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
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