November 2005 - February 2006 Results Archive
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FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 21 & 22, Alamosa Motor Speedway, Mosca, CO.
After 14.5 hours of travel we finally arrived in Alamosa about 9:45 local time.   I had called ahead and got some take out food from Chilis which we picked up before heading to the hotel.   It had rained on us for the last 200 miles of the trip and it was still sprinkling in Alamosa.   We arrived at the hotel to find that it was an island.  There was water covering the entire parking lot and every entry into the building.   I ended up taking off one shoe and sock and hopping through the knee high water into the lobby.   Once we checked in I pulled as close to an entry door as I could.   From there I took off both shoes and socks and began wading through the water to the trailer.   The managers met us at the top step (the only one not submerged) and we handed over our belongings, dogs included.   The water was knee high and COLD!   I had to park in an old abandoned Kmart parking lot and again waded my way into the hotel for the night. 

The next day we got up and headed out to the track early so that we could visit with Jerry, Jerry Jr, and Kelly a little before things got hectic.   Had a full day at the track was was ready to go when all 22 cars had checked in.   Lined up 5th for my heat and the track was in pretty good shape.   Managed to sneak inside the car in front of me and after two laps of side by side racing I slipped by and into 3rd.   I would remain there for the rest of the race as I couldn't run down the top 2.   The top 4 from each of the 3 heats redrew for the main and I drew the #8 starting spot.   At the green I really just stalled out as the car wasn't hooking up on corner exit and I was actually still in 8th early.   A couple of spins moved me up 3, and then I lost two spots and was running 7th.   I was in 7th by myself as the top 6 had put about 5 cars between themselves and me.   Almost content to ride and finish with the car in one piece, the 2nd place car got loose and collected 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th as I drove by on the outside.  Into 2nd went this lucky Irishman!   From there I couldn't touch the leader.   Again, the car just wasn't that great, I should have made a change here and there.    The double file restarts were brutal as everyone fought to get to the bottom.   Sparks flying and cars bouncing off one another.   I crossed the checkered flag in 2nd and very glad to have made it through with a complete car ready for Saturday's tour race.   But the luck continued as the winner was DQ'd for running an illegal tire on the right rear.   I won!!   My first win in Colorado.......to quote Napoleon Dynamite, LUCKY!!!!!  

Day two started with fixing up the bent sheet metal and going over the car in the old Kmart parking lot.   After a couple hours worth of work we headed off to the track.   Arrived about noon and enjoyed the cool air and the company provided by other tour regulars.   While we readied for the race, Don Baisch from Idaho was nice enough to donate a new tire to the cause.  Thanks Don & family!!   It went right on the right rear!   34 tour cars checked in, a series low, but still a good field.   I drew 189 out of 200.  OUCH!   That placed me dead last in the 4th heat of 8 cars.   Needing to run top 3 for the transfer I was worried.   The track was still one lane but at the green I was able to move into 6th, then 5th, and eventually 4th.   By 1/2 way I was all over the transfer spot, but couldn't get by.   Tried low, then high and was just about a foot away both times from taking the spot.   Going into 3 on the last lap I went high, turned the car early and drove straight off the bottom.   We were side by side, door to door, and with a bump and a rub we crossed the line.   Fourth for me.   Bummer!    That placed me outside row 1 for the 2nd B main which would transfer 6 cars into the feature.   The track was great when we rolled out as it was black, smooth, and at least two wide.   I decided if the car inside got a good jump I'd try to fall in line and ride out the 15 laps, being cautious to just transfer.   At the green I dropped in behind and followed for a lap before deciding that I was fast enough to get by and lead.   So I jumped high coming off turn 4 and took the lead by the time we exited turn 2.   From there I never looked back and took the B main win.   This would allow me to line up 14th for the feature.  After driver introductions and a couple of 4-wide parade laps we were ready.   I was hoping I could pass on the outside as I knew everyone would be using the bottom.   Three wild starts all ended in early cautions and the last one ended in a large pile up of cars exiting turn four.   Hadn't even crossed the line yet.  Once we finally got to racing I was happy to ride until the rubbing and bumping subsided.   I was 13th on an early restart and after a few more I was into 7th.    Once into 7th I thought it was time to go so to the outside I went and began picking off cars.   Once into 6th I was all over 5th but he was running the middle and I couldn't find a way by.   The car in 4th came back to us and I used that car as a pick and passed them both on the outside in turns 1 & 2.  Once into 4th I began reeling in third and tried feeling out where he was running.   Figuring I would again have to go the long way I began setting up the pass.   It was harder than it looked!   I ended up having the put my LF just inches off high RR quarter panel and trust there was enough room off turn 2 to drive by.   There was and I was into third.   However the lead duo were about a straight way ahead of me and gaining ground was coming in inches instead of car lengths.   YELLOW!   Lined up outside on the restart and took 2nd by the time we hit the flag stand.   I was right with the leader but he was running the line I used to get up there.   So I had to begin searching for another line.   None were working out and I was about a car length behind.   With 2 to go there was another yellow and I chose the bottom.   Was able to get close and even pull up slightly alongside the leader but was only able to think about the pass.   A 2nd place finish, my best to date on the Wild West Tour!

Thanks Dad and Blake for their help this weekend.   I appreciate you guys making the LONG trip!!  
 
FRIDAY & SATURDAY JULY 6 & 7, Desert Thunder Raceway, Price, UT.
Headed out the door at 8:00am for Price Utah on Friday with just my mom and the dogs in tow.   No one else would be making the Friday trip, but Blake would join us on Saturday.  My goal for the weekend was to get this car to work or die trying.  I decided to make a change every time the car hit the track.   Hot lapping felt good but I adjusted the stagger for the heat.   Lined up 6th for my heat and ran 5th for most of it, not pushing it as they said all cars would transfer.   As I worked on making bar changes someone said, "well I guess we're both in the B huh Dan?"   WHAT??!!  They decided to run a B.   I would have run harder in the heat had I known.  Oh well, decided on 1 bar change and went to the B.   They watered and the top still had a cushion so I got the jump and moved high taking the high line to the win in the B.   Back in the pits I changed another bar angle and headed out for the A in the 13th starting position.   The car was good and so was the racing.   I was running well but wasn't moving up very fast.   For some reason I had passed cars, never been passed but on the first restart I was still 13th.  HUH?!   By the next restart I was up to about 8th.   Going into 3 on that restart I was still running 8th but the leader was just two car lengths in front of me.   We were 3 and 4 wide and you could probably throw a blanket over 10-12 cars.   Using the low, middle,  high, inside out, outside in, through the middle I was able to jockey up to 4th.  Slipped into the 3rd spot and finally into 2nd.   Once into 2nd the race went green for a while and I pressured the leader but couldn't get by.   Yellow.   With the leader out front, double file starts I had a decision to make.  High or low.   I chose high.  The green waved and I got a great run high just scraping the wall going into 1.   In hard and into the lead.   Coming off 4 the white was in the air.   Out of 2.......YELLOW!   Revert back to the last lap and I was back to 2nd.   Another choice to make.   Do I go high or low.   I decided to mix it up and give it a shot on the bottom.   Green high in the air and another great run had me door to door with the leader entering 1.   Out of two and into the lead with heavy pressure from behind.   White flag, noise from behind.   Do I run high, low, where?   I slid off 4 and the car went wide right up against the wall and across the line with the win!!   EXCITING!!!   Too bad mom was the only one who could be there as everyone has worked hard for that win.   We've struggled and that's no secret.   My first win in Utah and my 120th IMCA sanctioned win. 

