SUN N FUN 2007

Okay, I have the greatest life. First I get to drive two awesome jet dragsters, which is an amazing job, but I get to meet some amazing people on the road. You never know when you open the door, who is going to be on the other side. I guess you have to grab life by the horns and go with what ever is put in front of you and never look back. I can't list all of the people that have made such of an impression on my life, because I will for sure forget someone, but just know it means something to me.

Okay enough of the mushy stuff, on to the good stuff. Sun-N-Fun is always fun for me, because it is so close to home and I get to sleep in my own bed every night which is a BIG plus!!!! That being said, it is always nice to see the people that always go to all of the shows. For me racing is my only social life, sad but true. So we connected with some of our old friends, and pretty much just had a wonderful time enjoying the daily airshows and entertainment. We talked to many perspective students which is always great for my sponsor Embry Riddle, and some that just had a lot of questions about the car. By the end of the week, I couldn't tell you how many thousands of people stopped by, but it made the week go fast.

I had the chance this year to watch the night-time airshow. This was my first time and let me tell you I was impressed. To see these pilots fly during the day is amazing, but at night....WOW!!! The Aeroshell guys are always amazing. They rock and just have their act down to perfection!! It was very windy and they had to cancel the skydivers, which was a good decision, safety first. I can't wait until next year, I will be front row center.

Now I have been to a lot of airshows, and it would be impossible for me not to be curious about flying. Chris has his pilots license, but I have only flown commercial or with him in small planes. I was invited to go up and fly a fully aerobatic, competition, "Skybolt" from Steen Aero. Now for those of you who do not know what this plane is you can go to http://www.steenaero.com/ and see a photo and stats. She is a little hot rod with wings. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. WAY WAY cool. The pilot Barrett had me doing loops and rolls. I felt like I could conquer the world when I got out. It is life changing to be up there and feel like you are one with the plane. I didn't want it to end, but Chris was scheduled to go up after me, so reluctantly we had to head back. Chris also enjoyed the ride. I won't tell you which one that Barret said was the better pilot.....but needless to say, it was an amazing ride for both of us.

After working the week long event, I was ready to stay at home for the day, but Polk County Florida, where I live, had other ideas. On Monday I was called in for jury duty. Everyone was hoping I was going to get to sit on a speeding violation. After spending the day at the court house, my services were not needed. Thinking that I was going to get at least one day off to put my house back in order, I was mistaken. Chris had a Doctors appointment early Tuesday morning to help repair his knee. He fell back in December hard on the kneecap. Fluid has been gathering since then, and being a typical man, he wouldn't go to the Dr. until now. As it turns out, all they had to do is drain the fluid out and give him a cortisone shot. We will see if the fluid comes back for further treatment.

We have only a few days to get ready to head for Moroso Motorsports Park. Rest is not on the schedule yet....but watch out for next week. PJ's all day long.

Take Care,
Elaine

Back to Douglas

Miss Ta Fire is back in action!!! We tested the Miss Ta Fire at Gainesville Raceway to blow out the cobwebs. I hadn't raced my girl in a few months, and she was needing some attention. So we decided to race her back at Douglas Motorsports Park. It is located in Douglas, GA and the Miss Ta Fire had a lot of fans that were ready to see her back in action. I was scheduled to run Paul Miller with the Danchuck funny car.

We left town on Thursday afternoon after I picked Andrew up from school. We arrived in town later that night and was up early in the morning ready for the display at Walmart. We set-up and hung out at Walmart. Later it was off to do some radio shows and then it was time to head to the dragstrip to make some passes down the dragstrip.

My crew had the car out and ready to go by the time I arrived at the track. As we were listening to the weather reports for the weekend, it was starting to look a little like we were going to have problems Saturday night. The track manager, Tim Pafford, made the decision to run us twice on Friday and only once on Saturday because of the weather. It felt great to be back in the Miss Ta Fire. She did me proud, and never let me down. We made two amazing runs down the track and off to the Waffle King. YUMMMM I think.

Saturday morning and we had some time to spare. We hung out at the hotel and then finally we left for the track. It was hot and humid, and we were worried about the weather. We were scheduled to run at 8:00 and it had rained a few times slowing down the racing progress. Finally, at dusk, it was time. I hit the track and heard that rain was 10 minutes out. We quickly pulled out on the track and I was amazed to find the stands full and people lining the fence. This is why we do this. The Miss Ta Fire never let me down and she made a great pass. As we pulled back to the trailer and not a minute later the skies let loose. Just in time!!! We quickly loaded up and hit the road.

Thanks everyone. We will see some of you at Sun-N-Fun.

Elaine