2011 Racing Season

Hello again, race fans! It’s definitely been awhile since my last post. I’d like to take a few minutes to get everyone caught up with what’s going on with the INS Dragster these days. We participated in a different type of race in May — the YESS (Youth Emergency Services and Shelter) “Duck Derby” in West Des Moines. At the event, 25,000 rubber ducks were launched into the lake at Jordan Creek Town Center to race toward the finish and potentially win the $10,000 prize money! That would be a nice payday, wouldn’t it?
The beautiful weather brought out many people. We visited with families who were enjoying the nice spring weather and hoping to win the prize. Children enjoyed having their picture taken standing in front of the INS Dragster and I even signed a few autographs! All in all, it was a very successful day and helped raise much needed money for YESS!
Spring also meant working on the INS Dragster to get it ready for racing season. Work has kept me way too busy and Mother Nature hasn’t been very cooperative. We missed the first racing weekend as I was gone for a week for work-related training. However, we caught a break because one day was rained out. I have tried on several occasions to rush home after work and push the car outside to get it started, but many times have faced rain! I had better count my blessings, as we have been very fortunate compared to many others throughout the U.S. I can handle rain, but 200 mph winds are something else!
Fortunately, we have only missed one race day so far. Some of you may have joined us this past weekend over the Memorial Day holiday. I’d like to take this moment to say “Thanks” to all our military personnel for keeping us safe. Because of them, all of us are able to enjoy activities with our families and friends, doing what we enjoy most, especially exercising our freedom to choose. And with that, I hope you choose to join us at the races sometime this summer and join in the fun!