Ford Race to the Dream -More new Pictures, Post #101

[Cincy'sMom]

Started some training today....

Monday morning when I got into work, the chemistry manager, who is my former boss, a friend, and huge NASCAR fan, decided it was time to get moving on this, and started talking about hooking up with a local Ford delaer (sound familiar ) So I put him in charge of "training"

We went over to one of the Dealer's here in town today, and after explaining the whole deal to 2-3 guys, we finally got a Nascar fan. He thought the prize was very cool and was pretty jealous! But he sat down and was explaining racing to me from his motorocycle experience, and then was talking through the different cars I could try and what experience they would give me. We started in a 2008 Mustang 5 Speed. It took me a while to get the hang of starting in 1st again, but once I got going, shifting is no biggie. My friend was very patient at "teaching" me manual transmission and at least outwardly didn't freak down at my bunny hop starts and stalls!

We took the Mustang back and then took out an automatic F150. I must be used to driving a bigger car now, cuase it didn't feel nearly as big as the one I test drove 4 years ago. The sales guy was really ineterested in the contest and said I could come back to try other cars...he get me in a F250 and maybe back in the Mustang. Hopefully he doesn't get tired of seeing me over there!!

If things work out, plans for Sunday are to go to my friends house and hook his trailer up to his Chevy Avalance. Get me used to towing something, since I never have, and the video showed them pulling a trailer....

[RICHARD]

Remember.

Little gas. little clutch.....just like a see saw...

And practice...How's it gonna look if you can't do the "winner's burnout"

[Cinder & Smoke]

How's it gonna look if you can't do the "winner's burnout"

I think the challenge here is to save the BurnOut till the checkered flag lap -
and NOT do a burnout when the green flag drops!

[cyber-sibes]

Hey this is really cool, Amy! Definitly gonna look forward to seeing the pics! Whose mom & dad are going to babysit the pups while you & Ralph go have fun? Or can ya stuff them in a suitcase & bring them along?

[Cinder & Smoke]

So, Driver, how go the Practice Sessions?

Which *skills* are we werkin on?

Are we *goin FAST* yet?

Go **FASTER**!

[lizbud]

Hey Amy, exactly how big are the trucks you will be driving? Does it have
the 4 on the floor, or column shift? I'm starting to feel the excitement, and
I'm not even driving. Lots to luck on the race.

[Cincy'sMom]

No, no more driving practice yet this weekend. Yesterday was game day...Wolverines Vs the Golden Gerbils! My first game at the Big House!!


Liz, I think the trucks will just be stock F150s and F250s. I'm hoping those will be automatics, and only the race car will be a manual. I think I can handle that!

Thanks for the encouragement both of you (and others!) I'm getting excited too, only 2 more weeks!

[cyber-sibes]

Got your links working?
Countdown...about 45 minutes to go....

[lbaker]

Oh POOP, it's still not working for me I will be watching the race though, at least I hope so!!

[4 Dog Mother]

Well, Amy just called. Unfortunately, the radio station called her and told her they would not be doing the interview after all. Appartently, they don't think that there is enough interest with their normal listeners to give her a 10 minute spot. She tried letting them know that listeners would be tuning in on the internet from all over the world, but they didn't feel that made a difference. She would have posted this news herself, but her home computer is down right now and she's busy at home finishing her packing. Thanks to all of you though who had planned on tuning in to listen!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Dumm Radio Station has a lotta nerb!

Well, Amy just called.
Unfortunately, the radio station called her and told her they would not be doing the interview after all.
Apparently, they don't think that there is enough interest with their normal listeners
to give her a 10 minute spot.

NUTZ!

I think this calls for a Nastee-Gram to the station's program director!

THANKS for the Alert, Amy ... and so SORRY for your disappointment.

Now you can just focus on the Shiftin & Drivin!

And remember ~ You're gonna have **PHUNN** doin this!

GOOOOO, Amy ~~~ Drive **FASST**!!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Started some training today....

My friend was very patient at "teaching" me manual transmission and at least outwardly
didn't freak down at my bunny hop starts and stalls!

... said I could come back to try other cars ... he get me in a F250 and maybe back in the Mustang.

... and the video showed them pulling a trailer ...

Ahhh yes ~ Driving 102 ... Stick Shiftin ...

Glad you got enrolled in Skewel - study hard!

Any chance you could call someone connected with the Ford program and ask
What Skills you'll be required to demonstrate?

It'd be nice if you could practice only the skills you'll need in the Contest.

I thought I saw a Dually Pickup in some of the still pix ... if at all possible get a
lil "drive time" in a Dually ... They're a LOT *wider* than you *think* they are!

Are ya wearin a driver's Helmet and Nomex Suit for your practice sessions?

GOOD LUCK - Drive FAST!!