Blake joined us on Saturday and we arrived at the track to see 28 cars in attendance.   One more than Friday.  Went out for hot laps and made a J-bar adjustment for the heat.   Started 10th needing to be 4th to transfer.   By 1/2 way I was up to 2nd and that's where I would stay.   I couldn't get a safe enough pass set up to take the lead so I stayed safe and transferred.   Lined up 12th for the feature and the car was GREAT!!!  By the way I did change another bar angle for the feature.  I was passing high and low and the racing was just as intense as cars were running everywhere.  FUN!!   Made it up to 4th and on the restart I was on the bottom of the 3rd row.   Got inside of both cars in row 2 but wasn't completely beside.   I showed I was there but hesitated and screwed myself up.   The car outside figured I had given up the line and we just grazed cutting my right front tire down.   I slid right up the track and stopped just before going off the cliff of death off turn 2.   In the pits several people from the Jet Lift Systems team came to our rescue when our impact quit working.   Back on the track in the 22nd or 23 spot.   OUCH!!  I was up to about 19th by the next yellow, then 14th.   On the next green flag run I was on fire.   Passing cars and running down the lead pack getting all the way up to 6th.   I was all over 5th but couldn't get by.   After trying the bottom I went to try high.   I set up to pass as we approached a lapped car who was running high.   Exiting turn two the 5th place car dropped low and hit a slick spot.   His car jumped a little more sideways than before and moved up the track just a touch.   I had already gone hard back to the gas and with only inches to spare, those inches were gone and I got into the back of him.   We both went spinning into the infield.   I kept the car running but couldn't get back onto the track as the pack was racing by.   When I finally got onto the track I look up and it is blocked with 6-8 heavily damaged race cars.   Seems the other car didn't spin into the infield and stop.   He hit the gas and came shooting straight up the track into traffic triggering a huge pile up.   I'll take the blame for the spin, but not for the wreck as we were both heading safely into the infield.   Of course I was called a "no driving mutha f$*@_%" that's to be expected.   Long story short, the race was called, reverted back a lap with the car remaining in 5th and me getting penalized back to 15th for spinning him.   He was later DQ'd in tech for dual ignition boxes and an adjustable box.   So trying to stay upbeat I (in a mellow fun way) argued that if he was DQ'd he wouldn't be in the results.........so what car did I spin?  the X01 car?.........well I don't see him in the results......so how can you spin a car that didn't count?   Shouldn't I get my spot back?   They, of course, didn't like my logic.  It was just in fun and I certainly don't want to make light of the accident.   It was a very serious one where several cars were hurt badly.   For that I'm sorry to see it happen to those drivers, I will take the blame for my part.   Congrats to Derek Kopp for his first ever win in a modified.   BMS cars swept the wins this weekend!  Way to go!

Thanks to Mom & Blake for their help and support this weekend!   Also a big thank you to Jet Lift Systems and Ken Hansen for the $100 tow money!   It came in handy today coming home. 
 
SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2007, Sweetwater Speedway, Rock Springs, WY.
This first ever trip to the state of Wyoming was with a skeleton crew as just Blake (and the dogs) could join for this trip.   We made it about 330 miles on Friday night before getting a room at the Super 8 in Nephi, UT.   The next morning we made the trip into Rock Springs and tried to check into my $99 (bargain) room.   They wouldn't let me check in as it wasn't exactly check in time so I let them charge my card to hold it for a late check in.   I had searched online and by phone and believe it or not the $99 was the cheapest I could find.   No idea why.   Arrived at the track by about 2:00pm local time (12 hours before I would leave) and found the gates cluttered with cars, trailers, and the like.   A tour record 63 modifieds were on hand which meant they would go to the toughest qualifying procedure.   8 heats winner only advances to the A.   OUCH!   With my extraordinary drawing prowess falling by the wayside these days, Christina Gallegos drew for me.   She drew outside row 2 for the 8th and final heat.   Hot laps were fun as I found that I had guessed the right gear (for once) and the high banked, fast track was really fun to drive on.   The stands are stadium style and make for a neat feel on the track.   The track had slicked off greatly by the time the heats rolled around and the wind coupled with the massive amounts of cars didn't help at all.   At the green I went in between the lead cars going into 1 only to slide up the track into the high line.   I diamonded the turn and shot low into turn 3.   The pole sitter got loose and spun down the track right in front of me.   Heavy braking but no yellow.   I was about 1/2 a straight behind the leader, but still in 2nd after fending off another car on the high side.   I moved up high and quickly moved up on the leader.   I knew I couldn't use the bottom of turns 3 & 4 so I followed hoping for a mistake.   Finally heading for the white, the leader got loose and I drove under him.   Door to door taking the white I stuck it in hard into turn 1 and slid up in front of him to take the lead.   Out of 2 I got a strong charge and held him off to the checked.   I TRANSFERRED WITHOUT RUNNING A B!!!!    I was starved so I went to get food as soon as I got out.   The pit stand was overwhelmed so I walked over to the spectator side.  While I was over there, they held the redraw so they had to draw for me.   They drew 3, inside row 2 for the feature.   About 3 hours later the feature rolled out.   The track was dry and very very dusty.    At the green I used the bottom to slip by the pole sitter and into 2nd.   The leader had started pulling away quickly on the outside so I quickly jumped up there and was able to stay close, but was losing a little every lap.   Stayed in 2nd the whole race, but with 5 to go my car began to push.   Not sure if my line changed because it was so hard to see or if the car just changed.   Maybe the track changed.   But I was struggling getting into the turn and on the last lap I lost 2nd to a slide job in turn 2.   But I still finished 3rd, my best ever in a tour race and with a record field of cars with cars from both the Wild West and the BST tours on hand.   GREAT JOB!!    Thanks Blake for the help this weekend, glad someone was able to make it!!  Solo would have sucked!   haha.
 
