Sorry for the late update.  After leaving Sunday, I spent 4 days deep sea fishing for in Hatteras, North Carolina with Rich Fox, Moon Byers and Nick Macri.  It was a great time to get away and relax even though Moon would not let me sleep in the car.  I have added some pictures to the www.dougesh.com for everyone to see.  We caught Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi and a Mako Shark. 

 

Before I get into the racing update, I told my sister-in-law, Elisa, who promotes Adoption Night at Williams Grove Speedway scheduled for August 1, 2008, that I would mention this great cause.  We have supported this event since the beginning and just to see how it has grown is amazing.  When you witness those kids, who have so little, just getting a pair of new socks is unforgettable.  We have also been tapped for Val's Kids by Valerie Pritchett (mms://video.wjla.com/whtm/swann0706.wmv) , who promotes kids that need adopted on WHTM 27 ABC.  It's also great to see the kids faces when they see their pictures on the side of the sprint car wing.  Before the race, the hospitality area is packed with kids that need a home, who are having a blast playing games, riding the simulator and eating till they are ready to burst.  Each child in attendance has opportunity to develop a "wish list", which can consist of anything they desire.  Popular choices are iPods, CD players, bikes and Gameboy's, which are all purchased with the sponsorship contributions and donations.  Keep in mind these children are all teenagers who either live in state owned residential facilities or in foster care, either way they have very little.  We have opportunity to make a difference in these children's lives if its only to make them feel like a King or Queen for a day that's what we are going to do.  Coming from a close knit, supportive family I could never imagine what it must be like growing up without the love and support of a family.  I'm asking everybody to join the #30 sprint team and make this the most special year ever.  If you can please call 800-723-7038 or email Elisa at eshe@diakon.org for information on how you can help a difference in the life of a child who needs a home. 

 

Also, I wanted to mention a Happy Birthday to Tab Lawler (5/3) and Barry, Sr.'s wife Jade (5/11).  Tab, thanks for everything you do and all you're help building the new cars.  And thanks to Jade for letting Barry be a part of the team.

 

Now I want to tell you about the greatest sprint car team in Central PA, maybe in the country.  Our crew on Friday night achieved something I've never seen done before.  At Williams Grove during the last 410 heat race we had a drive line problem that allowed the motor to over rev to 10200 RPM's.  If you don't know engines, to turn a 410 sprint engine that high is not good.  Most likely it would cause major problems down the road.  Once back at the pits I didn't think it would be possible to change the engine and rear end during the last 358 consi in time to make the last 410 consi.  However, my team wouldn't give up that easily, they proceeded to change the motor and the rear end in 15 MINUTES!  Unbelievable!  I wish we had an engine changing contest in sprint cars like they have those pit stop challenges in NASCAR, because Team 30 would kick ass.  I can't get over the ability these guys have - I'm privileged to drive their car.  Thank you to all the guys on the 30 car for making the impossible possible.  We then lined up in the back of the consi and ran 4th.  With little time to focus on the car we did make it to 11th position. 

 

At Lincoln, we drew an early time trial number.  Normally this would be good but Saturday night with the way the track was early time trial was bad.  In warm-ups the track was completely slimy and greasy.  The track didn't change much for time trials.  We went out in the second set with Montieth, Rahmer and Layton.  We were 2nd quick out of the four in spite of really slow times.  That started us in the back of the heat, which we made it to 7th.  We qualified through the consi and started 21st with a really tight race car we made it to 11th.  We're excited about the All Stars in town this weekend.  Hope everyone can make it out to the races this weekend.