Okay, we for those of you who have been so faithful and followed my blog. Thanks so much. A brand new Web Site will be up and running in the next few weeks and I am changing up my blog. as well. I will keep this blog. up for the old posts, but all current posts will be made on my MySpace account. I want to invite you to check out my page. http://www.myspace.com/elainelarsen
Please feel free to add me as a friend. I will try and update more often.
Thanks so much and we will see you at the races.
luv ya,
e
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Back home!!!! For now????
Okay, we are back at home and I am sleeping in my own bed, life is good. I flew out to Vegas to meet up with Chris and go to the SEMA show. It was very very cool to fly into Las Vegas at night. The problem was I didn't get there until 9:30 p.m. Vegas time which was 12:30 my time. Now I had a choice to make, I could have some fun and go out, or go back to the hotel and get some sleep..........Okay, we went out. We walked the strip and it was amazing just to see the lights and the different casinos ..... wow!!! We finally got something to eat and made it back to the hotel about 3:00 a.m. Vegas time, so at that point I was up for over 24 hours. Man am I getting old!!!
The next morning we got up early to head out to the show. I had heard so much about SEMA and knew a lot of my racing friends were going to be there, I could tell we were going to have fun. To say that we saw just about everything is an understatement. From the Ghostbuster car to every Challenger on the face of the earth you can see it all at SEMA. Each hall is a different. From Wheels and Tires to Racing and Performance, I walked my feet off.
Dodge had one of the most impressive displays. I don't think you could turn a corner without seeing their new Challenger, but my heart belongs to the new Camero. I found a couple that I would have liked to take home. I told Chris I would take one in black and one in yellow for Christmas. He said "YEAH RIGHT!!!!!" I won't hold my breath.
We spent two days just trying to soak it all in. A highlight was meeting up with our friends Donna and Danny O'Day with the Super Wench wheel stander. Super Wench unveiled a Danny O'Day signature series of wenches. I know that we need a new one for our trailer and you can bet that will be first on the list.
We only had two days there and flew out Thursday afternoon, not much time, but enough that I know I want to go back. But as much fun as it was, we had a show to do this weekend at the Daytona Beach campus for Embry-Riddle. It was their homecoming event and we took the rig out and set up the display to show the students and Alumni the good ole ERAU jet dragster.
Sunday afternoon and we are back at home. We only have until Friday until we head our for our next show. For the past 3 years we have been invited to the Miami Homestead Raceway for the last NASCAR race of the year. We are meeting up with some drag racing friends, so we should have some fun.
We will return home and I am sure I will have some good stories to tell from the circle track guys. I will be waiting to hear how the NHRA Championship ends up this weekend. We have two races left this year. We are going to the newly opened up Palm Beach International Raceway (Moroso Motorsports Park) and then the final race of the year is in Bradenton Motorsports Park. I hope I get to see some of you at the races. I think the best is yet to come for the Embry-Riddle jet racing team.
luv ya,
e
The next morning we got up early to head out to the show. I had heard so much about SEMA and knew a lot of my racing friends were going to be there, I could tell we were going to have fun. To say that we saw just about everything is an understatement. From the Ghostbuster car to every Challenger on the face of the earth you can see it all at SEMA. Each hall is a different. From Wheels and Tires to Racing and Performance, I walked my feet off.
Dodge had one of the most impressive displays. I don't think you could turn a corner without seeing their new Challenger, but my heart belongs to the new Camero. I found a couple that I would have liked to take home. I told Chris I would take one in black and one in yellow for Christmas. He said "YEAH RIGHT!!!!!" I won't hold my breath.
We spent two days just trying to soak it all in. A highlight was meeting up with our friends Donna and Danny O'Day with the Super Wench wheel stander. Super Wench unveiled a Danny O'Day signature series of wenches. I know that we need a new one for our trailer and you can bet that will be first on the list.
We only had two days there and flew out Thursday afternoon, not much time, but enough that I know I want to go back. But as much fun as it was, we had a show to do this weekend at the Daytona Beach campus for Embry-Riddle. It was their homecoming event and we took the rig out and set up the display to show the students and Alumni the good ole ERAU jet dragster.
Sunday afternoon and we are back at home. We only have until Friday until we head our for our next show. For the past 3 years we have been invited to the Miami Homestead Raceway for the last NASCAR race of the year. We are meeting up with some drag racing friends, so we should have some fun.
We will return home and I am sure I will have some good stories to tell from the circle track guys. I will be waiting to hear how the NHRA Championship ends up this weekend. We have two races left this year. We are going to the newly opened up Palm Beach International Raceway (Moroso Motorsports Park) and then the final race of the year is in Bradenton Motorsports Park. I hope I get to see some of you at the races. I think the best is yet to come for the Embry-Riddle jet racing team.
luv ya,
e
Monday, October 13, 2008
Filling in the Blanks
Sorry it has been so long since I have checked in. A lot has happened since the last blog. First we finished up the NMCA series in Memphis, TN. This was my first trip to Memphis Motorsports Park. The fans are awesome. We had a display on Beale Street in front of Coyote Ugly before the race and then headed to the track for the season ending party. It is fun to see all of the racers and their families putting the competition aside to have a little bit of fun.
We made 2 passes on Saturday and one on Sunday. The car ran great. Andrew and I flew out of the Memphis airport so he could get back in school Monday morning. Chris repositioned the rig in Gulfport, MS for our next week a couple of weeks later. Chris flew out of the Gulfport airport the following day, so by Monday evening the family was all back in their own beds.
It is amazing how quickly the two weeks can fly by. I always miss the track and can't wait to get back out there, but part owning a business is getting the book work done and there is always looking ahead for the 2009 season. So after getting things caught up back at the shop, we headed for the airport to make our 4th appearance at the Ford vs. Chevy show in Gulfport, MS. This is their 20 anniversary for this event and is always one of the fun stops on our schedule.
After a lot of delays in the Atlanta airport, we finally touched down and got some sleep for the big weekend ahead. We headed out to the track Saturday morning and got everything set-up. Luckily there was enough time to go out and grab a bite to eat at one of Gulfports amazing restaurants. Then it was time to get to work as the gates opened up for test and tune and for me to make one of my passes for the evening.
The pass went on without a hitch, we loaded up the car and headed to the hotel for some rest. Sunday morning and when we headed to the race track we were in for a surprise. The line to get in was sooooooooo long that it took over 30 minutes just to get up to the gates. I had a great feeling about the day. It did not disappoint. The track was PACKED. Like I said before this is my 4th year coming back for this race. I had some wonderful surprises. Several fans have come back every year to see me and they always bring back photos, t shirts and other things they have collected from previous years. Thanks so much, you all have a special place in my heart!!!!
Well after two great passes with the last pass at 286 mph, we loaded up the dragster and headed for home. I don't have another race until Thanksgiving weekend at the Citrus Nationals and then finishing up the year at the Snowbird Nationals, but that doesn't mean we will be resting. We are going to visit the World Street Nationals in Orlando, FL as a lot of our racing friends are going to be racing. Then bright and early I have to take Chris to the airport to fly out to Arizona to Embry-Riddle in Prescott. I am going to fly out and meet him at the SEMA show. Not a lot of rest for us as soon as we get back the very next day we head to the other Embry-Riddle campus in Daytona Beach for their homecoming.
So hang on, it is going to be a very busy fall!!! Keep checking in on our schedule as I will have my 2009 schedule posted soon. I hope to see you all at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
We made 2 passes on Saturday and one on Sunday. The car ran great. Andrew and I flew out of the Memphis airport so he could get back in school Monday morning. Chris repositioned the rig in Gulfport, MS for our next week a couple of weeks later. Chris flew out of the Gulfport airport the following day, so by Monday evening the family was all back in their own beds.
It is amazing how quickly the two weeks can fly by. I always miss the track and can't wait to get back out there, but part owning a business is getting the book work done and there is always looking ahead for the 2009 season. So after getting things caught up back at the shop, we headed for the airport to make our 4th appearance at the Ford vs. Chevy show in Gulfport, MS. This is their 20 anniversary for this event and is always one of the fun stops on our schedule.
After a lot of delays in the Atlanta airport, we finally touched down and got some sleep for the big weekend ahead. We headed out to the track Saturday morning and got everything set-up. Luckily there was enough time to go out and grab a bite to eat at one of Gulfports amazing restaurants. Then it was time to get to work as the gates opened up for test and tune and for me to make one of my passes for the evening.
The pass went on without a hitch, we loaded up the car and headed to the hotel for some rest. Sunday morning and when we headed to the race track we were in for a surprise. The line to get in was sooooooooo long that it took over 30 minutes just to get up to the gates. I had a great feeling about the day. It did not disappoint. The track was PACKED. Like I said before this is my 4th year coming back for this race. I had some wonderful surprises. Several fans have come back every year to see me and they always bring back photos, t shirts and other things they have collected from previous years. Thanks so much, you all have a special place in my heart!!!!