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2007, Thunder Mountain Speedway, Olathe, CO. 
With mom and Blake being able to get out of work early, we hit the road at 4:30pm towards Olathe, CO.   By 11:15 we were ready to stop so we stopped in Green River, UT.   After seeing the room we were back on the road to Grand Junction, CO.   At 12:40 we were nestled in at the Mesa Inn in Grand Junction.   Saturday morning was spent visiting with a few relatives on my mom's side of the family.   After that we went to check into the Super 8 in Montrose.   Found out upon checking in that the "pets allowed" on the internet booking site "shouldn't be there, but we haven't had it taken off yet."   So we called the Mesa Inn and they had rooms for Saturday night.   Cancel on the Super 8.  Hit the track pretty early and parked up against the fence overlooking the track from the end of turns 1 & 2.  Unbeknownst to us, Robert Gallegos had saved us a spot closer to the track exit.   Sorry Robert!   The track looked really small so I was glad I had put in a lot of gear.   Hot laps were interesting as the track was DRY DRY DRY!   However they watered again and that made the top really heavy and fast for the heats.   I lined up 5th for my heat and was able to finish 3rd, fighting a VERY tight car when trying to run the tacky top of the track.  That lined me up on the pole for the 3rd B needing another top 4 finish to advance.   I got the quick jump at the green and into the lead I went.   I was going in one groove off the bottom in 1, setting the car and turning across the ruts to come out low and shoot down the back stretch.   It was working well, however I was seeing a nose peek inside every once in a while.   A yellow waved with about 6 laps to go or so, which made me nervous.   Knowing the double file starts would put the field right on my bumper wanting that transfer spot.   I was able to thwart off one more peek to the inside and pulled off the B main win.   Lined up 15th for the A main and the track was now dry, slick, rutted, and in places still tacky.  Interesting to say the least.   On the first start a two car wreck on the back stretch caused a restart.  They watered the top and had us pack it in before the next start.   On the next restart a yellow waved and during the slow down the lights went off.   About 15-20 minutes later we took the green again.    Once we were finally racing, the race would go green to checkers.   Heavy battles early on with the 11X, and 11 cars found us all battling for every inch we could get.   A spinning car allowed me to sneak by the 11 car and into the 10th or 11th spot.   From there I slowly reeled in cars and picked them off, knowing that time was passing quickly.   With two to go I caught the battle for 5th, 6th, and 7th.   I wound up right with them at the checkers in the 8th spot.   Not a bad run all things considered.  

Thanks Mom, Blake, Robert and Holli for their help and assistance at the track this weekend.   I really appreciate the hard work and support!! 
 
SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2007 Desert Thunder Raceway, Price, Utah
Deciding between testing in Olathe, CO for next weekend's tour race and enjoying another IMCA sanctioned event in Utah, I opted for Utah.   The fact that it was about 160 miles closer didn't hurt either, not to mention getting tow money from Jet Lift Systems.   Thanks!!    The racing begins at 5:00, which is different from the usual 7:00-8:00 starts around here.   Lined up 8th in the heat race and raced to a 3rd place finish by the end of the race.   The car was pretty good, but I just didn't have a good forward shot off the turns.    Made a couple of changes for the feature and lined up 8th in the 15 car field.   At the green I moved up to 5th pretty quickly and was remaining there for the long green flag run that followed.   While working on 4th I was trying the bottom and finally ducked down enough that a car was able to sneak by on the outside.   Back to 6th when the yellow waved.  The double-file outlaw restart would be next.   I counted cars and realized that I would be on the inside.  Darn it.   The outside wasn't the place to be and I fell back exiting turn 2.   Fell back to about 8th before getting back to the top and picked off several cars.   Actually got  a nice bite off turn 2 and was able to shoot all the way up to 3rd.   From there I slowly reeled in the 2nd place car but just couldn't get by.   Fun battles, and a third place finish on the night.   Back to the drawing board.   Just doesn't seem like the RR is sticking very well right now.   Gotta try something else.   Congrats to Ryan Dimmick and Chase Hansen for their top 2 finishes.   Great job guys.   Also, thanks to everyone for their great hospitality.   Felt very welcomed at Desert Thunder Raceway.   Looks like we'll be back in July.  

Thanks Dad (out of retirement for the moment) and Blake for their help and support this weekend!
 
SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2007 Mohave Valley Raceway
It's tough to stay upbeat when things continue to be so out of whack.   Last year was too easy, it spoiled me.   Now I'm pulling my hair out and it's a wonder why my mom, Blake, and John continue to support my racing efforts, but they do.   The day started off with me getting up at 6:00am and working on changing the rear suspension over to a similar set up that I had in the "old" car.   Hoping that would work.   After changing it all and re-scaling the car, I headed inside.   Phone call.   Richard Petty Driving Experience, "hey, can you work today?.......'I have a race today......What time?.......I leave by 4:00.........ok we'll have you out of here in plenty of time.......when do I have to be there......class starts at 9:00.........it's already 8:40......I'm on my way.    Made it there by 8:55 and was in the car and on the track by 9:00am.   Gave rides until almost 2 and returned home where Blake and my mom had loaded the car and were ready to go.   Arrived at the track by 6:30, not realizing that they were starting at 8:00 now.   You'd think the guy who updates their web site would know this, but I didn't.   Lined up 5th in the heat and was into 2nd pretty quickly.   Last race the car was really hitting the rev limited so I took gear out.   This week it was bogging in the turns.   Got a run a couple of times but couldn't get by.   My last attempt was an outside move but as the leader swung the back of the car out it hit my left front sending me up the track.   Finished 2nd.   Lined up 10th in the main and in turn 3 on lap one I got caught in the middle and punted the 44 car into the infield.   1/2 expecting to get black flagged, I let up letting several cars by.   No black flag.   Got going and was up to 6th working the outside when I slid off the top of the track.   Rookie mistake #1.   Went back to last.    While working back to the front I got myself into another 3 wide situation and when the cars in front spun, I had no out.   WHAM!   Rookie mistake #2.  As I got going I noticed that some fluid was shooting out of the right front.   But it only happened when I hit the brakes.   Lovely, no brakes again.   Restarted at the back again and had moved by 3 cars quickly by using the less crowded outside.   Narrowly missed two spinning cars exiting turn 2.   Then the lights went out.   No really, they did.   Turns 1 & 2 went dark.   Red.    Out of the car and asked how many laps were left.   10 to go and I was back in about 12th maybe.   Although the lack of brakes sent me into the turn too hard several times and almost off the track again, I wound up in 7th.   I apologize to my family, crew, friends, and fans for such horrible perfomance this year.   I have no idea what my problem is.   Maybe I peaked last year and the rest is down hill from here.  Who knows.   I need some help, but don't know which way to go.  

Thanks Mom, Blake, and John for their help in the pits and to Brett & Carly for making the trip down to support from the stands.   And, as always, thanks to the "Dan Fans" at Mohave Valley!
 
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 26&27, Aztec Speedway
Our first race in the state of New Mexico started early Saturday morning as we headed from Gallup, NM to Aztec after pooping out during the drive there late Friday night (early Sat AM).  Arrived at the track by 1:00pm and spent the day taking in the sun and watching the cars roll in.   We spent some time gawking at the car pictured on the front page.   Fun car to look at.   The track was deceiving to look at as it was big and banked really well.   However, it also looked small at times as well.   Once on the track for packing and hot laps I realized we were in trouble.   It was smaller than anticipated and I was under geared.   I hoped the track would dry out and ease the problem, but it really didn't.   Lined up 3rd row for my heat and going into turn 1 I was whacked pretty hard in the left rear going into turn 1.   The car began to vibrate and a lap later the J-bar broke sending the driveline into the frame breaking it in two.   I coasted in and everyone went to work fixing the car.   Dad found another J-Bar in the Baisch pits while John and Blake went to work on the rear suspension.   We changed a few swedge tube and a few heim joints as well as the driveline and J-bar.   So with just a couple of laps of racing under my belt I went into the B main needing to run 4th or better to transfer.   I started 9th and went into the transfer spot early with a low move coming off turn 2.   I got up as high as 2nd and a good restart had me ducking inside for the lead.    It got a little close entering turn 1 and I had second thoughts and backed off.   What's better, transferring or winning the B?   I decided to transfer so I packed up and eventually was passed on the high side for 2nd.   But 3rd got me into the A, that's what mattered.   With the car lugging badly and not much time, we decided to change jets.   Lined up 21st for the feature, 30 laps.   The car was great on the bottom and I was moving up steadily until finally reaching the top 10.   Battled with a few cars for the 10th spot before moving by.    A few laps later I was pressuring for 6th.    Finally got by the 6th place car and found myself quite a ways behind the lead pack.   However their side by side battling allowed me to close and I was right behind when the yellow waved on lap 28.   A botched restart where lapped cars were mistakenly put in front of me saw me on the outside for the start.   One of the lapped cars pushed up into me and as he did two cars slipped by.   I wound up sandwiched between two other cars damaging the front end.   I nursed the car home over those final laps to an 8th after being as high as 6th.  

