HICKORY, NC :: The monkey slipped on a banana peel and we make some progress….

It was nice to have a week off and use that to our advantage. We worked hard in going through a few things setup wise on the car. We had some damage to fix from the week before and straightened everything out. Our team spent a lot of time trying to fix everything and thankfully all we couldn’t salvage was one of the hood pins. Not too bad considering the monkey we’ve had here lately. All the guys from Williams Ebeling did a great job on straightening things out and working with me to get the car ready. We took the car down and tested Monday and walked away wondering what was going on. Car just wasn’t responsive the way it had been. We would later figure out that we had a horrible set of tires. So, we went back and took the time to make sure the setup was right and that everything was in place where it needed to be. By the time I flew in from Chattanooga they already had the car loaded and ready to head to the track. It was a very nice surprise for sure! I spent Friday night watching my friend Ben Ebeling wheel a street stock to Victory Lane at Tri County Speedway.

Saturday started out smooth as we arrived to the shop. It would get better from there. After signing in we would join our competitors for the weekly Bible study. It was awesome to have the best turn out of the season. AS our race teams’ focus is on our ministry and making a difference at the track it is always fun to get together and just share with others about what is going on in our lives. Then it was time to cross over the track. As we walked across the famed Hickory Motor Speedway I felt a bit of excitement that I hadn’t felt since the first race. I had an anticipation of success for today. We made our normal preparations throughout the day with getting tires and fuel. Finally it was time to jump in the car and see where we stacked up.

First practice was pretty good (or so I thought). The car felt the best it had, but we just had no speed. So before the next practice we made some changes. Unfortunately we went the wrong way. We picked up some time but the car was not happy. So we set down as a team and walked through our options. We threw some big changes at the car for qualifying involving springs and tires. As I watched cars qualify, I prepped myself for what was going to be the money lap to get a good starting position. I cleared my head and knew that I had one mission. To put down the best lap I could. As we rolled off the grid picking up speed, my focus was on hitting my marks. I rolled off into turn 1, and the car stuck. I then picked up the throttle off two and hammered our way down the back stretch. As I entered turn 3, I slowed the car down waiting for it to set and picked the throttle back up with checkered flag in sight. As I crossed the line I beat myself up because I knew I got in the throttle a little too hard. I made the decision to stay in the throttle and was able to pull out of the slide and still salvage a decent time.

In fact we would qualify the closest we have been to the pole yet. We would only be a tenth off by the time it was all said and done. This would put us starting P8. During the autograph session we had a chance to meet some new fans and grab some pics. It was an awesome time as people came to look at the AR Bodies Chevy Camaro. They still can’t get over the new body style on the track and love the stealthy look.

We were ready for the race and thought the monkey was gone. However he was still in hiding. He would stay hiding for the first part of the race. Throughout the entire race we were in a hard battle for positions. We would lose some, and gain some back. It was hard door to door racing with really nowhere to go. Just over a tenth of a second had separated 1st to 12th and the field was close. We would eventually fall to around 13th but come back up to finish 10th for only the second time this season. By the last half of the race I was driving out of the passenger side window. Every time I touched the gas off the corners the car would jump sideways. We would salvage a decent finish with a glimmer of hope that better things are coming. The monkey is still holding on by one hand, but we are getting closer to dropping him off the bumper bar! Time to go back to work and make changes for this week. I feel as if we are right there and need just a little more to be in the top 5. I’m excited for what’s coming and what God is doing in our team. Still looking for a name for the car. My guys have chosen Fred, but I’m not sold on it… Any ideas? I just want to say thanks to my great team for all their hard work. I also want to thank my family, fans, friends and sponsors for standing by us through this season. It’s been tough but we are moving forward! We will persevere! Here monkey, monkey, I have a banana for you!! See everyone Saturday!