Well after two great passes with the last pass at 286 mph, we loaded up the dragster and headed for home. I don't have another race until Thanksgiving weekend at the Citrus Nationals and then finishing up the year at the Snowbird Nationals, but that doesn't mean we will be resting. We are going to visit the World Street Nationals in Orlando, FL as a lot of our racing friends are going to be racing. Then bright and early I have to take Chris to the airport to fly out to Arizona to Embry-Riddle in Prescott. I am going to fly out and meet him at the SEMA show. Not a lot of rest for us as soon as we get back the very next day we head to the other Embry-Riddle campus in Daytona Beach for their homecoming.
So hang on, it is going to be a very busy fall!!! Keep checking in on our schedule as I will have my 2009 schedule posted soon. I hope to see you all at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
The NMRA Finals
Well a full year has come and gone and we are back to the NMRA finals in Bowling Green, KY again this year. I have been traveling with the NMRA and NMCA series this year and it has been a lot of fun. As I am not racing anymore, it is fun to be a part of a series that you can feel a part of. The problem is that I get involved with the teams and want them to do well. Now the end has come and all that is left if the banquet at the PRI show to finish off the year. I want to congradulate the winners on a job well done. I will miss seeing you guys. But 2009 is just around the corner.
Now on to this weekend. We are finishing off the NMCA series in Memphis, TN. This is Andrew's favorite series, so we are letting him take a day off from school to head to the track to cheer on all of the racers. We get to have a little fun before we head to the track at Coyote Ugly to do a display. Yes Chris is sad about this, but hey we do what we can for the sport of drag racing!!!!
This week has also been interesting, on the way home from picking Andrew up from school, driving home on a road that I travel everyday, we got into an accident. A person was looking at a house and decided instead of going straight ahead, she would go backwards and hit me. Talk about making a day interesting. Luckly we are fine and the only damage is very small to the front of my car, which can be fixed. So it really makes me realize that it is much safer on the dragstrip than the road.
Here are some photos from this past weekend. Enjoy.
Now on to this weekend. We are finishing off the NMCA series in Memphis, TN. This is Andrew's favorite series, so we are letting him take a day off from school to head to the track to cheer on all of the racers. We get to have a little fun before we head to the track at Coyote Ugly to do a display. Yes Chris is sad about this, but hey we do what we can for the sport of drag racing!!!!
This week has also been interesting, on the way home from picking Andrew up from school, driving home on a road that I travel everyday, we got into an accident. A person was looking at a house and decided instead of going straight ahead, she would go backwards and hit me. Talk about making a day interesting. Luckly we are fine and the only damage is very small to the front of my car, which can be fixed. So it really makes me realize that it is much safer on the dragstrip than the road.
Here are some photos from this past weekend. Enjoy.
Well I guess that is it for this week. I will post more next week. Be safe.
e
e
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Having Fun in Atlanta
Hey guys, well it was time to get back to the race track and what better place than Atlanta Dragway. Always one of my favorite stops and it didn't disappoint. We made a stop on the way to the Dragstrip, we went to the Nitto tire factory in White, GA to do a two day display for all of the employees. This is our second time back to the factory and it was much better this year as the weather couldn't get much better. 80 degrees out and sunny. Thursday and Friday were spent firing up the car for the different shifts and then it was time to meet up with Mike (crew) at the track and get ready for the big weekend event.
NMCA rolled into town and let me tell this series is sizzling hot. Beautiful show cars and slamming fast racecars. Then just for fun throw in the Embry-Riddle jet dragster to blast down the quarter mile.
Saturday we made two passes. The my jet car was right on track running some great times, the best of the weekend was right at 286 mph. After the last pass, we loaded the car up and went to eat a wonderful dinner at Dale and Susan's. Good ole comfort food of chicken, beans and mac & cheese. YUMMMMM It was too early to go back to the hotel, so we hit the go carts. Yes I had to turn. We had so much fun and after a couple of hours, it was time to get some sleep for Sunday's race day.
Sunday morning and we got up early to make it to Racers Church. Then all we had to do is get the car ready to make our one pass later in the afternoon. We hung out for the day after a series of events pushed back the days runs. It was just one of those days at the race track. But when they called us up to the staging lanes, we were ready to go and blasted down the quarter mile in Atlanta for the last time this year.
Our season has just a few more races left to end the year. But as the say, we are saving the best for last. We get a week off and then head out for a couple of weeks on the road. First stop, Bowling Green, KY for the NMRA finals, then the week after NMCA races their final race in Memphis, TN If you haven't come out and seen us yet this year, check out the schedule to find a race close to you, we only have a few left. It seems like the year has just flown by and I want to make sure we go out on top.
Well I hope you all enjoy the great fall weather. It was only 86 here in Florida today, great weather get all of the outside work done that we have been putting off. (I think I would rather be racing!!!!)
See you at the races,
luv ya,
e
NMCA rolled into town and let me tell this series is sizzling hot. Beautiful show cars and slamming fast racecars. Then just for fun throw in the Embry-Riddle jet dragster to blast down the quarter mile.
Saturday we made two passes. The my jet car was right on track running some great times, the best of the weekend was right at 286 mph. After the last pass, we loaded the car up and went to eat a wonderful dinner at Dale and Susan's. Good ole comfort food of chicken, beans and mac & cheese. YUMMMMM It was too early to go back to the hotel, so we hit the go carts. Yes I had to turn. We had so much fun and after a couple of hours, it was time to get some sleep for Sunday's race day.
Sunday morning and we got up early to make it to Racers Church. Then all we had to do is get the car ready to make our one pass later in the afternoon. We hung out for the day after a series of events pushed back the days runs. It was just one of those days at the race track. But when they called us up to the staging lanes, we were ready to go and blasted down the quarter mile in Atlanta for the last time this year.
Our season has just a few more races left to end the year. But as the say, we are saving the best for last. We get a week off and then head out for a couple of weeks on the road. First stop, Bowling Green, KY for the NMRA finals, then the week after NMCA races their final race in Memphis, TN If you haven't come out and seen us yet this year, check out the schedule to find a race close to you, we only have a few left. It seems like the year has just flown by and I want to make sure we go out on top.
Well I hope you all enjoy the great fall weather. It was only 86 here in Florida today, great weather get all of the outside work done that we have been putting off. (I think I would rather be racing!!!!)
See you at the races,
luv ya,
e
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Reflections
Well this is my second weekend off from racing, last weekend we went and did some testing on the Miss Ta Fire and this weekend we decided to work really hard all week and take off this weekend for the beach. I always feel so much better after a weekend at the beach. It is hard not to just let all of your troubles go when you are looking out at the sun rising over the water with dolphins playing. Your problems always seem so much smaller to the big ocean.
We had a couple of wonderful days, but there is always work to be done and it was time to get back home to get ready to hit the road to Atlanta for the NMCA race. This will be our third time back to Atlanta Dragway this year and it is one of the favorite stops for our team.
Now for some non-racing observations. Andrew came home the other day and one of his 6th grade teachers, Miss Wimberly, had the kids watch a portion of the Last Lecture from the Oprah show. Now I have heard people talking about this and had my head stuck at a drag strip and really did not know what this was all about. Probably most of you have already watched this and I don't want to say too much for those of you who have yet watched, this is a must see. Here is a link if you would like to take the time to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
Well I guess that is about it for now. Larsen Motorsports has a very exciting 2009 planned. There will be a lot of changes shaking everything up and mixing it around. I can't give it up yet, but keep checking and I will let you know as soon as I can. One last thing I want to make sure all of our friends from Texas and New Orleans know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
luv ya,
e
We had a couple of wonderful days, but there is always work to be done and it was time to get back home to get ready to hit the road to Atlanta for the NMCA race. This will be our third time back to Atlanta Dragway this year and it is one of the favorite stops for our team.
Now for some non-racing observations. Andrew came home the other day and one of his 6th grade teachers, Miss Wimberly, had the kids watch a portion of the Last Lecture from the Oprah show. Now I have heard people talking about this and had my head stuck at a drag strip and really did not know what this was all about. Probably most of you have already watched this and I don't want to say too much for those of you who have yet watched, this is a must see. Here is a link if you would like to take the time to watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo
Well I guess that is about it for now. Larsen Motorsports has a very exciting 2009 planned. There will be a lot of changes shaking everything up and mixing it around. I can't give it up yet, but keep checking and I will let you know as soon as I can. One last thing I want to make sure all of our friends from Texas and New Orleans know they are in our thoughts and prayers.
luv ya,
e
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Pictures from National Trail and World Series
Hey, here are some photos from the last couple of races.
Friends from National Trail
A great night shot from Cordova
luv ya,
e
Friends from National Trail
A great night shot from Cordova
Matt from CSK and I hanging out after the race. I think they work a little harder than my guys. Sorry crew. : 0 )
I will post more soon!!!
luv ya,
e
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Pinks All Out video
Hey guys,
The Embry-Riddle jet dragster was featured on Pinks All Out on Speed TV. Here is a clip.
Enjoy,
e
The Embry-Riddle jet dragster was featured on Pinks All Out on Speed TV. Here is a clip.
