Sunday, August 16, 2009

Rather be racin!!!

Okay. for the most part most people see what we do at the track and think that is what goes on, well let me tell you, that is the easiest part of our jobs!!! We left Z Max dragway, Andrew, Nitro and I flew home while Chris drove to the next race to leave the rig. Life has a way of just keeping going. While we were gone, the mail still comes, bills still need to be paid and work needs to be done. We can't do any of that on the road. So there is no rest. We had been gone for almost 3 weeks, what a mess. It took me a couple of days just to get the feel of home. I had no food in the house and just going to the grocery store is hard. But, we made it through and I picked Chris up from the airport and then the work started out in the shop Chris is a hard boss! There is no rest at Larsen Motorsports!

We head out to the shop and get moving on assembling engines and start working on getting the new ERAU jet car up and running. Our crew guy Mike and his daughter Alli made the long drive to come and help over the weekend, thanks guys!!!

Engines are always top priority, but yard work doesn't wait. I had to trim the palm trees, man do they have pickers!!! If that wasn't bad enough, the fire ants were all over. I think there is something about me that they like!! My feet are killing me. Okay so enough whining. We still have a week and a half left at home before we hit the road again for the next race. Hopefully we will get caught up in that time. I guess that is it for now. Back to the ants.

If anyone hasn't seen the video of the 4 lane drag race on you tube, you need to log on and watch. It was probably the coolest thing I have ever done racing!!! It will last in my memory forever! Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApJAgUBEQdw

Have a great week!!!

luv ya,
e

Sunday, August 02, 2009

Airplanes and Fast Cars

The team flew out to set-up for the sixth year in a row at the EAA Oshkosh Air Venture air show. We always love this air show as you never know what you are going to see. They had changed the layout of the show and Embry-Riddle expanded their spot to make it very nice. We had to quickly hang out with all of our friends because this year, we left early to head to a race in Ohio. We hit the ground running and met up with friends and sponsors. We were invited to sign autographs at the Ford exhibit with Jack Roush a couple of days and finished up the week signing at the FAA area. On Wednesday evening to break up the week, the President of Embry-Riddle took us all out for a wonderful dinner. Then it was time for the 2nd annual Larsen Motorsports ALL OUT Bowling Party. The same group and a few extras came out to bowl our hearts out and had a legendary time. Thursday morning and we had to be at the show bright and early to finish up some filming for ERAU. That afternoon we started tearing down in order to head back to Summit Raceway Park for their Night Under Fire.

We arrived on site and they were ready for us. The Embry-Riddle team was working out of the Miller Welding Road show rig for the weekend. First class all of the way. We set up, then went for dinner before we collapsed at the hotel. We knew the next day was going to be crazy. 8:00 a.m. and we are back at the track. Most of the big names in Nitro Funny car racing were invited to the show as well, the Forces, Pedregons, Jim Head, Willkersons and the DHL car of Jeff Arrend. The jet dragster were on hand as well as Bob Motz with his amazing jet truck. We can't leave out the wheel standers and 600 race cars. What night. Everything is set to music and the cars were making huge power on the track.

At 7:30 it was out turn. I was paired up with Lou Pereira. The crowd went wild and we both made great passes down the track. Ernie and Jill followed us up and then it was time for BOB!!! The crowd went wild. The love the jets. We only had a short time and we were back on the track. Nitro Funnys first and then us. At the end of the track they had us all wait for the famous fireworks show. Bob burned down the wall and the fireworks went crazy We towed back up the track for the crowd to come out and see the cars, get pictures and autographs.

We went back to the trailer and still signed until 3:00 a.m. and after an 18 hour day finally made it back to the hotel. ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

We had a display on Monday and then headed to friends house to relax for the evening. Finally I got to see one of my biggest fans DVD he had made for me. He did a great job and I got to see what he likes to do. Interesting!!! Now it is time to hit the road one more time. We are heading to the brand new ZMax dragway in Charlotte, NC. I will be racing 3 other jet cars down the track at the same time!!! Four lanes, sounds cool!!!

Well time to start the day. It is one of Andrew's friends Birthday today so we are taking her out to lunch. I will keep you posted. Hope to see you at the races!!!

luv ya,

e