May 31, 2009

A Beautiful Sunday, May 31

Hey Everyone;
The team and I are taking the day off and enjoying an absolutely gorgeous day here on Cape Cod.
Yesterday, we had an open house at Anderson Hardware in Centerville, MA, displayed the car, met lots of great folks, handed out Fast Orange and Ultra Cherry samples from Permatex and took in WAY too much sun! It was really a great day.
Friday we were supposed to show the car at an event supporting the Special Olympics, but bad weather put a "damper" on our plans and we weren't able to attend. We'll have to wait for our next opportunity.
Tomorrow I'm going to be pulling the motor and putting in some new connecting rods getting ready for a big weekend in Englishtown, NJ, June 12-14. The whole team is really excited about our chances in Englishtown, and I'm really getting confident about our chances for the rest of the season; you could say I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm also beginning preparations for the Lynn English High School commencement address that I'll be delivering in Lynn, MA.
Tommy is in Australia tuning an alcohol dragster, but he'll be back in time to work with us for Englishtown.
More news for you some time mid week. See you then.

May 25, 2009

May 25 - Memorial Day and Home from PA

Hey Everybody;
On Saturday evening the Follow A Dream team was ready to resume our quest for another victory. The team had worked hard to tweak the car for the following rounds. Some engine mods resulted in a few more horses and some added clutch work gave us a bit more bite. When we got to the line, Marty hit the pre-stage light and then began to roll into stage, but ended up deep staging. As a result, when the lights came down, the new combination resulted in a red light, and our stay in Maple Grove, although initially encouraging, was over for this time around. So, we packed up the truck, drove through the night and ended up back home on the Cape in the early morning hours.
The team will be taking Sunday and Monday off to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with family and friends.
We hope you will remember, as you do the same, that about 233 years ago some of our forefathers "followed a dream" which lead to the beginning of our great country. One of the few countries in the world where each of us can be free to follow OUR dreams whatever they may be. I ask that as you enjoy whatever activities you have planned for this holiday weekend, you take pause for a moment or two to remember those who have given their all in service to you and your family, to provide the freedoms that make America great. I know the beach and the bar-b-ques and the sales at the mall are all great, but let's remember the men, women and their deeds that allow us to enjoy this weekend the way we do; that's what this holiday is all about.

May 22, 2009

May 22 - A Beautiful Day @ Maple Grove

Hey Everybody,
A couple of great days here at Maple Grove. We tested yesterday and Tommy put a fresh motor together. After a half track and then a full track pass, the car ran a .68. The car was "happy". We felt confident going into qualifying today. After the first run, we qualified in 3rd place with a 5.73. We went back to the garage area and made some minor tweaks. Later in the afternoon, our second pass moved us into second place with a 5.64.
The team did a GREAT job! The car is happy! We've got a late start tomorrow; probably around 5:00. The weather here's been excellent and in the 80's.
For May 22nd, It's a BEAUTIFUL day!

May 18, 2009

May 18, Off to PA

Worked in the shop today in preparation for departure tomorrow. Warmed up the car and then loaded the truck. Speaking at the Lion's Club in Acton, MA tomorrow night, then Eddy and I are off to PA for the weekend. Barry Carrus is going to be writing the Blog for me as I continue to contact him. Barry will be working on some exciting upcoming projects for us as we continue on, so you'll be seeing his name from time to time. We will, of course, keep you updated.

May 15, 2009

I'm Still Here!!

Hey everyone, thanks for continuing to check on our blog. I apologize I haven't been in touch. This week has been spend in the office, the shop, & the trailer. Alan's been cutting floaters, Tommy's been working on getting a new motor together, Charlie's been on the clutch. Lots going on. I've been bouncing around doing a variety of things. I got the motor pulled out and about ready to go back in the trailer. New motor is in the frame rails. If all goes according to planned, we'll fire it tomorrow afternoon in preparation for Maple Grove. Wednesday, Eddie & I will be on the road to Maple Grove for our next race. I'll be speaking Tuesday night for the Lions Club of Acton, MA.

I'd like to thank K&N Filters & Auto Meter for their continued support this year. Two great companies, we're honored to have on board.

Will write on Monday to let you all know how the weekend goes. Have a great one!

Jay