Enjoy,
e
Monday, August 25, 2008
World Series and NMRA
Hey guys, well it has been a couple of races since I have written anything. Lets go back to an amazing race, the 55th annual World Series of Drag racing held at Cordova Raceway. We were fortunate enough to be invited to run my jet dragster for this amazing piece of history. We started the weekend with some 80 year old grandmas racing golf carts, yes I said grandma's racing golf carts. Four racing grandma's battled it out for the Grandma Grand Prix. I was lucky enough to be a part of their fun and hand off the trophies to the winners.
Then it was time to get back to the track as we were making a pass later that evening. We were joined by KC Jones and the trains, Diamond Jim Crownheart's two jet funny cars and Miss Fran Peppler in her Rock N Roll Thunder jet funny car. That sounds like an amazing line-up but that is not all. Del Worham, Tony Pedragon, Tim Wilkerson and Jack Wyatt. The TOP NHRA Top fuel funny car drivers out there. That is not all, nostalgia cars, wheel standers and the list just went on and on. This is now a stop for us every year. I have been to a lot of drag races, and this was right up thee on top offering so much for everyone.
It was a privilage for the Embry-Riddle team to be a part of this racing history and hopefully the crowd enjoyed our show. We made one pass on Friday and two on Saturday to end the show. At the end of the night we hung out with Del Worsham's crew enjoying the evening. The next morning bright and early we were back at the track breaking things down to head to the next show.
NMRA in Columbus, OH was our next stop. This is our fourth year back at National Trail Raceway and I have made some amazing friends in the past and it is always great to come back and see them every year. There was this little guy Jordan Nash that is going to take my job in about 10 years.
Andrew and I flew home Sunday evening and Chris went on to the US Nationals to enjoy more Drag Racing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of my friends in the path of Hurricane Gustav. I have heard from some of you and am happy to report that all seems well at this point. We are looking forward to our trip back to Gulfport Dragway in October, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that the dragstrip didn't sustain too much damage.
Well I guess that is all I have for now. I will try and post photos soon. We just purchased a new camera and I need to figure out how to download the files. Thanks for checking in.
luv ya,
e
Then it was time to get back to the track as we were making a pass later that evening. We were joined by KC Jones and the trains, Diamond Jim Crownheart's two jet funny cars and Miss Fran Peppler in her Rock N Roll Thunder jet funny car. That sounds like an amazing line-up but that is not all. Del Worham, Tony Pedragon, Tim Wilkerson and Jack Wyatt. The TOP NHRA Top fuel funny car drivers out there. That is not all, nostalgia cars, wheel standers and the list just went on and on. This is now a stop for us every year. I have been to a lot of drag races, and this was right up thee on top offering so much for everyone.
It was a privilage for the Embry-Riddle team to be a part of this racing history and hopefully the crowd enjoyed our show. We made one pass on Friday and two on Saturday to end the show. At the end of the night we hung out with Del Worsham's crew enjoying the evening. The next morning bright and early we were back at the track breaking things down to head to the next show.
NMRA in Columbus, OH was our next stop. This is our fourth year back at National Trail Raceway and I have made some amazing friends in the past and it is always great to come back and see them every year. There was this little guy Jordan Nash that is going to take my job in about 10 years.
Andrew and I flew home Sunday evening and Chris went on to the US Nationals to enjoy more Drag Racing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of my friends in the path of Hurricane Gustav. I have heard from some of you and am happy to report that all seems well at this point. We are looking forward to our trip back to Gulfport Dragway in October, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that the dragstrip didn't sustain too much damage.
Well I guess that is all I have for now. I will try and post photos soon. We just purchased a new camera and I need to figure out how to download the files. Thanks for checking in.
luv ya,
e
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wait and see!!!!
Okay, so this is the first weekend that we have not had a race in a very long time and what do we do........well Chris drives all over the state of Florida getting this lined up for the days to come and I clean house. Fun fun.
We are also starting a new project.....I am sooooo excited about this, I have waited for this for 22 years......I am getting are you ready.........a laundry room!!!!! Whoooooooo Hooooooooooooo. I have wanted this for a very long time and Mr. Don is here to put it in for me. Now as excited as I am, I am watching the weather. If you have been paying attention Tropical Storm Fay is trying to head our way. New construction and a Tropical Storm not a great combination. But we are going to wait and see. YIKES!!!!
So in other news, another big landmark is happening tomorrow..........Andrew starts the 6th grade. Yes my little guy is starting Middle School. Wow how time flys. It seems like yesterday he was starting Kindergarten. Now things are all about to change.
Well that is all I have for now. I will leave you with a photo that was sent to me. It was taken right before I was going to run at Oshkosh Airshow. Pretty cool.
I will keep you posted on the first day at school, laundry room and Fay. This week is going to be fun!!!
luv ya,
e
We are also starting a new project.....I am sooooo excited about this, I have waited for this for 22 years......I am getting are you ready.........a laundry room!!!!! Whoooooooo Hooooooooooooo. I have wanted this for a very long time and Mr. Don is here to put it in for me. Now as excited as I am, I am watching the weather. If you have been paying attention Tropical Storm Fay is trying to head our way. New construction and a Tropical Storm not a great combination. But we are going to wait and see. YIKES!!!!
So in other news, another big landmark is happening tomorrow..........Andrew starts the 6th grade. Yes my little guy is starting Middle School. Wow how time flys. It seems like yesterday he was starting Kindergarten. Now things are all about to change.
Well that is all I have for now. I will leave you with a photo that was sent to me. It was taken right before I was going to run at Oshkosh Airshow. Pretty cool.
I will keep you posted on the first day at school, laundry room and Fay. This week is going to be fun!!!
luv ya,
e
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Finally
Okay, sorry it has taken me so long to check in with everyone, but it has been a very busy summer. We left home heading for Route 66 for the Super Bowl of Drag racing with the NMRA vs the NMCA. We had never been to Route 66 before and I had heard great things, well it is amazing. The facility is just breath taking.We pulled into town on Friday morning as we had extra set-up for this event. The Embry-Riddle team has an addition to our display, a brand new awning, and boy oh boy were we ever happy to have it that weekend. 
Rainy weather on Saturday morning put a damper on the morning, but sunny skies later that day and into Sunday, made for some of the best drag racing in the country. Andrew never missed a second and kept us up to date, but in the end NMCA came out victorious over the NMRA. It was a great weekend. Chris from Vedalo HD came out to bring the racing action into HIGH DEFINITION!!! Check out the sponsor page to get a set of your own Vedalo HD sunglasses!!!
Rainy weather on Saturday morning put a damper on the morning, but sunny skies later that day and into Sunday, made for some of the best drag racing in the country. Andrew never missed a second and kept us up to date, but in the end NMCA came out victorious over the NMRA. It was a great weekend. Chris from Vedalo HD came out to bring the racing action into HIGH DEFINITION!!! Check out the sponsor page to get a set of your own Vedalo HD sunglasses!!!
Next we headed for Oshkosh, WI but had a couple of days to spare so we hit the Wisconsin Dells first. The Dells has the worlds largest water parks as well as the famous ducks and the now famous Lake Dalton. Now why would the lake be famous, we it is no longer there. After severe rain in June, the lake overflowed into the Wisconsin River and disappeared in 2 hours. When we arrived we could walk across the lake. Spooky!!! We stayed in a cabin for a couple of days and enjoyed the town. It was very nice to sit back and relax. If you ever get a chance, this is definitely a place to stop.Well it was time to get back to work and head for Oshkosh, WI for the EAA airshow. We set up on Saturday with the help of Embry-Riddle. Monday morning and it is time to go to work. 
During the week over three quarters of a million people will come though the gates. It is amazing and so much fun to see old friends. We we busy everyday trying to do our best to represent drag racing. Now every year we get a lot of the same questions and one question is "Are you going to run out here this week?" Well guess what.......this year I was happy to be able to say YES!!!!! Thursday at 2:57 the Embry-Riddle jet racing team rocketed down the runway at the World's Largest Airshow in front of people from all over the world. It was amazing to see the reaction. I was so proud of my team for giving me the tool to blast down the runway. What a rush!!!! I can't wait until next year. Thanks for all of my friends that took the time to stop and say HI. I have a new theme song and can't wait to do something with it. All in all what a great week.
During the week over three quarters of a million people will come though the gates. It is amazing and so much fun to see old friends. We we busy everyday trying to do our best to represent drag racing. Now every year we get a lot of the same questions and one question is "Are you going to run out here this week?" Well guess what.......this year I was happy to be able to say YES!!!!! Thursday at 2:57 the Embry-Riddle jet racing team rocketed down the runway at the World's Largest Airshow in front of people from all over the world. It was amazing to see the reaction. I was so proud of my team for giving me the tool to blast down the runway. What a rush!!!! I can't wait until next year. Thanks for all of my friends that took the time to stop and say HI. I have a new theme song and can't wait to do something with it. All in all what a great week. But that was the airshow. Larsen Motorsports held their first annual sponsor appreciation party and the local bowling alley. Sorry to say NO photos will be posted : 0 ) We finished up the week and Sunday was the mark of another successful airshow. We packed everything up and it was time to head back to New Jersey for the NMRA race.