Sunday was spent at the car wash and working on the car in the parking lot of the Super 8.   John and Blake worked hard to get the gears changed.   Although it wasn't the number we wanted in the car, it was more than what we had.   Got to the track around 4:00 and boy was it WET!   It took a LONG LONG time for the cars to pack it in and it was quite slick still when we hot lapped.   After watching another car slide up and into the fence, I pulled off of hot lapping quickly.   Lined up 8th for my heat and made a move to slip into 5th only to get bottled up and shuffled back.   I got my butt handed to me and finished a lowly 7th in the heat.   That relegated me to the B AGAIN!   Starting 9th I noticed that the track was REALLY drying out.    I really moved up quickly and was into the 5th spot when a yellow waved early.   At the green I slipped by 4th and into the transfer.   A restart later put me into 3rd and I was actually pretty close to the leader.   However as the race went on the car wasn't very good and it just seemed slow.   Turns out a plug wire came off and the car was on 7 cylinders.   But I did transfer to start 20th in the main.   Changed a few things for the feature and was ready to go.   The grooves were against the fence high or chugging the very bottom low.   Starting high I decided I would stay there early.   That lasted about 2 turns as the top and bottom were so crowded that I decided to work the middle.   Passed a few cars there and began picking them off one by one.   It was tough getting by as the middle was slick and there was some bite high and low.   But I was managing and having a great time.   As we went by the scoring pylon I noticed that the 3 was in 10th and he was right in front of me.   GREAT!   Not too fast as the brake pedal promptly went to the floor.   OH NO!   I drove the next two laps trying to see what I had.   Turns out I had just a little bit of rear brake.  A brake line had broken and released the pressure in the system.   Went back to work with what I had and actually passed for 10th.   Yellow.   Stayed in 10th for the next few laps and with 28 laps on the board the yellow waved again.   I restarted in 10th and with the leader out front alone, that placed me on the inside for the restart.   I got into turn 1 a little hard without the brakes but managed to hold onto it and grabbed a spot.   Out of 4 for the white I grabbed another spot.   Out of 4 for the checkered I slipped by another 2 and into the 6th spot for the night.    FUN!!   Wish I had brakes though as the car was good and the track was slick, just like I like it.   ☺

Thanks Blake, John, and Dad for their help.   Also thanks to Tess, Steve, and Dean for coming out and checking out the races.    Finally, thanks Don Baisch for having the J-Bar we needed!!  
 
AZTEC MAIN EVENT May 26th

1)#3 Chad Burson
2)#75B Jeep Berry WWMT
3)#87J Jerry Harpole
4)#13T Chad Tenski
5)#WW1 Ricky Alvarado WWMT
6)#98 Kevin Brown
7)#11X Craig Nelson WWMT
8)#87N Dan Fitzgerald WWMT
9)#22X Dennis Durmas WWMT
10)#5J James Tabet
11)#24R Regan Tafoya WWMT
12)#11 Robert Gallegos WWMT
13)#11H Russ Hammell WWMT
14)#511 Derek Kopp WWMT
15)#72H Harvey Howard WWMT
16)#24 Zane DeVilbiss
17)#31F Charlie Felker
18)#22D Ryan Dimick WWMT
19)#22 Frank Powell Jr.
20)#96M Mickey Stubbings WWMT
21)#111 Danny Bradford
22)#20C Chase Hansen DNF Mechanical WWMT
23)#23 Wayne Soares DNF
24)#16 Aaron Spangler DNF WWMT
 		 AZTEC A-MAIN MAY 27th

1)#75B Jeep Berry WWMT
2)#24 Zane DeVilbiss
3)#16 Aaron Spangler WWMT
4)#WW1 Ricky Alvarado WWMT
5)#511 Derek Kopp WWMT
6)#87N Dan Fitzgerald WWMT
7)#24R Regan Tafoya WWMT
8)#111 Danny Bradford
9)#110 Tyrone Yazzie WWMT
10)#77X Troy Treharn
11)#98 Kevin Brown
12)#72H Harvey Howard WWMT
13)#22X Dennis Durmas WWMT
14)#22 Frank Powell Jr.
15)#11X Craig Nelson WWMT
16)#23 Wayne Soares
17)#11 Robert Gallegos WWMT
18)#29S Don Baisch WWMT
19)#13T Chad Tenski
20)#57 Frankie Hendershot
21)#3 Chad Burson
22)#13 Richard Gordon WWMT
23)#87J Jerry Harpole
24)#5M Mike Magee WWMT
 
SATURDAY, May 19, Mohave Valley Raceway, Ft. Mohave, AZ.
Pulling into Mohave Valley Raceway after almost a two-month absence felt a little strange.   I felt like a stranger or a visitor at the track.    But things got right into action with packing the track.   We've been spoiled on the tour as the tracks have been a little more dry.   Mom and Blake had quite the work out getting the car cleaned between events as the track was pretty heavy / wet early.  I, of course, lined up 7th of 7 in heat number 3.   At the green, I was surprised at how good the car felt.   I have struggled with the car at Mohave all year with it being either too tight or too loose.   Well tonight it was great.   The car was turning, pointing, and going wherever I wanted it to go.   While the car was good, the track wasn't all that wide yet.   I struggled to get by a couple of cars as racing room was at a premium.   When a yellow waved, I was up to 5th and at the green I sliced and diced my way up to the 3rd spot.   The leaders were battling slightly ahead of me and their battling door to door allowed me to catch them quickly.   I had a run on the outside of 2nd but wasn't quite there to take the spot when he moved up.   Settling back into third I was stuck as they were side by side.   Going into three I went in high and got the car turned quickly and darted low coming off turn 4.   We were three wide across the line but I remained in third.  

A couple of adjustments for the main, wish I had done one more though.   Lined up 12th in the 20 or 22 car field.   The racing was good at the start, caution free for several laps and I finally decided to run low.   I was good up top but several cars were running there already.   Slowly but surely I was picking off cars and was up to 7th at the first caution.   Finally got into the 5th spot but was quite a ways back from the lead pack.   Yellow.   At the green I was able to move up to the third position, but running low I was wishing I had put a little bit more tweaking into the set up.  The last restart found me third and running right with the leaders.   Just as I settled in to work on the leaders, WHITE FLAG!  WHAT?!   I cannot believe the race went by that fast.   Maybe I'm used to the 30 lap tour races, or maybe I'm just getting old and losing track of time.   Heck maybe I'm not taking the racing as serious, but I was shocked that I had run out of time.   Third isn't too bad coming from 12th.   The car is in one piece and ready for the tour rounds 4 & 5 this coming weekend.  

