ron was racing John Force in round one and peddled when he hit the trouble spot while Force was able to keep in on the floor. Ron not only peddled masterfully, he stayed ahead of Force for the win. Good job Ron; good to see you hoist the Wally!

We qualified the Fram dragster in the number three spot and went from A to B every time we ran. That is very impressive considering the crew is all new. I am proud of the new Fram team. Everybody works well together and are as enthusiastic as I have seen. I am looking forward to working with everybody during the coming year. Remember the crew blogs that I did last season? It was very successful and I am going to do it again with these guys this year. All I have to do is get some pictures of everybody in compromising situations and I will start writing. ( J Edgar Hoover did that to keep people in line, we’ll see...) Stay tuned!

The Nordic Boat sweepstakes finally came to a happy conclusion for the Hoovers of North Carolina. They came all the way from the east coast to Pomona to take possession of their new Nordic boat. I think if it kept raining at the rate that it had been, they could have driven it all the way back home. As fate would have it, they had been looking to buy a boat and had been shopping for some time. We got to spend some time together and they enjoyed their opportunity to show off their new boat in front of all the Pomona fans. No, the water wasn’t that deep, the boat was on a trailer! Congratulations again to the Hoovers of North Carolina, and thanks to Randy and Sandy Davis of Nordic Boats for offering such a generous prize.

We are starting to thaw out here in the Indianapolis area. They tell me that we have a couple more months to endure the possibility of snow, wind, ice, sleet, hail, freezing rain, ( I thought that is what hail is but they tall me it’s different) freezing temperatures and more snow. Get the idea? You guys out in Phoenix are lucky, you don’t have to endure those kinds of things this time of year. I’m that much happier to be headed out to Firebird

Raceway in a couple of days to soak up some of that wonderful Arizona sunshine¬–and go 300 mph!

The weather forecast is calling for rain. JUST KIDDING! I wanted to see if you were paying attention. In fact the temperature in Phoenix is forecast to be around 80 degrees with ZERO percent chance of rain for Friday. Mostly cloudy with only a 10 percent chance of precipitation for Saturday and Sunday. Hmmm, warm temps and a bit of cloud cover for eliminations on Sunday. Dry, comfortable and fast! It looks to be a great weekend and believe me, you can’t buy a better weather forecast.

By the way, many of you have been asking Tori the Top Fuel dog and she is doing fine. She is still thought of as a canine Top Fuel queen and wears her Fram collar proudly. She has greatly improved her reaction time, especially when a rawhide bone is waiting at the finish line. She has grown like a weed and still acts like a puppy. Isn’t it great when full-grown dogs think that they can still jump up on your lap and not knock you over. Doggies, ya gotta love ‘em!

Time to book a flight for Arizona. Firebird Raceway is waiting. Come on over and say hello this weekend. It’s going to be one to remember. I have a feeling everybody’s going to be on their game.

See you in the fast lane...it’s the one we choose!

It’s hard to believe that some areas of the country are experiencing temperatures of 40 and 50 degrees below zero. My blood stops circulating every time I think about it! Attached you will find some photos taken in the frozen tundra to the north! I also find it difficult to adjust to the cold temperatures here in Indiana having grown up in Southern California, and living in Arizona for such a long time. Sometimes I can’t help but to sit back, close my eyes, and do a little California Dreamin'! I won’t be dreaming for much longer, and neither will NHRA fans: the Winternationals event is right around the corner!

Sunny weather and warm temperatures, here we come! Pomona is about to be invaded by nitro warriors as the 2009 Full Throttle season kicks off with a crackle that is sure to heat up the entire drag racing world. There are lots of changes throughout the Pro teams as usual and it’s going to be exciting to see how things will pan out. Most of all, the longawaited warm temperatures and sound of nitro engines firing at the starting line in the land where drag racing was born is sure to get drag racing fans pumped about the new season!

Pomona means so much to me personally; I grew up in Southern California. My family is still here and they come out to see the races as well. Can you imagine racing a Top Fuel dragster and having your mother tell you to eat your vegetables so that you have a good reaction time? When Mom and Dad are at the races, I am sure to get a little bit of advice to help me out there on the line! Isn’t it funny how parents seem to get smarter as the years go by? Now that I have scored a few points with my folks...he he he...

Oh, I want to welcome a new guy to the DSR team; Matt Hagan will pilot the BrakeSafe Rear-End Collision Avoidance System Funny Car. He’s a good guy and looks like he is going to be a very welcome addition to the team. Welcome Matt! (get it ...welcome matt....) Onward...

The Winternationals event is special and unique compared to other events in many ways. First of all, it is the opening event of the season and that’s always a rush after a couple of months without racing. Fans and racers alike marvel at all of the new paint jobs; teams realigned with new sponsors and drivers; the occasional absence of teams and drivers who raced in the previous season; new sponsors who are new to drag racing and occasionally a driver switching from top fuel to funny car or vice-versa. These are just a few of the things that make the Winternationals special to fans and racers alike. Nobody wants to miss the Winternationals! It’s nice to be among the first to see everything new for the season.

You know the feeling that you had when you went back to school after summer vacation? Okay, it’s not like that, it’s better! It’s a strange and surreal feeling in a very good way! The smell and sound of nitro in the air is an indicator that summer is on the way! So all of you in the upper Midwest suffering from frigid temperatures, tune in with the rest of the nation and watch the Winternationals and at least enjoy the anticipation of warmer weather that only professional drag racing can bring!

The first event of the year is also very unique to other events in that it is the only time of the year when the playing field is completely level. Everybody has the same shot at the gold Wally and nobody has a big points lead. Every team and race fan is hopeful! I’m going to have to stop writing now because I am getting myself so worked up!

The whole Fram team is pumped, hopeful, and ready. Pomona is looming on the horizon, how much better can it get? We are champing at the bit to go on the hunt for the gold Wally. Last year, we opened the season in the runner-up spot and are ready to take the first Wally of 2009. That’s our goal, our focus, and hopefully our destiny. Look out 2009, here comes the Fram Top Fuel dragster team! Full speed ahead!

See you in the fast lane...it’s the one we choose!