On the way to New Jersey we made a pit stop in Akron, OH. Now a lot of people may say "what is in Ohio?" But to a jet racer it is where a lot of history began. We went to the late Art Arfons shop and got to take a look at some amazing pieces of jet racing history. It was a honor to meet Tim Arfons and see photos and hear some of the old stories. We spent a couple of hours in the shop and then it was back on the road. No rest.
Curt Eierdam was in the area so he made the trip over to help crew for the Embry-Riddle team. 
We made a pass on Friday evening to light up the New Jersey skies and then 2 passes on Saturday. We were supposed to make an additional pass Sunday but rainy weather put a stop to the race and sent us on our way early. We said goodbye to Curt and started for our good friends house in Indianapolis. We spent the night and then flew home on Tuesday morning. We have been on the road for almost 5 weeks and I can't wait to sleep in my own bed tonight. Well home sweet home. We are going to get caught up on work back at the shop and in the office before we hit the road again for August 23rd. We have been invited to perform at the World Series of Drag Racing in Cordova Dragway. I can't wait. Check out the schedule page for more information. I hope to see you all at the races.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Catch up photos
Okay, so I have not done my job posting photos of my recent events. Soooooooooooo I thought I would catch you up on some of the high lights. I hope you enjoy.
Skills USA Kansas City, MO
Atlanta Night of Fire
Roush Museum
Monday, July 07, 2008
Time with friends and family
Well after we rolled into the drive last Sunday, there hasn't been much time for rest. It is amazing how much mail there is to answer and the laundry, don't even get me started. It is one of those things where a couple of weeks sounds like we can get a lot done, but here it is a week into it and I am not even close to ready to hit the road again for a month.
There wasn't any time to rest as Chris and Mike installed our new awning for the Embry-Riddle trailer. We will debut it in Chicago for the next race. They worked very hard and I can't wait to use it at the track. Mike and Alli spent the week with us and we had a lot of fun. It was sad to see them head home to Georgia, because Chris would now look to me for the help.
I do hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. We spent it at my best friends Trish's house on the lake enjoying great food and a wonderful fireworks show. I did of course try and show off that I am NOT an old lady by try to blast down the water slide and beat my son. Well all I ended up is hurting my pride and my knee. Good night. As I was limping back up to the pool trying not to show the pain on my face I decided to spend the rest of the day holding down a chair.
The next day was Chris's birthday and we spent the morning relaxing and getting ready for his birthday surprise. Now in the past I have really gone all out, for example, I sent him skydiving, we went on a cruise and this year I bought us tickets to Blue Man Group at Universal Studios in Orlando. He has wanted to see them for a while and I figured this was the chance. It was very very cool. I better start planning next years present.
Sunday was part two of the birthday present. He has wanted the garage painted so first thing the whole family (including Nitro) woke up and started the day painting. It only took us 8 hours to prep paint and put back to order, but man was he happy. We then went to eat with some neighbors that we hadn't seen in a while. All in all a great day.
Now I am sure a lot of you have already gone to see the new movie Hancock, but we never do things on time, so off to the movies and it was pretty cool. I won't spoil it, but a great surprise.
Now we are back home watching Pinks All Out enjoying the rest of the night. Soon it will be back on the road and we better enjoy this while we can. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Make sure you check out the schedule, we would love to see you at the races!!!
luv ya,
e
There wasn't any time to rest as Chris and Mike installed our new awning for the Embry-Riddle trailer. We will debut it in Chicago for the next race. They worked very hard and I can't wait to use it at the track. Mike and Alli spent the week with us and we had a lot of fun. It was sad to see them head home to Georgia, because Chris would now look to me for the help.
I do hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. We spent it at my best friends Trish's house on the lake enjoying great food and a wonderful fireworks show. I did of course try and show off that I am NOT an old lady by try to blast down the water slide and beat my son. Well all I ended up is hurting my pride and my knee. Good night. As I was limping back up to the pool trying not to show the pain on my face I decided to spend the rest of the day holding down a chair.
The next day was Chris's birthday and we spent the morning relaxing and getting ready for his birthday surprise. Now in the past I have really gone all out, for example, I sent him skydiving, we went on a cruise and this year I bought us tickets to Blue Man Group at Universal Studios in Orlando. He has wanted to see them for a while and I figured this was the chance. It was very very cool. I better start planning next years present.
Sunday was part two of the birthday present. He has wanted the garage painted so first thing the whole family (including Nitro) woke up and started the day painting. It only took us 8 hours to prep paint and put back to order, but man was he happy. We then went to eat with some neighbors that we hadn't seen in a while. All in all a great day.
Now I am sure a lot of you have already gone to see the new movie Hancock, but we never do things on time, so off to the movies and it was pretty cool. I won't spoil it, but a great surprise.
Now we are back home watching Pinks All Out enjoying the rest of the night. Soon it will be back on the road and we better enjoy this while we can. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Make sure you check out the schedule, we would love to see you at the races!!!
luv ya,
e
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Home Sweet Home!!!!!
Well I am writing this in my family room watching what else, drag racing!!!! We have been on the road for the past 4 weeks racing up and down the country and as much fun as it is......it is good to be home!!!!
I want to take a minute to say a little about Scott Kalitta as all of our thoughts and prayers are with his family and race teams. It is always a hard time when something like this happens in our drag racing family. But we all know the the consequences when we put on our helmets and accept what will happen. It never makes it easy, but we are all living our dreams.
On to better days. When I last checked in we had just left Milan and had to take care of some business then it was off for some R&R. We spent a week at my sisters house on the lake and man was it wonderful. Andrew played with all of his cousins and Nitro ran free!!!! On Saturday we were scheduled to do our favorite event of the year. The St. Johns High School held its 14th annual car show. Larry Button was Chris's auto shop teacher in High School and was a huge influence in his life and our family owes him so much, it was an honor for us to be a part of the car show this year. We fired the Embry-Riddle Jet Dragster up in the parking lot and lit up the skies at Chris's old high school!!! Larry suprised Chris with a 1/5th scale replica of our Willys. Now give us a little time and you will see us buzzing around the drag strip on our new pit toy!!!
We left Michigan and stopped in to say HI to Al Z. another jet car racer. It is always nice to see Big Al!!! Then on to Kansas City to Skills USA for the rest of the week. We were on display for the second year to help promote Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and careers in Aviation. It was packed this year and we had beautiful weather the entire time. I want to congratulate all of the winners of the competition.
I want to take a minute to say a little about Scott Kalitta as all of our thoughts and prayers are with his family and race teams. It is always a hard time when something like this happens in our drag racing family. But we all know the the consequences when we put on our helmets and accept what will happen. It never makes it easy, but we are all living our dreams.
On to better days. When I last checked in we had just left Milan and had to take care of some business then it was off for some R&R. We spent a week at my sisters house on the lake and man was it wonderful. Andrew played with all of his cousins and Nitro ran free!!!! On Saturday we were scheduled to do our favorite event of the year. The St. Johns High School held its 14th annual car show. Larry Button was Chris's auto shop teacher in High School and was a huge influence in his life and our family owes him so much, it was an honor for us to be a part of the car show this year. We fired the Embry-Riddle Jet Dragster up in the parking lot and lit up the skies at Chris's old high school!!! Larry suprised Chris with a 1/5th scale replica of our Willys. Now give us a little time and you will see us buzzing around the drag strip on our new pit toy!!!
We left Michigan and stopped in to say HI to Al Z. another jet car racer. It is always nice to see Big Al!!! Then on to Kansas City to Skills USA for the rest of the week. We were on display for the second year to help promote Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and careers in Aviation. It was packed this year and we had beautiful weather the entire time. I want to congratulate all of the winners of the competition.
Then it was off to Atlanta Dragway for their Night of Fire. This is always a very fun race and we were ready to have some fun!!!! My crew guy Mike and his daughter Alli came out to help and stayed at the track. Alli was a great help. The Embry-Riddle jet dragster blasted down the quarter mile 3 times and ran awesome!!!! I think it was the largest night of fire ever and it was a great way to end our race tour!!! We headed home for some R&R and get everything ready for our next tour leaving July 16th.
I hope everyone enjoys the 4th of July holiday with friends and family. Chris's birthday is this Saturday July 5th and I have something really fun planned for the day. I will take a lot of pics and let you know how it comes out. Stay safe, see you at the races!!!
luv ya
e
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Northbound
Hey, well it has been a while since my last update so hopefully I don't bore you. The LMS team flew out the first of June for the NMCA race in Atco New Jersey. Now as the temperatures are heating up in the south, I was looking forward for some cooler weather.......HAAAAAAA It was record temps reaching in the high 90's and when we checked the temp it was 105. Still it was a great racing weekend for those who braved the heat to come out to watch. The Embry-Riddle jet car is doing a great job with no problems. We made three passes over the weekend and met some great people I am looking forward to come back in August for the NMRA race.
