Finishing up with the Nationals update we ran the C-scramble on Friday night and were able to win from the pole.  I've never been so happy to win a C-main event in my life.  And the best part is I got to stand beside Steve Kinser on the podium.  This lined us up 5th in the C-main for Saturday and finished 5th.  Dennis worked very patiently with me to get the car comfortable.  I don't know how to describe the track other than the most intimidating place I have ever race and nothing like anything we race in Central PA, however, I'm sure much of it was due to the whole Nationals atmosphere.  But, this is not the place you want to race uncomfortable.  With some luck, and when all the racing was completed we were able to achieve our goal of being Knoxville National Rookie of the Year.  I really have to let everyone know what a team effort this really was, after our first lap crash on Wednesday everything looked like it was going to be a long week.  But, thanks all the guys that got the car back together ,it really salvaged the whole week.  After the main event on Saturday I was asked participate in a press conference, that was really an honor to be a part of.  And I have to thank my car owners, crew and sponsors for making all this possible, it really was a team effort all week. In addition, I wanted to let everyone know that we had some additional sponsorship help for Knoxville from none other than Hamilton Motorsports, this was an extra boost for the team in our efforts at Knoxville.   By the end of Saturday night I really just felt a big relief that the event was over.  After watching how stressed the Outlaw teams get about the Nationals, I quickly realized that this is not just another race.  And as much as you try to convince yourself to just relax and treat this like any other race is simply not possible.  The whole week is just an adrenaline rushing stress maker.  Don't get me wrong we did have fun and got to relax some, but it was only the biggest sprint race in the country.  Even though we didn't necessarily go to win, we did go to showcase our team and sponsor and do them justice for all their hard work.  In the end it was a great experience and I will be ready to do it again next year.  And now I know what to expect we should be able to get more comfortable with the whole event.  I was very content with the outcome and if you've never been to the Nationals in Knoxville, you must make a point to go.  It truly is an amazing experience.   A special thanks to all our friends and fans that wished us luck- it was appreciated. 

 

Our team has a couple birthdays worth mentioning this month.  First is Andrea, Barry's daughter, who helps Kelly with T-shirt sales, had a birthday on the 8th.  On the 9th my mom, Ruth Ann was born.  And on the 13th, Pancho was born.  It has certainly been a pleasure getting to know Pancho this year and his influence on our team has been nothing but positive.  And lastly, I have a birthday on the 18th.  Back on home soil this weekend, I would like to celebrate these birthdays with a win at the Grove or Lincoln.  See you soon at the track.