Thanks Mom, Dad, and Blake for their continued support with the racing this season.   Couldn't and wouldn't do it without you guys.  

 
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, May 4 & 5, Desert Thunder Raceway, Price, Utah
The 'tour'iffic season that is 2007 continued down the road, this time stopping in Price, Utah for the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the Wild West Modified Tour.   The first night at the track was an unusual one indeed as rain, rain, and cold blustery temperatures descended on us most of the afternoon and into the evening.   The track is banked very high in turns 1 & 2 and a little less in turns 3 & 4.   During hot laps the car was on fire.   I followed some locals for a lap or two before heading top side and passing them all.   The car felt great, sounded great, and even looked great in the new blue scheme.   I drew an outside row 2 start for the 2nd heat race and at the green I made it three wide by going outside and took the lead exiting turn 2.   Two laps later I was passed on the inside and I changed my line to fight back.   With two laps to go I made a pass for the lead and won my first tour heat race.   Following a couple of hours of waiting out the sprinkles and the B features, we hit the track.   I lined up 4th again after the redraw.   At the green I was too easy into 1 and fell back to 7th.   I then turned up the wick and flew topside to regain a couple of spots.   The track was incredibly fast and the groove was high, high, high.   While I was able to hang with the leaders, I was slowly losing ground.   In the closing laps I could pressure for third here and there but really stalled out in 4th, where I started, and where I would finish.  

Saturday called for an 80% chance of rain/snow so we were prepared for the worst.   We didn't get moisture, but we got WIND and WIND from the North which was COLD!   Again the trailer heater was at full song.   In hot laps the car was good and the track was slick compared to the previous day.   I lined up inside row 4 for the heat and moved up a row when one car didn't show.   On the 2nd restart I ducked low after the green and raced by the car inside row 2 and into 3rd.   Yellow.   I was stopped and admonished for jumping the start!   I was told I 'dropped down before the cone'.   I waited until after the cone, but oh well.  To the rear I went.   After 6 laps I had moved into third, one away from the transfer.   Suddenly a tap from behind sent me into a half spin and into the infield.   The rules are one yellow and you are done so I had to fight it and kept going.   Fell only back to 5th which was amazing in itself, but nothing was done to the offending driver.   Oh well, to the B main I went.   Lined up 4th in the B and raced  into 2nd quickly.   The car was good but I really didn't feel like pushing the issue as transferring was most important.   I rode around those final 14 laps in 2nd and transferred to the 17th starting spot in the feature.    At the green of the feature the car was a rocket.   I was passing cars left and right and having a great time.   The double file restarts made it interesting as my car worked best low in 3 & 4 and a groove off the bottom in 1 & 2.   At times I was stuck on the bottom and at times I was stuck up top.   But I made it work and worked up to 7th when I hit the lead pack battling side by side.   With nowhere to go I was trying to make something work.   I had just passed two cars and into 5th when the yellow waved putting me back.   Bummer!   On the final restart I got bottled up behind some cars really bumping and grinding for position and fell back.   However a furious charge over the remaining 5 laps yielded us a 5th place finish.   I had just caught the battle for 3rd when the checkers waved.   Two great top 5 finishes and a great team effort for the weekend.   I'm really enjoying the challenge of these tour races as it's tough just to make the show.   But two runs so far, one from 16th to 4th and this one from 17th to 5th speak volumes for how we are running.  Sure we aren't winning, but the competition is so thick compared to weekly shows at home tracks.    Great times!! 

 
SATURDAY, April 21, 2007 Diamond Mountain Speedway, Vernal, Utah
After work on Friday I made the last minute decision to ready the car and head to the Wild West Tour opener in Vernal, Utah.   Scaled the car, buttoned everything up, loaded and hit the road with mom, dad, and Blake at around 5:30pm.   At 2:00am on Saturday we found a hotel room near Price, Utah.   Got a few, yes a few, hours of rest and hit the road for Vernal.   Through the mountains we encountered a little snow, but we made it to the track in plenty of time.   A stout 55 car field of modifieds filled the pits, we were the only ones from Nevada though.   The track was listed as a 3/8, MAYBE around the outermost portion.   Imagine racing around in your toilet bowl.   Almost 100% round and steeply banked.   I was worried about gearing, but gearing isn't the story at Diamond Mountain Speedway, it's SET UP!   We were decent in hot laps and decided to give it a shot in the heat.   I drew 159, placing me 8th of 9 in heat 2.   Needing a top 2 to transfer I made it up to about 5th before stalling out and struggling to a 6th.   The car wasn't good.   Changed almost everything, except the steering wheel and the driver, before the B main.   I lined up 8th needing to run 4th or better in the 15 lapper.   At the green I went in high and as the cars slid up, I cut back and come out of 2 low.   Moved up 2 spots, the next lap I picked off 5th and then slipped by 4th a lap later.   The car was better.   In fact I was able to drive by two other cars and wound up a safe 2nd.   I was probably good enough to contend for the win, but transferring is the key so I stayed safe and made the main.   One more change for the feature and we were lined up.   It was kind of cool to be part of history as we lined up for the 1st ever A main for the Wild West Tour.   I had a tall task in front of me as I lined up in the 16th spot for the 30 lapper.   At the green I was caught in the middle and moved up a couple of spots before ducking low and making up some ground quickly.   In fact I was 11th by the first caution.   By 1/2 way I was knocking on the door for 5th place, the car was working great.   Was faster than the car in front of me and working on him when the final yellow waved with about 10 to go.  The double file, leader out front, restart bottled me up on the outside and it took me a lap or two to battle back to the low groove the car wanted.   Once in that groove, I moved into 4th.   By that time the lead trio was about a straightaway ahead.   Slowly I ran them down and was right there fighting for third when the checkered waved.   A great 4th place finish on a tough track with a great field of drivers.   Thanks Mom, Dad and Blake for their help this weekend.    Also thanks for Jody, Kim, Robert, Kelly, Jerry, and CJ for making the trip to watch the races.   I appreciate the support.  
 
SATURDAY, March 31, 2007 Mohave Valley Raceway
April Fool's!!   I had a great time at Mohave on Saturday night.   The weather was perfect and the racing was intense.   Made you glad to be alive and able to do what you love doing, racing.   Lined up 6th in my heat and immediately fell back to last on the first set of turns as I slipped off the track.   From there I battled back from 8th to 3rd and had caught the lead duo just as the checkered waved.   A great run and the car was on a rail.   They didn't limit the feature to 20 cars this week so all 23 were on the board.   I was lined up in the 9th spot.   The track was quite dusty but surprisingly there was some good bite available, if you looked.   I survived the first few laps as cars were everywhere.   Finally on a single file start I decided to take it to the outside groove and boy did it work.   Once the cars in front of me showed me their line I was able to drive by most of the field on the outside until I reached the top 5.   A great race slicing and dicing at times just inches from disaster.   A terrible wreck on the back stretch literally distroyed two race cars and sent Jeff Sheppard Jr to the hospital with serious back pain.   We all wish Jeff the best and if anyone knows his condition, please let me know.   dfr87n@yahoo.com .   Thanks!   Back to racing it got tougher as the top 4 were all on the top.   Tried the bottom and almost wiped out 3rd place as someone had hit a puddle which made the bottom slick as ice.  Recovered without losing a spot and again set sail on the leaders.   A brief moment of puckering came as we went 4 wide in turns 1 & 2 with me on the far outside.   Somehow we made it.   Finally made the pass for 3rd but that was as far as I could get as the leaders were on the top and there was nothing on the bottom to find a way around.   I was there, waiting for a shot, but it never came.   A great night and another awesome finish.   The racing around here is so competitive and exciting these days.   Congrats to Rick for the win, the 5th different winner in 5 races this season.  AWESOME!!  
 