We hit the road on Sunday evening and headed back to our home towns in Michigan. We dropped off the trailer at Uncle Johns and then headed to my sister's house. We were all ready to stretch our legs. We had just enough time to unpack when it was time to hit the road to do a display for Jack Roush a couple of days later. I was honored to be invited to display the car at his private museum in Livonia, MI before the NASCAR race. It was wonderful to meet some new people and hopefully make some new drag racing fans.
Packing everything back up and it was time to race. We dropped the truck and trailer at Milan, MI which was our destination for the weekend. Unfortunately the skies were cloudy and it was raining off and on. They did get some qualifying in later that evening. We were invited to some of our close friends house for dinner. We met the Kempfs about 8 years ago on a cruise and have been close friends ever sense. They have a beautiful little girl and a new dog named Daisy. Nitro didn't know what to think.
Saturday morning and it is race day. I get nervous when my family comes to watch me race, and just hope that all goes well. My sisters Nancy and Diane with their families all were in attendance along with some close family friends Larry Button and Paul Beck. It was time to put the show on. I think they all had a great time and can't wait to see us again.
Sunday morning and back out to the race track. A new group of friends and family came out to watch and the good ole Embry-Riddle car did not let me down. This was my first trip to Milan Dragway and I would love to come back. It was a great facility and we all had a warm welcome. After my sister took Andrew and Nitro home while Chris and I took care of some business. Now we are sitting here getting some R & R. Now our plans at first was to enjoy the outside swim and play in the lake. Mother Nature has had other plans. It got down to 45 degrees last night and the high today is only 62. It is called be careful what you ask for as I was hoping for cooler weather.
Andrew has had fun with his cousins and Nitro has enjoyed running around Uncle Johns farm. We are having dinner with more family tonight and then we get to go to Chris's home town of St. Johns, MI to do their annual car show and fire up the jet car for the home town crowd.
We want to send out our thoughts for those who have suffered so much with the crazy weather lately. From the tornado's to the flooding. I guess mother nature has a mind of her own. Take care and we will see you at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
We hit the road on Sunday evening and headed back to our home towns in Michigan. We dropped off the trailer at Uncle Johns and then headed to my sister's house. We were all ready to stretch our legs. We had just enough time to unpack when it was time to hit the road to do a display for Jack Roush a couple of days later. I was honored to be invited to display the car at his private museum in Livonia, MI before the NASCAR race. It was wonderful to meet some new people and hopefully make some new drag racing fans.
Packing everything back up and it was time to race. We dropped the truck and trailer at Milan, MI which was our destination for the weekend. Unfortunately the skies were cloudy and it was raining off and on. They did get some qualifying in later that evening. We were invited to some of our close friends house for dinner. We met the Kempfs about 8 years ago on a cruise and have been close friends ever sense. They have a beautiful little girl and a new dog named Daisy. Nitro didn't know what to think.
Saturday morning and it is race day. I get nervous when my family comes to watch me race, and just hope that all goes well. My sisters Nancy and Diane with their families all were in attendance along with some close family friends Larry Button and Paul Beck. It was time to put the show on. I think they all had a great time and can't wait to see us again.
Sunday morning and back out to the race track. A new group of friends and family came out to watch and the good ole Embry-Riddle car did not let me down. This was my first trip to Milan Dragway and I would love to come back. It was a great facility and we all had a warm welcome. After my sister took Andrew and Nitro home while Chris and I took care of some business. Now we are sitting here getting some R & R. Now our plans at first was to enjoy the outside swim and play in the lake. Mother Nature has had other plans. It got down to 45 degrees last night and the high today is only 62. It is called be careful what you ask for as I was hoping for cooler weather.
Andrew has had fun with his cousins and Nitro has enjoyed running around Uncle Johns farm. We are having dinner with more family tonight and then we get to go to Chris's home town of St. Johns, MI to do their annual car show and fire up the jet car for the home town crowd.
We want to send out our thoughts for those who have suffered so much with the crazy weather lately. From the tornado's to the flooding. I guess mother nature has a mind of her own. Take care and we will see you at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sparky is growing up!!
Well I can't believe it, but Sparky aka Andrew is growing up. This week he will be graduating from the 5th grade. Wow I can remember the 1st day of school in his brand new uniform. Now it is off to middle school and all that goes with that. Eye's rolling, loud music and oh yeah, GIRLS!.!!
So this week we are putting racing aside and totally focusing on him this week. So Thursday we are grilling 120 hamburgers and 120 hot dogs!!!
Well I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day, we spent it with friends out on the lake. Not to bad. Nitro enjoyed the day playing in the beach swimming in the pool and wearing us all out.
This weekend I am going to enjoy a girls night out with my best friend Trish and 15 of our close friends going to see the Sex in the City movie. Chris and Andrew are going out in the Hot Rod and going to cruise up and down main street at Old Town. We better rest up because right after schools out, it is time to get back to work and we will be heading to Atco, New Jersey to kick off our summer schedule.
Well the long hot summer is coming up with some great racing action. Check out the schedule and we will see you at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
So this week we are putting racing aside and totally focusing on him this week. So Thursday we are grilling 120 hamburgers and 120 hot dogs!!!
Well I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day, we spent it with friends out on the lake. Not to bad. Nitro enjoyed the day playing in the beach swimming in the pool and wearing us all out.
This weekend I am going to enjoy a girls night out with my best friend Trish and 15 of our close friends going to see the Sex in the City movie. Chris and Andrew are going out in the Hot Rod and going to cruise up and down main street at Old Town. We better rest up because right after schools out, it is time to get back to work and we will be heading to Atco, New Jersey to kick off our summer schedule.
Well the long hot summer is coming up with some great racing action. Check out the schedule and we will see you at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Heading for the Summit
Well the Embry-Riddle Jet Racing team headed for Ohio to Summit Raceway Park for the Cavalcade of Stars. We were full of expectations as I had heard that this was the premiere drag strip in North America and I will say that it did not disappoint!!! The facility was beautiful and the staff was amazing. From the minute we pulled into the gate it was an experience. They treat the fan and racer so great, making sure that both get the best of the best.
So on to the good stuff. We dropped the trailer on Friday and set up the display. While we were there, Dick Rosburg arrived and we met up with some of our good friends from the Torco Alcohol team. After setting up we hit the road as we had made plans with Dick for dinner and a movie. Iron Man had come out the weekend before and we just had to see it. Great movie!! It was back to the hotel and in bed as it was going to be a long day on Saturday.
Saturday morning and the weather had called for cold, windy and possible rain, not a great outlook for racing, but hey it is race day so we headed out to the track. They had planned a full day with four jet dragster two wheel standers, motorcycles, snowmobiles and some of the fastest and best race cars it was going to be a great day. After all of the car arrived, we had our morning meeting. I was able to meet the new Queen of Diamonds, Jill. I had heard nice things about her and am happy to say she is did a very nice job this weekend. I was also racing Ernie driving the Beast from the East. Ernie was sooooo much fun and he knows how to take a joke!!!
We were scheduled to make 3 passes on Saturday, the first pass was a qualifying run. I was running Dick and made a good pass. Unfortunately Dick has a problem toward the end of the run and his weekend ended quickly. Jill ran faster than Ernie so round one went to the girls!! The second run, I was up against Ernie, well he wanted me to shave my head if I lost and I wanted him to wear a dress and dance on the starting line. Now if that isn't motivation, I don't know what is. Unfortunately things did not go my way and it looked like I was going to have to start wearing a hat. Ernie, being the gentleman that he is, said that it was unnecessary as he didn't want to see what I would look like without hair!!! So for the third round I had the single and it was Jill vs Ernie. Well experience won out and Ernie took home the win for the weekend, but I will tell you Jill and I will be back real soon and I am sure that next time we will both give him a run for his money.
The fans were treated to a live marching band, Beechcraft T-34 airplanes flying over and a wonderful fireworks display. The Baders sure know how to put on a race!!!! Sadly the race was over and it was time to pack up and head for home.
We will be home for a couple of weeks getting things ready for the summer runs. Andrew will graduate from 5th grade next week. I can't believe that my little sparkplug is growing up!!! Before you know it he will be in middle school. If you thought driving a jet dragster was fast, try keeping up with an 11 year old.
The next race is in Atco, New Jersey and then we go my home state, Michigan. Keep checking the schedule. I hope I see you on the road!!!
luv ya,
e
So on to the good stuff. We dropped the trailer on Friday and set up the display. While we were there, Dick Rosburg arrived and we met up with some of our good friends from the Torco Alcohol team. After setting up we hit the road as we had made plans with Dick for dinner and a movie. Iron Man had come out the weekend before and we just had to see it. Great movie!! It was back to the hotel and in bed as it was going to be a long day on Saturday.
