The computer is back up and running! I am loading camera software now and will get pictures up soon, but thought I'd start by explaining the weekend, even though I can not put everything into words...too amazing!

We flew down Friday night, planes were all early if you can believe that! We were met at the airport by a private car (extended, but not limo), to take us to the hotel. We got there around 11:30 and walkd around a few minutes, but I was hungry!! We went across the street and got some appetizers at the Cheesecake Factory (YUM!) and then went back to the hotel, where I realized I totally overlooked the welcome package they left in our room. I duffle bag, 3 polo shirts, 2 t-shirts, 2 hats, candy, pop, bottled water, sunscreen, a disposbale camera, a pad of paper, a $200 Visa card and on....

Saturday morning we headed down to the lobby to meet the rest of the contestants and head to the track. One couple was from Jackson, Michigan (only about an 1 hour or so from us). and another couple, although from Iowa, are huge Eldora fans, and come every summer. Another couple has dirt sprint cars and comes racing in Ohio at Fremont and Attica every year.

So we get to the Speedway, and go to the Championship Club. This is a boxed (suite type) area in Turn 1 where we signed all our waivers, got our pictures taken, etc. We then got to meet our instructors, (we each had 2 personal for the entire weekend, one for the truck , one for the car), we had lunch, and then time to talk, get to know each other, etc. while they were shuffling us a few at a time for our physicals. The whole time, the Petty school is going on, so there is carsint he background, and just an awesome setting.

The physicals weren't real detailed, blood pressure, listen to our heart and lungs etc., but they actaully took us, into the infield, to the Care Center. Not somewhere you want to end up, but sorta neat to actually get to see what the infied care center is!

After that, our guests were taken back to the hotel and we start checking
out the trucks. We got a quick overview of the trucks and their features and then we split off into groups to go to the off-road course and trailer tow. My group went to the off-road course first. They ran a demo for us, then it was our turn to jump in and start the ride. Being shy like I am, I jumped up there and was the first one to attempt the course. Wow! My poor Nitro may not be the same, cause I am going to have to find somewhere to go off-roading. It was dirt ina parking lot, but they did a great job! We worked that suspension hard on those trucks! Across bridges, up hills, up on the outside of the race track, just a ton of fun.

Next we went over to the trailer tow. I have never, ever, ever, pulled anything in my life, and now I have to jump in a F350 Dually and haul a 24 ft trailer, through a course, back it up about 70 ft. turn it at a right angle, and drag race down the strip, lock the brakes, and stop before hitting a fence. We hung back on this one and waited til last. I made it through the course fine, only got maybe 1 cone, but man backing it in was rough!! Finally got it, but wow! The drag race of course was awesome and so impressive with how the truck stopped, you would never know it was also stopping a good size trailer.

After that, it was back to the hotel fora quick shower, then dinnerwith the group. And they did not skimp on food either! That night we had steak, a potato bar (mashed potatoes, add whatever toppings you like, cheese, mushroom, bacon, sour cream, onion, etc. and they heated in a pan for you, and served it in a martini glass). Also had a pasta bar with various noodles, sauces, veggies, garlic, etc, cheese trays, fruit and all kinds of pastries for dessert.

I need to restart the computer to finish loading the camera software, and we'll get on to day 2!