SATURDAY, March 24, 2007 Pahrump Valley Speedway
Believe it or not but the teachers at school decided that SATURDAY would be a great time to meet for some training.   YUCK!   Worked from 9 to 1 at school, headed home and high tailed it over the hump to Pahrump.   Some of my friends and competitors from Northern Nevada have been making the trek to Pahrump for the early races and it was nice to see them all there again.   I lined up outside row 2 for the heat and was into 3rd early.   The track was tacky and rough which was tough to drive on.   I searched for a smooth spot and just didn't get anywhere.   However as the race went on I did catch up to the leaders and the top 4 of us where right together when the checkered waved.   I was 4th.   The line up for the main actually placed me inside row 2, which was incorrect.   I should have been 10th.   I let everyone know and even did the "correct" line up for them based on the rules.   After quite a bit of discussion, the drivers decided to line up with "my" line up.   So I was in 10th.   Honesty is best, but it probably hurt my chances at a win.  At the green I used the outside to move up a spot or two only to have the yellow wave.    Bummer.   Once racing began I was just biding my time and was up to 7th, then 6th, and eventually into 5th.   Once in 5th, there was quite a battle going on in front and it was tough to find room to get by.   The huge tractor tires make it intimidating to pass low.   Hit one of those and I doubt it would move.   4th place got loose coming off turn 2 and I squeaked by on the outside.  Once into 4th I realized that 3rd had a flat LF.   He was doing fine on it until it finally came off the bead.   When it did, he pushed high in turn 3 and into 3rd I went.   The lead duo were putting on a heck of a show but with them side by side I could only watch and wait.   There wasn't a third groove.   A red flag with 4 to go set up a dash for the finish.   At the start I got along side 2nd only to lose the spot coming out of turn 2.   Coming into turn 2 with 2 to go I sneaked inside the 2nd place car and held  the spot as we took the white.   I was a few cars behind the leader but gained that up as he pushed slightly into turn 3.   I ran out of time as we raced to the line with me in the runner-up spot.   A great race........maybe I should stop worrying about the line up??   naaa, honesty is best.  

Thanks Mom, Blake, Kelly, and Jerry for their help in the pits this weekend!!
 
SATURDAY, March 17, 2007 Mohave Valley Raceway
I really need to thank Blake for all his hard work these last two weeks.   At times neither of us knew what the heck we were doing and I'm not always the most pleasant when I'm frustrated, but he stuck with it and boy did things get accomplished.   Also a big thank you to Jerry Buesig Sr for his guidance as well as Winner's Circle at the Speedway for their great work fixing the frame.  

As I drove onto the track for wheel packing I was excited to be back.   The "Dan Fans" were just as excited as they waved from the fence line.   It felt good.   Lined up 5th in the first heat race and things heated up quickly as the cars in front of me were getting together before we passed the flag stand.   Yellow.   On the restart I moved up quickly and was in 2nd by the next yellow flag.   On the restart I followed the leader and drove in hard on the outside of turn 3.   The leader pushed up so I crossed over and into the lead I went.   The car was hooked up a little too much and was carrying the LF quite a bit.   It was a handful to drive but the harder I drove it, the better it went.   It felt great to win that heat race.   I was pleased.   Lined up 10th in the 20 car feature after a B main filled the final 2 spots for the main event.   An exciting first lap was negated by a yellow flag so we realigned and got the green again.   I started on the outside so I stayed high to start the race.   I wanted so badly to just finish with a car that was still in working condition.   We need rest!!  Carefully I started and that lasted all of two sets of turns when I found myself 3 or 4 wide entering turn 3 with someone leaning on me hard.   I shot the middle and came out in the 6th or 7th spot and set my sights on the rest of the field.   Moving to the outside allowed me to move past a couple of cars and my final outside groove pass put me into the 4th spot.   From there I had to begin working the bottom as the top 3 were all on the top.   Into 3rd using the bottom and then side by side for the 2nd spot for several laps before finally pulling ahead.   Once into 2nd I was using a combination of the top and the bottom to work on the leader.    Knowing he wouldn't give up the top as he was very quick up there I figured it was the bottom or bust.   This year I am trying to just go for it a little more.   To quote an old song, "if you ain't in it to win, then get the (heck) out."  So I was going to die trying.   I was able to work door to door with the leader for several laps, but didn't have what it took to get by.   I was regretting not making a change to tighten the car some.   But I was living with it and doing all I could.   Lapped traffic hurt me as they were on the bottom / middle lane.   Coming into turn 3 on lap 18 I was about 4 cars behind the leader.   Into 4, white in the air.   The leader is up high and begins sliding off the top of the track.   He had jumped the cushion and I scooted by and into the lead.   Just one lap to go.   Out of 2 my whole body began to get chills.  I was so excited.   Carefully into 3, out of 4 and into victory lane.   It was a combination of hard work, determination, and the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick's Day.    Whatever it was, it felt great.  

Thanks Blake and Mom for their help in the pits this weekend.   While we wouldn't have made the quickest pit stop this weekend, we still made a great team!   Way to go!!
 
SATURDAY, March 3, 2007 Mohave Valley Raceway
Damn the racing Gods I tell ya.   Just when me and the car are starting to get to an understanding of what we both need, this happens.   The car was fast and I was excited.   Lined up 5th in the heat and a car was smoking heavily at the front.   Going into turn 3 the track went dark due to the heavy smoke from the front.   A car slowed and I couldn't see anything, WHAM!   I tried letting him get back going and he had a flat LR.   Struggled to get by him as I hit the wall AGAIN!   There was a 2 foot strip next to the wall that was still standing water and not packed.  WHOOPS!   I had fallen way behind and was in danger of running the B main as 28 cars were there fighting for 20 spots.   Finally got clear and ran down the other cars.   On a restart a few laps later I slipped under the 2nd place car and the next lap I flew into the lead on the outside.   I could drive the car in so hard it was scary.   It was flying.   The yellow waved and I could only finish 2nd in the heat as I had to go back behind and there was only 2 laps remaining.   I was up to his door at the checkered.   Lined up 12th for the feature and was biding my time waiting for things to sort out.  There was a spin and a single file restart.   I went high as did a couple others.   Something happened up front and everyone slowed and started bottling up.   I went high to avoid another car, clipped his RR and then hit the standing water against the wall.   It sucked me right into the wall and up it as well.   The car reared up and actually broke a chunk out of the wall while taking out a fence post at the bottom.   I slid down the wall before coming to a stop.   A few seconds later I got hit from behind lifting the rear wheels off the ground.   The car was tore up!   The right front suspension was ripped off the car completely and the rear suspension took a pounding as well.   Bars are bent and the sheet metal is not in great shape either.   It's sickening.   It's also the first time I've finished dead last in a feature event in a VERY long time.   We are taking this weekend off so I can work after the Busch race, but we're going to need that time, if not more, to get things fixed.   The car is fast, now I just need to get this bad luck stuff to go away.   Rear bumper #4 is toasted!  Dammit!  
 