Saturday morning and the weather had called for cold, windy and possible rain, not a great outlook for racing, but hey it is race day so we headed out to the track. They had planned a full day with four jet dragster two wheel standers, motorcycles, snowmobiles and some of the fastest and best race cars it was going to be a great day. After all of the car arrived, we had our morning meeting. I was able to meet the new Queen of Diamonds, Jill. I had heard nice things about her and am happy to say she is did a very nice job this weekend. I was also racing Ernie driving the Beast from the East. Ernie was sooooo much fun and he knows how to take a joke!!!
We were scheduled to make 3 passes on Saturday, the first pass was a qualifying run. I was running Dick and made a good pass. Unfortunately Dick has a problem toward the end of the run and his weekend ended quickly. Jill ran faster than Ernie so round one went to the girls!! The second run, I was up against Ernie, well he wanted me to shave my head if I lost and I wanted him to wear a dress and dance on the starting line. Now if that isn't motivation, I don't know what is. Unfortunately things did not go my way and it looked like I was going to have to start wearing a hat. Ernie, being the gentleman that he is, said that it was unnecessary as he didn't want to see what I would look like without hair!!! So for the third round I had the single and it was Jill vs Ernie. Well experience won out and Ernie took home the win for the weekend, but I will tell you Jill and I will be back real soon and I am sure that next time we will both give him a run for his money.
The fans were treated to a live marching band, Beechcraft T-34 airplanes flying over and a wonderful fireworks display. The Baders sure know how to put on a race!!!! Sadly the race was over and it was time to pack up and head for home.
We will be home for a couple of weeks getting things ready for the summer runs. Andrew will graduate from 5th grade next week. I can't believe that my little sparkplug is growing up!!! Before you know it he will be in middle school. If you thought driving a jet dragster was fast, try keeping up with an 11 year old.
The next race is in Atco, New Jersey and then we go my home state, Michigan. Keep checking the schedule. I hope I see you on the road!!!
luv ya,
e
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day
First I want to wish all of the Mom's out there a very Happy Mother's Day!!!! I hope that you all relaxed and enjoyed your day. Also our thoughts and prayers go out to those that lost family members today in the bad weather. We stayed in Macon, GA last night and when we woke up this morning and headed for home, trees were everywhere. We didn't realize that the tornados had just been through the area and we were only minutes behind. It sure puts things in perspective.
Now on to the race weekend. The Embry-Riddle team hit the road on Thursday afternoon for Atlanta Dragway for Pinks All Out. We were scheduled to display on Friday afternoon and then run the jet car on Saturday. Andrew and Nitro stayed home, Andrew had a baseball game and a 5th grade party and Nitro had bad kitties to chase, so it was only Chris, Mike and me.
We pulled into Atlanta Dragway and the place was beyond packed. The Southern Nationals were just held there a couple of weeks ago and from what everyone was talking about it was even BIGGER!!! People who had never been to a drag race before we e lining the fence ready to see what we do. It was really exciting. Atlanta Dragway brought in some great exhibition cars and the record crowd on hand was proof that we love drag racing!!!
This was the largest vendor row that the Pinks show had ever had. I was able to go shopping at the drag strip which is always fun. We were only able to make one pass on Saturday as the show was running a little behind schedule so the the show must go on. We did put on a great show and the car ran really well. The Embry-Riddle jet dragster is running the best it ever has and Chris really has a handle on the tune up.
Now we are back home and getting ready to hit the road for an event I have been looking forward tom the Cavalcade of Stars in Norwalk Ohio. You can find more information out about the event on our schedule page. If you are in the area, make sure you stop by and see us. I have never been to Summit Dragway Park and can't wait to eat the pound of ice cream!!!! Check our schedule and if any of you can make it out to the races, make sure you stop by.
luv ya,
e
Now on to the race weekend. The Embry-Riddle team hit the road on Thursday afternoon for Atlanta Dragway for Pinks All Out. We were scheduled to display on Friday afternoon and then run the jet car on Saturday. Andrew and Nitro stayed home, Andrew had a baseball game and a 5th grade party and Nitro had bad kitties to chase, so it was only Chris, Mike and me.
We pulled into Atlanta Dragway and the place was beyond packed. The Southern Nationals were just held there a couple of weeks ago and from what everyone was talking about it was even BIGGER!!! People who had never been to a drag race before we e lining the fence ready to see what we do. It was really exciting. Atlanta Dragway brought in some great exhibition cars and the record crowd on hand was proof that we love drag racing!!!
This was the largest vendor row that the Pinks show had ever had. I was able to go shopping at the drag strip which is always fun. We were only able to make one pass on Saturday as the show was running a little behind schedule so the the show must go on. We did put on a great show and the car ran really well. The Embry-Riddle jet dragster is running the best it ever has and Chris really has a handle on the tune up.
Now we are back home and getting ready to hit the road for an event I have been looking forward tom the Cavalcade of Stars in Norwalk Ohio. You can find more information out about the event on our schedule page. If you are in the area, make sure you stop by and see us. I have never been to Summit Dragway Park and can't wait to eat the pound of ice cream!!!! Check our schedule and if any of you can make it out to the races, make sure you stop by.
luv ya,
e
Monday, May 05, 2008
Beech Bend Raceway Park
Well it was time to head back to the race track after a weekend off. Chris left Kansas to head for Kentucky for the next race. Andrew and I flew out on Friday to meet up with all of the crew for the weekend. Chris and Team Synergy did a display for the Embry-Riddle Jet Racing team at the Holley factory on Friday while I was back at home doing some radio interviews.
Finally the crew all meet up and went out for dinner and then it was to bed early for the big weekend a head. Unfortunately the rain and wind came in Friday and stay with us until Saturday morning. But the NMCA and Beech Bend Raceway Park made sure that the track was prepared and ready to go on Saturday.
We made two passes on Saturday, the first one we had a pretty good head wind that I was fighting and I had to shut the car off a little early, on the second pass it was late and cool and the good ole ERAU jet dragster flew. I want to thank everyone that stayed to watch me make that last pass down the track. I know that it was cold and late, but really appreciate everything.
At the end of the night we were invited over to the Timberland Racing team for dinner. I thought I was back at Belle Rose, LA as crawfish was on the menu for the night. After filling our stomachs we headed back to the hotel for some rest. The next morning it was back out to the track and get the car ready for the next pass.
It was time to say good bye to Kentucky as we headed for home just in time to do some laundry and hit the road again for a trip to Atlanta for Pinks All Out. If you are in the area, make sure you stop by and say HI!!!
Thanks to everyone that stopped by to say HI, remember I will be back to Beech Bend the first weekend in October for the NMRA finals. See you at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
Finally the crew all meet up and went out for dinner and then it was to bed early for the big weekend a head. Unfortunately the rain and wind came in Friday and stay with us until Saturday morning. But the NMCA and Beech Bend Raceway Park made sure that the track was prepared and ready to go on Saturday.
We made two passes on Saturday, the first one we had a pretty good head wind that I was fighting and I had to shut the car off a little early, on the second pass it was late and cool and the good ole ERAU jet dragster flew. I want to thank everyone that stayed to watch me make that last pass down the track. I know that it was cold and late, but really appreciate everything.
At the end of the night we were invited over to the Timberland Racing team for dinner. I thought I was back at Belle Rose, LA as crawfish was on the menu for the night. After filling our stomachs we headed back to the hotel for some rest. The next morning it was back out to the track and get the car ready for the next pass.
It was time to say good bye to Kentucky as we headed for home just in time to do some laundry and hit the road again for a trip to Atlanta for Pinks All Out. If you are in the area, make sure you stop by and say HI!!!
Thanks to everyone that stopped by to say HI, remember I will be back to Beech Bend the first weekend in October for the NMRA finals. See you at the races!!!!
luv ya,
e
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Being Mom
This past week it was time for the annual 5th grade field trip at Andrew's school. I somehow volunteered to organize this trip. We had decided to go to Animal Kingdom and camp at Fort Wilderness for a couple of days. Sounds fun right????? Well we had a blast. The kids were amazing and it was so much fun to watch them running around swimming and making smores and watching movies under the stars. I hope the kids enjoyed it as much as the parents.
Then it was back to work. We were invited out to Cessna Citation for the customer appreciation conference. Their theme was speed and we fit right in. The Embry-Riddle jet team loaded up and headed to Kansas. Well okay I flew out while Chris drove the dragster out. We had the opportunity to visit the Service Center and the Factory where Citations are made.
I flew home and Chris is driving to our next race. Bowling Green Kentucky is where we are going this weekend for the NMCA race at Beech Bend Raceway Park. I will report back after the race. Cross your fingers for good weather.
c ya
e
Then it was back to work. We were invited out to Cessna Citation for the customer appreciation conference. Their theme was speed and we fit right in. The Embry-Riddle jet team loaded up and headed to Kansas. Well okay I flew out while Chris drove the dragster out. We had the opportunity to visit the Service Center and the Factory where Citations are made.
