RACE FRIENDS

Yesterday was a day for visiting with many of our friends on the N.H.R.A. Drag Racing Circuit, who were working at the Reading, PA Race. We drove about 40 miles to the track, arriving about 10 am. Even though it has been 6 years since we pulled the Harley-Davidson merchandise trailer, our part time involvement with the company (MainGate) we contracted with, has kept us in touch with what we call our race family. First, we stopped to visit with Bob & Shirl who work for Lucas Oil and pull their merchandise trailer. They also have a Beagle, who was a puppy when we finished the season in 2003. They have a home a couple of hours from here, and we're driving up to visit on Wednesday. Thanks Bob, for the great deal on fuel conditioner. Next, was a stop at the National Dragster trailer to chat with Kurt & Phyllis. They also work for MainGate, and Kurt's job of keeping the trailers stocked with the National Dragster publication, is in my opinion, one of the best jobs at the track. Down the row of Top Fuelers, we stopped at Kenny & Brandon Bernstein's Budweiser hospitality trailer to visit with Frank & Suzie. For a couple of years, we partnered with Frank & Suzie at the Vegas Rodeo, and it was indeed a pleasure working with, and getting to know them. As the lunch crowd started to drift in, the Budweiser top fueler rolled back into the pit, and it was evident that Brandon won first round, because in about 10 minutes, the crew had the engine completely torn down. Next, a quick stop at the Budweiser merchandise trailer to say hi to Cat & Sam. Down the row a little farther, we stopped briefly to visit with Dave & Betty. They work a MainGate general merchandise trailer, and started right after we did in 2002. They work a different shift at the Vegas Rodeo, so Dave has been kind enough to take Sami out for a walk before he & Betty go to work. A stop at the John Force merchandise trailer gave us a chance to say hi to Steve & Carol. Glad to see Carol is on the road to recovery after spinal surgery. One of the couples that go back before we started, is Mike & Robbie. They work the Skoal merchandise trailer and as was the case with most of our visits, everyone was working, so we didn't have a lot of time to visit. An unexpected surprise was meeting Rich, who used to supervise one of the Nitro Malls. He, like us, no longer works the circuit, but, he just happened to be in the area. Patty quickly gave Vicki a hug in the Nitro Mall, but didn't get a chance to talk. A quick hi to Ken & Diana at their MainGate merchandise trailer, and a real quick hi to Eva, and it was time to head for the gate. We were at the track until early afternoon, then left in time to beat the traffic. It was a great day seeing all of our friends. Many thanks to Jim, Ned, Ron and Brandon from MainGate, who authorized & put the tickets at will call for us.