SATURDAY, February 24, 2007 The Pahrump Valley Speedway
Whew!   What a day.   We finished the vinyl on Tracy Greenwood's car from 6am to 10am on Saturday and then got ready to head over the hump to Pahrump.   It was an earlier start than normal and a good field of 18 modifieds greeted us for the season opener.   I drew 45, Kelly's car number, for my line up and that placed me in the 4th spot for my heat.   The track was fast and a little bumpy (as can be expected on opening night) which made it tough for me in the turns.   I caught a rut a couple of times and it sent me sailing towards the fence.   Wound up racing to a 2nd place finish in the heat race.   For the feature I was placed into the 14th starting position.   YIKES!   The track was drying out and there was still a spot here and there with a little bit of moisture.  Starting on the outside I was ready to use that line for a while until I could get to the bottom.   The green waved and it was 2 and three wide racing throughout the pack.   WILD!   Dust, cars, engine noise, it was exciting.   A spin going into turn 3 right in front of me had me on the binders looking for a way around.  WHAM from behind.   New rear bumper #3 needed already!   Managed to miss the spinning racer and lined up for the restart.   Was using the outside at the green to move up and was up to about 10th by the next caution.   The caution plagued race made passing difficult but during each yellow I was up a spot or two.   Got up to about 5th and then picked up a push which caused me to lose ground.   Got shuffled back and was getting a little frustrated.   Had a little talk with myself under caution, checked out the track and decided what I needed to do to get the car around the track better.   Slowly but surely I was able to get inside cars and move by.   Once into the 4th spot I got a little lucky.   The 2nd and 3rd place car got together sending 2nd into a spin.   Under that caution the leader had a rear suspension failure so that put me into 2nd on the next restart.   I pressured for the lead but wasn't getting the job done.   Yellow.   Next restart I was in good position and working my way into a position to pass when the leader lost it in front of me.   WHAM from behind as we were in a big battle for the lead.   I wack the leader hard as he is going around.   In fact I had tire marks on the nose piece of my car as his car was on top of mine momentarily.   Still kept going in the 2nd spot as 3rd slipped by.   Yellow.   Restored to the lead as I had nothing to do with the leader's spin.   Final restart.   Got a decent start and pulled to a couple of car length lead.   White flag in the air.   I have to admit the last lap of last week was lingering.   Would I make this final lap.   Into 3, easy, easy, off 4, got the car headed straight and stood on the gas.   Checked flag!  WHEW!  

Thanks Mom, Dad, Blake, Jerry, Kelly, Carly and Brett for their help and support this weekend.   AWESOME job everyone!!
 
SATURDAY, February 17, 2007 Mohave Valley Raceway
What a night of racing.   The track conditions have been near perfect each night so far so I can't wait to get back down to Mohave Valley Raceway for the next night of racing.   Wish it was today!    We met up with long trip sponsors Dick & Joyce Eisele from Grinnell, IA at the track, their first visit to see me race on my 'turf'.   Lined up inside row 3 for the heat race but moved up a row when the 2nd row car encountered problems.   I jumped into 2nd pretty quickly and found early that I had a push going into the turns.   Turns out I had the brake bias still adjusted to the dry conditions for Canyon the previous weekend.   So down the straights I was trying to turn the bias to get it to the rear.   Wound up dropping a spot and once in third I finally got the brakes adjusted.   Slipped by 2nd and was right with the leader.    Couldn't get a good enough run to get along side so I began going in higher and trying to diamond off the turns.   Finally managed it perfectly coming off turn 4 and was side by side with the leader entering 1.   Took the lead and finished out the race for the win.    Feeling great and pleased with the car, we lined up 9th for the feature.   Last season I raced at tracks where the features were at least 30 laps, sometimes even 40.    But at MVR the feature is only 20.   That leaves no time for dilly dallying around.   Was up to 7th on the 1st lap and then the yellow flag bug began to bite the field.   I wound up passing the car in front of me 4 or 5 different times before it finally stuck.   Each time the yellow would come out and I would get put back.   In fact during one run I flew by a line of cars on the outside going from 7th to 4th.   This time the red flag waved for a huge melee on the front stretch.   Luckily no one was injured.   Back to racing I got into the high line and began to pick off cars.    Finally cleared traffic and was running 3rd, right behind the lead duo.   They were just as fast as me so I was having some trouble going anywhere.   Never liking to follow, I began adjusting my line.   Lapped traffic.   Approaching a lapped car the 2nd place car hit a slick spot and shot up the track.   I wrestled the car off the top and rocketed to the bottom.   Into 2nd and wham, right into the back of the lapped car as he dove back down the track.   I jumped back to the top and around the car in turn 3.   Yellow.   Back to racing I was again in the dilemma of not being as fast as the car in front.   He began to put some distance on me so I began to adjust my line.   It worked!   I was reeling him in and finally on lap 18 I pushed ahead down the back stretch as he slipped up the track.   Off 4 and taking the white flag I could hear the 2nd place car, he was there.    Out of 2, into 3, contact from behind.   My car wiggled, the pushed.   As I fought for control the 2nd place car turned away from me and got inside.   Off 4 we were side by side.   The win would be decided by about 6 inches.   I came up short.   Bummer!!    But it was a great race, I did everything I could.   Just didn't want it enough I guess.    Next time I'll want it more, you can count on that.   

Thanks Mom, Dad, Blake, Dick & Joyce, and John for their help and support this weekend.   
 
SATURDAY, February 10, 2007 Canyon Raceway
Our 3rd event weekend for 2007 found us at our 3rd different track.   Everyone asked us if we were lost, if we knew it was not IMCA, if we were crazy, etc.    Barnett allows roller cams, rear spoilers, and still run the old American Racer tires.   I had none of that.   Instead I had my IMCA legal racer and was looking for some fun.  Yes I knew I was over matched, but I was going to tough it out anyway.   Drew the pole for the heat race and led two laps before a car powered by on the inside.   I dropped to the bottom and had another car slip by outside on the next lap.   With just two to go I finally lost the 3rd spot, but held on for 4th in the 7 car event.   Still stayed with the leader but wished I had a little more gear, I had chosen a little too small of a gear number for the weekend.   They decided to start all cars in the A, otherwise I would have started outside front row for the B.   That placed me 14th in the A main and the track had slicked over greatly, which would have helped with the gearing had the track not slowed so much.   At the green a car slid up and almost stopped in front of me dropping me back a spot or two, but I got back going and slipped by a couple and as each yellow flag waved, I found myself 1 or two spots closer to the front each time.   Running 9th on about lap 10 a red was waved as a corner worker was struck by another racer.   The red lasted quite a while as paramedics worked on the worker and the helicopter landed on the back stretch.   After the copter lifted off we were back to racing.   I was quicker than the car in front but couldn't get the car going well enough off the turn.  The slowing in the turns was creating a bog or a lag in the motor.   On a restart, however, the cars in front got together.   We all scrambled to get by.   I was able to maneuver my way up to the 6th spot.   Soon after getting up to 6th the car began to push and I started to adjust the brake bias.   Went a little too far and started to slip up off the bottom.  That allowed the train to "choo-choo" on by.   I fell all the way back to 10th in the final few laps, but managed to fight for and hang on to that 10th position.   All in all, not too bad in the 26 car field.   