I flew home and Chris is driving to our next race. Bowling Green Kentucky is where we are going this weekend for the NMCA race at Beech Bend Raceway Park. I will report back after the race. Cross your fingers for good weather.
c ya
e
Monday, April 21, 2008
Just Call Me Nemo
Hey, I received this today and thought it was cute. Thanks for making me laugh!!!!!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
PINKS ALL OUT
The Embry-Riddle jet team headed to Gainesville Raceway this past weekend for the Pinks All Out show. We set up on Friday to prepare for the very busy weekend ahead. Danny O'Day was there with his Super Winch wheel stander along with other exhibition cars, so we were ready for a great weekend.
Saturday morning we woke up, picked up E. Lowe and headed off to the track. Speed TV was there filming all day for the show and the fans packed the place. Pinks has a huge following and all of their fans were out in full force. Some of my friends also showed up to cheer me on, which is always fun.
We lined up for our first pass and the good ole Embry-Riddle car ran like a dream and flew down the track and the fans went wild. We hurried back to the pit as we had to be back on the track ready to go in under a hour. The second pass went smooth and then it was time for the Pinks top 16 to film their show.
The weekend was a blast and I can't wait to see the final product when it airs on Speed TV.
Thanks to all of the fans that stopped by to say HI. I also want to thank Gainesville Raceway for providing a great track for us. My next challenge is 72 fifth graders. Andrew's class is taking their annual trip and I get to be one of the parent volunteers. Fun Fun. I think a 6000 horsepower fire breathing dragster will be easier to control, but I will let you know.
See you at the track.
e
Saturday morning we woke up, picked up E. Lowe and headed off to the track. Speed TV was there filming all day for the show and the fans packed the place. Pinks has a huge following and all of their fans were out in full force. Some of my friends also showed up to cheer me on, which is always fun.
We lined up for our first pass and the good ole Embry-Riddle car ran like a dream and flew down the track and the fans went wild. We hurried back to the pit as we had to be back on the track ready to go in under a hour. The second pass went smooth and then it was time for the Pinks top 16 to film their show.
The weekend was a blast and I can't wait to see the final product when it airs on Speed TV.
Thanks to all of the fans that stopped by to say HI. I also want to thank Gainesville Raceway for providing a great track for us. My next challenge is 72 fifth graders. Andrew's class is taking their annual trip and I get to be one of the parent volunteers. Fun Fun. I think a 6000 horsepower fire breathing dragster will be easier to control, but I will let you know.
See you at the track.
e
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Keeping you in the loop
Okay, so it has been a while since I have checked in. A lot has been going on at Larsen Motorsports.....all good, but very very busy. First since the Gators we went down to South Florida to the Barrett Jackson auto auction in West Palm Beach. Chris took the 41 Willys Jet Pro Mod down to help out the Vedalo HD sunglass company to do a display. Now if you haven't checked out the sponsor page and link to their page, www.vedalohd.com
you need to because they have come out with some amazing styles and the lenses are the best. So check them out. Well enough of a plug back to business. I had never been there and was amazed at the cars. Chris had his eye on this really cute little 1932 Ford, but he had to go home so too bad for him or was it. I had a little surprise waiting for him. The car went up on the auction block the next day and I bid on it and won it for him. I was going to surprise him the next day, but guess who was watching TV. Well did he get a surprise. The rest of the event went amazing, and Chris got his car.
you need to because they have come out with some amazing styles and the lenses are the best. So check them out. Well enough of a plug back to business. I had never been there and was amazed at the cars. Chris had his eye on this really cute little 1932 Ford, but he had to go home so too bad for him or was it. I had a little surprise waiting for him. The car went up on the auction block the next day and I bid on it and won it for him. I was going to surprise him the next day, but guess who was watching TV. Well did he get a surprise. The rest of the event went amazing, and Chris got his car.
No rest and time to enjoy, we had to hit the road for Belle Rose, LA to meet back up with PeeWee and the club!!!! We went back to No Problem Raceway for the Jegs Cajun Nationals. We had a wonderful time and ate at Garrison's. Now some people may think that Garrison's is a restaurant, but it is the best place to eat in Louisiana and it is at the track. A fellow racer holds this amazing party at the larger races has Pee Wee cook up a storm. I would like to say I enjoyed the racing as much as the food, but after the craw fish boil on Saturday night, the food won.
After the final run on Sunday evening we hit the road to get Andrew back in school and we had to get things set up for our next show in Lakeland. The famous Sun N Fun airshow always if fun, but a lot of rain had all of the vendors calling it the Mud N Fun. When we arrived at our booth space it was a challenge to say the least to get the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical jet dragster trailer in place, so much so we got stuck and had to get towed out of the spot. We unloaded the car and decided for this show we wouldn't use the trailer. We also had the 41 Willys at the Vedalo HD booth so it was double duty.
I worked the show all week and on the weekend the Tunderbirds performed. We also had the Embry-Riddle alumni event on Saturday. We had a wonderful event and I appreciate all of you that took time to stop by and say Hi at the booth.
My sister Nancy and her husband Duane flew in Saturday in order to help out with our busy schedule. It was a welcome relief as they took Andrew on Sunday to go have some fun. Chris and I loaded up the cars and hit the road for home. It was a long day, but as always a lot of fun.
Now you would think that I would be ready for a rest, but no way. Tuesday morning we went over to the Embry-Riddle Daytona Campus for the Women in Aviation day. Over 400 young girls come out to learn about the different careers that are available for them at Embry-Riddle. It is always refreshing to see kids with their whole life ahead of them. Full of dreams and ready to hit the ground running.
Well that about covers the last couple of weeks. This weekend we are heading to Gainesville, FL to tape the Pinks All Out show. Gainesville just put in a beautiful new tower, so I will try and behave. We will be there with Danny and Donna O'Day with their Super Wench Wheel stander. I can't wait to see them again. Well keep checking in.
See ya in the fast lane.
e
e
Friday, March 21, 2008
Gatornationals
Hey, Well we have had a couple of weekends off and of course where do we go.....the drag races. I bought us tickets to Saturday's qualifying. We woke up and left bight and early to head out to the track. We made great time until we hit Gainesville. Then trouble started. It was a two hour delay just to get into the track. I guess there are a lot of drag race fans out there because we were all at the track.
We finally made it in and we could hear the top fuel cars warming up. There is something pretty darn cool when you are walking through the pits and hear one of those bad boys fire up. We made it to our seats in order to see some great passes down the quarter mile. As I was sitting in the stands feeling like a small fish in a big pond the guy sitting in front of me turns around and said, "Hey aren't you Elaine, the driver of the Embry-Riddle jet dragster?" Talk about making my day.
We left our seats to walk around and ran into a lot of friends and met up with Chris and Chuck from our crew. As we were walking around you will never guess who was in Clay Millican's area....none other than Jessie Harris. She wants to tell everyone HI and is working hard with Clays team. It was great to catch up with her.
We ended up spending time in Meline Troxell's area, as a friend that Chris went to school with crews for Mike Ashley At the end of the day, we had seen some great runs down the quarter mile and ran into some old friends. All in All in was an awesome day. We headed for home ready to get back to the race track. I not a very good fan, I am much better hands on.
Well the next stop is Barrett Jackson and Indy at Homestead, FL, then back to No Problem Raceway for the Jegs Sportsman Nationals. Keep checking the website as I will be adding some new places. I hope to see you at the RACES!!!
luv ya,
e
We finally made it in and we could hear the top fuel cars warming up. There is something pretty darn cool when you are walking through the pits and hear one of those bad boys fire up. We made it to our seats in order to see some great passes down the quarter mile. As I was sitting in the stands feeling like a small fish in a big pond the guy sitting in front of me turns around and said, "Hey aren't you Elaine, the driver of the Embry-Riddle jet dragster?" Talk about making my day.
We left our seats to walk around and ran into a lot of friends and met up with Chris and Chuck from our crew. As we were walking around you will never guess who was in Clay Millican's area....none other than Jessie Harris. She wants to tell everyone HI and is working hard with Clays team. It was great to catch up with her.
We ended up spending time in Meline Troxell's area, as a friend that Chris went to school with crews for Mike Ashley At the end of the day, we had seen some great runs down the quarter mile and ran into some old friends. All in All in was an awesome day. We headed for home ready to get back to the race track. I not a very good fan, I am much better hands on.
Well the next stop is Barrett Jackson and Indy at Homestead, FL, then back to No Problem Raceway for the Jegs Sportsman Nationals. Keep checking the website as I will be adding some new places. I hope to see you at the RACES!!!
luv ya,
e
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mustang Madness
The Embry-Riddle team set off for Bradenton Motorsports Park for the NMRA season opener. It was Mustang Madness in South Florida and we were there to watch it all. We headed out for the race on Friday morning in order to do a couple of displays, first at Walmart then for the pre-race party at Hooters. Then it was time to go to the hotel to rest up for race day.
Andrew had a baseball game Friday night so E. Lowe picked him up at a friends house and all of the crew was on hand to have a great time. Unfortunately the weather was WINDY, so it made set-up fun and we eventually lost one of our canopies to the wind. But racing goes on. We were only able to make 1/8 mile passes, but I am happy to say that the ERAU jet dragster ran amazing.
The next day we were geared up to make one more pass and have some fun. Well okay we also had to celebrate my birthday, which it seems like I always celebrate at the race track. Hey a girl has to make a living. But with all of my friends around how could my day be anything other than great. Thanks for everyone for the great birthday. Jason, glad that you are back safe and sound from Iraq, it was good to see you. The ERAU dragster made a blistering pass and we packed up and headed for home.
We have the next couple of weeks off, but we are going to check out the Gatornationals this Saturday and get ready for the weeks to come. Check out the schedule as we are heading to South Florida for World Famous Barrett Jackson Auto Auction and the kick off of the Indy racing league at the Miami Homestead Raceway. We are going to be a part of the Speed Jam with Three Doors Down and Danica. Check out this link for more information. http://www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com/544813.html
Thanks for checking in. Enjoy the photos below.
luv ya,
e
Monday, March 03, 2008
Hey NO PROBLEM!!!!
Well it was really time to kick off the 2008 season and we kicked it off with a bang at No Problem Raceway. Now this is our second year to come out for NHRA's division 4 first points meet, last year was amazing and we had high hopes as we left home on Wednesday after Andrew got out of school. So "on the road again!!!!" We made it to Marianna, FL and found a hotel to spend the night. Up early the next morning and with the frost in the air we hit the road destination Belle Rose, LA!!!
We dropped off the trailer on Thursday afternoon and met up with some friends from last year. Then went to the hotel to rest up for the big weekend. Friday morning E. Lowe was flying in and Mike Mathes was driving to us so we were ready for the weekend. It was a cool night and the car ran great and the crowd was on their feet. So Saturday we come back to the track to make two runs. The race track was busting at the seams cars were flying down the track it felt like magic!!!! I talked to so many racers that had worked so hard in the off season and spent hard earned money to put their race cars back on the track. You sometimes wonder why......well after that first blast down the quarter mile it comes rushing back to you why we do what we do. I feel so much at home at the drag strip. People get me here. Anyway the stands were packed and people just wanted to have a good time and a good time is what the racers gave them.
The Embry-Riddle jet dragster did me proud and shot fire and smoke and hopefully entertained the crowd. After the runs we were invited to Mr. Dons pit area for some wonderful food. Now I have to tell you that usually when I go racing I loose weight, it will never be the case at No Problem Raceway. I don't know what I ate but it was amazing. My crew is fighting over who gets work these weekends.
Sunday morning and we celebrated the RFC service with about 200 other racers and fans. But it was time to get busy and get down to work and make one more pass to close out the weekend. But wait a minute. I forgot to tell you the best part......I don't know how to explain it so I will just put on a BIG photo to show you. They came over to show me, but during the race the stood on their motorhome. How cool was this!!!! Talk to you soon, luv ya
e
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Race Day Postponed!!!
Well darn!!! We were all set to go racing and I did the wrong thing......I looked at the weather report. I guess I should be happy I did, becuase what I saw wasn't good. 80% chance of rain everyday. It was looking like a long weekend in the hotel. At the last minute I decided to call Pat Jeffron @ No Problem Raceway and heard the news....NHRA had postponed the event for a couple of weeks. Well I guess I should be happy that we didn't have to drive for 18 hours only to turn around and head home. So I guess it all ended up well. But man am I ready to get back to the track.
Last weekend E. Lowe took his car out and had some fun and went a couple of rounds, it was fun to be back at the track. So I guess I will have to wait a couple of weeks to try out some new safety equipment.
I hope to see you out at the track.
luv,
e
Last weekend E. Lowe took his car out and had some fun and went a couple of rounds, it was fun to be back at the track. So I guess I will have to wait a couple of weeks to try out some new safety equipment.
I hope to see you out at the track.
luv,
e
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Gearing up for the Show!!!
Hey, I am sitting here watching NHRA drag racing. Man am I ready to get back in the drivers seat. We have been very busy in the off season, in fact this past week we spent out in Prescott, AZ visiting Embry-Riddle's other campus. We flew out on Tuesday and returned home Friday evening. This is the furthest west I have ever traveled and was in awe of the beautiful senery that was breath taking. Obviously, we are right around the corner of the Daytona Beach campus, but it was a lot of fun to visit the other main campus. If hiking, biking and horseback riding is your thing, this campus has it all.
Now it is time to look towards the 2008 racing season. We are kicking off the racing action at No Problem Raceway this weekend for the NHRA division 4 race. There have been some changes in our safety up grades with our boots and gloves. So this weekend will be a time to get used to the new equipment. I will let you know how it comes out.
My schedule is posted on the webiste, so if you are in the area, make sure you stop by and say HI. I am going to put up my merchandise very soon. I have new t-shirts that are soon to be delivered as well as some really cool new items, so make sure you check back.
I guess that is all of the news for now. We are almost finished with the remodeling in the house. I have a laundry room that will be going in next week, YES!!! We are enjoying the new bathrooms and Nitro has a new doggie door that has made his life so much easier for him to chase the bad kitties!!!!
P.S. A change in the schedule. The NHRA division 4 race scheduled for this weekend has been postponed until the first weekend of March. See ya there.
Now it is time to look towards the 2008 racing season. We are kicking off the racing action at No Problem Raceway this weekend for the NHRA division 4 race. There have been some changes in our safety up grades with our boots and gloves. So this weekend will be a time to get used to the new equipment. I will let you know how it comes out.
My schedule is posted on the webiste, so if you are in the area, make sure you stop by and say HI. I am going to put up my merchandise very soon. I have new t-shirts that are soon to be delivered as well as some really cool new items, so make sure you check back.
I guess that is all of the news for now. We are almost finished with the remodeling in the house. I have a laundry room that will be going in next week, YES!!! We are enjoying the new bathrooms and Nitro has a new doggie door that has made his life so much easier for him to chase the bad kitties!!!!
P.S. A change in the schedule. The NHRA division 4 race scheduled for this weekend has been postponed until the first weekend of March. See ya there.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Being a Homebody
Hey, I hope this finds everyone rested after an exciting New Year. We have been very busy preparing for the 2008 season. The cars are in the shop getting their winter makeover, and as many of you have seen I have redone the website. I hope you are enjoying the new look. We have a new car a 1941 Willys Jet Pro-Mod that we are using for displays for the 2008 season. She is an awesome car and I can't wait to take her out on the strip and see what she can do.
We also have an additional sponsor that I would like to introduce everyone to, Vedalo HD. They are a revolutionary sunglass company. You can check out their website at www.vedalohd.com You can also see the whole LMS crew decked out in their latest and greatest eye wear.
Next week I will have my official 2008 schedule posted. We are coming back to see some great friends and going to some new tracks and I can't wait. It seems as if it has been so long since I have been in the dragster that I can't wait.
Well keep checking back for updates, as our first race is just around the corner. I will be placing a lot of great photos that have been taken in the past year as well. See you guys at the races!!
luv,
e
We also have an additional sponsor that I would like to introduce everyone to, Vedalo HD. They are a revolutionary sunglass company. You can check out their website at www.vedalohd.com You can also see the whole LMS crew decked out in their latest and greatest eye wear.
Next week I will have my official 2008 schedule posted. We are coming back to see some great friends and going to some new tracks and I can't wait. It seems as if it has been so long since I have been in the dragster that I can't wait.
Well keep checking back for updates, as our first race is just around the corner. I will be placing a lot of great photos that have been taken in the past year as well. See you guys at the races!!
luv,
e
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Happy New Year
Well it is 2008. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Santa was good to everyone. We spent Christmas with family and friends and probably gained 10lbs. I hope I can still fit in the car!!! It is hard to take time off from work when work is at your house and always waiting. Chris has been busy out in the shop with some of our crew guys working on getting the cars ready for the 2008 season. I have been busy in the house, YIKES. I replaced the wallpaper in the kitchen and the bathrooms are next. I have a contractor coming out to give me a bid.
I have been busy booking my shows for the 2008 season. We are hitting some of the fun spots from last year and we are going to so new places. I am very excited to be in Michigan this year. Both Chris and I have family there, so it should be a fun race. The new schedule will be up real soon, so if your in the area come out and see us.
Well I guess that is it, back to cleaning the house and getting ready for the busy season. If you are in South Florida, I am going to be doing a charity event for the Darrell Gwynn foundation this weekend. It is at 2800 Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point. We are going to bring the 41 Willys down to show her off. I will take lots of photos and I got a camera from Santa!!!!
Have a safe and happy New Year. See you at the races!!!!
e
I have been busy booking my shows for the 2008 season. We are hitting some of the fun spots from last year and we are going to so new places. I am very excited to be in Michigan this year. Both Chris and I have family there, so it should be a fun race. The new schedule will be up real soon, so if your in the area come out and see us.
Well I guess that is it, back to cleaning the house and getting ready for the busy season. If you are in South Florida, I am going to be doing a charity event for the Darrell Gwynn foundation this weekend. It is at 2800 Federal Highway in Lighthouse Point. We are going to bring the 41 Willys down to show her off. I will take lots of photos and I got a camera from Santa!!!!
Have a safe and happy New Year. See you at the races!!!!
e
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