Thanks Mom, Dad, Blake, Carly and Brett for their help and support this weekend!!  
 
SATURDAY, February 3, 2007 Mohave Valley Raceway
We had been working on getting the new Gimp.TV vinyl wrap on the car since Thursday night and finally tied up all the loose ends by Saturday at noon.   Loaded up, got cleaned up and hit the road to Mohave Valley Raceway.   I drew #71 and that lined me up 6th of 8 in heat 3.   On the first green they didn't realize that I driveline was sitting in the middle of turn 2.   I knew it was dangerous if it was to get flipped up so I layed back not wanting that to come flying up at the car when someone hit it.   I fell back a bit but cars tangled in turn 3 so the yellow waved early.   Lined up 5th on the restart and bagan to make my way to the front.   It was an incredibly fast heat race and I used the outside to move into 4th, then 3rd.   On the restart I noticed that my car was running through the clutch as I got up to speed.   It was like I was riding the clutch for a bit.   Concern.  With a few laps to go the top 3 were running in a tight pack and 2nd went outside the leader, I went too but the two made contact sending the former leader into a 1/2 spin.   I jammed on the binders only to brush the rear bumper of the car sending him more sideways.   I waited briefly as he gathered it up and hit the car as he did.   He bobbled again and a slight bump from me sent him up the track.   I got into 2nd but was about 10 cars behind the leader which is where I would finish.     We had to redraw for the main and I drew 10th best of the 12 drivers drawing.   The main event began with a 4-wide salute to the fans in honor of Don Glover.   If the clutch problem wasn't good enough, my brakes went south.   It felt like the fronts were gone so I dialed in all the rear I could to hopefully get some brake.  As the green waved I was able to move up a few spots only to have it negated by a yellow flag and a complete restart.   On the restart I was still holding my own but noticed that the clutch was becoming a real problem.   It was taking longer and longer for the car to get up to speed.   As long as the green stayed out I was good.   Battling for 5th we went three wide out of two when the outside car came down, the inside car came down on me and wham I went sliding into the infield.   Yellow.   I exited the track to check for repairs.   No damage, so I rejoined the field at the end of the long 22 car line.   At the next green cars piled up in turn 1 and I had to fly off the track to avoid it without having great brakes.   Again joined the tail of the field and began picking off cars.   Many yellow waved and each time they did I was further up the field.   Finally I broke into the top 10 and although it was taking about a full lap for the car to get going on restarts I was able to run with the lead pack.   As we took the white I was in 8th, in the huge lead pack.   Coming out of two I was up to 6th and as the checkered waved I was 4th.   A great finish considering the challenges we had today.   A ton of fun.    Thanks Mom, Dad, Blake, Jerry, Kelly, John, Carly, Brett, Rick & Cindy for their help and support.   Also a huge thanks to the Mohave Valley "Dan Fans" as they were really cheering me on out there.   I stepped from the car to a huge ovation from my Mohave Valley faithful.   Thanks!    
 
Sunday, January 14, 2007 West Valley Speedway
After an early dinner and a late arrival of Kelly and Carly to the hotel, we had a good night's sleep before having breakfast in rodeo king Cody Custer's restaurant in Wickenburg, AZ.   Headed to the track about 9:30 and began going over the car and everyone went to work washing it up.   Even in the freezing cold, no one batted an eye and just got to work.  Thanks guys!    The 2nd day was to be inverted by point average so it was no surprise to see that I was lined up 8th of 8 in heat 1.   At the green I made a move high and turned to duck inside another car when I realized I would be the 4th in 4 wide and backed out as the track was narrowing quickly.   Slowly picked off cars until making my way up to 4th.   Passed for 3rd only to have it negated by a yellow.   I figured that had shown my high line so I expected to have to find another way around.   However on the restart they all went low again.  So again I went by into 3rd high.   Yellow.  UGH!   Finally made the outside pass stick for good and two laps later I had moved by 2nd on the outer edge.   With two laps to go I was setting up the leader for another outside pass in turn 2.   Side by side into 3 and into the lead as the white waved.   Led that final lap for the heat win.    The 10 car invert found me 9th in the starting field.    At the green I was using outside, inside and middle of the track grooves to move up.    Had moved up to 4th pretty quickly and took third not too long after.    Was about 5-6 car lengths behind the lead duo and reeled them in before slipping under and into the 2nd spot.   With 5 laps to go I was right there fighting for the lead, just looking for that extra push to get by.   On a restart I was tired of following so I went high.   Managed to pull alongside the leader but 3 and 4 weren't as good so I fell back to third.   Still fighting hard they yellow waved.   The car dies!   Nothing.   Pulled off the track and tried refiring, but nothing.   I was out of the race.    Bummer for that, but great racing all weekend.   We are ready to fight for feature wins again in 2007!    Thanks to everyone for their help and support this weekend. 
 
Saturday, January 13, 2007 West Valley Speedway
Our 2007 season preparations were finished in time so we decided to hit a show near Phoenix in order to race in one of our sponsors' (Gill Racing Wheels) home area.    A recent cold spell in the Las Vegas area had us wake up to 19 degree weather early Saturday morning.    Along the way to the track the temperatures dipped to a low of 10 degree and it was a balmy 37 degrees when we hit the track entrance.   We were about 10 minutes later than expected to the track as we accidentally went to the wrong entrance and momentarily signed up to drag race at the NHRA track.   Whoops!    Went out to pack in the track and found that the straights were very long.   It reminded me of Winnemucca Regional Raceway only with about twice the straight away length.  After hot laps I found that we were over geared.   But we had a rev limiting chip in the box so we were just going to stick it out.   Lined up inside row 2 for the heat race and was into 2nd pretty quickly before slipping under the leader just before 1/2 way.    Although a yellow fell with a few to go, I was able to hold on to the win in the heat race.   The top 12 from the heats redrew and I managed to pull out the number 2 pill.   That lined me up outside row 1 for the heat race.    The early season tracks are tough to prep and this one was a little on the rough side.   To make matters worse I had just tried a softer spring package on the front so that made matters even worse.   But enough of that, onto the race.   At the green we were door to door down the front stretch and side by side entering turn 1.   Catching the ruts just right would be the key but I found the bottom to be a bit smoother.   So I went to the bottom quickly but found that I wasn't making any progress at all on the leader.   In fact he was actually pulling away.   Began to change my line and benefited from a couple of yellows that allowed me to catch back up when the line didn't work.   Finally I found a good line around the track and made a move on the leader.   With 5 to go I slipped by and into the lead only to have the former 3rd place car nose inside.   We bumped and rubbed door to door for that first feature win.   Back and forth, side by side.   As the white waved I was on the leaders bumper and wasn't about to let up.   Going into turn 3 the leader slipped up.   I turned under as he got loose and came back down a lane.   I pitched the car to avoid hitting him and wound up on his bumper at the checkered.   Runner-up!    A great run and lots of fun.   Exciting way to open the season.