First season in the books.....

I have had a few days to reflect on the season and gather my thoughts. It's hard to grasp that it's really over. Our goal when the team was started was to run low sixes consistently and do it without hurting parts. That is exactly where we ended up and it is quite an accomplishment. I could never have done it without lots of help but I'll get to the "thank you"s later. We had some trials and setbacks but that is just part of doing something as difficult as top fuel racing. The important thing is that we persevered and overcame the obstacles and grew stronger as a team.
I can't say enough good things about the group of people that have helped me. We are good friends first and foremost and teammates second. In the heat of battle tensions run high and tempers can flare but racing is not as important as relationships and we stayed true to that.
Now on to the thank you part:
My beloved wife Susan. Baby, you truly are the best! My partner and best friend - your love and support is monumental. Thanks!!!
John Dearmore and Allen Webb at DRE Racing. You guys are beyond talented! This car would never have made noise if not for your help and great parts. If it can be built these guys can build it! Thanks!!!
David Pace and his wife Gayla. David, a better driver and clutch man does not exist in my opinion and Gayla you've supported him in doing his thing and even bought a drum of fuel! Thanks!!!
Corey Davis my bottom end guy. You took on the most important and thankless job on this team. A great attitude and hard work for no pay. You have become a GREAT "diver", true friend and a huge asset to the team and you always keep things light with hilarious comments. Thanks to you and Jana for her support!
Randy Compton. You've dedicated your time and energy to collect the data and spend time between races keeping the wings functional and always looking for ways to make them better. The sandwiches were great and kept us energized while the thrash was on. Thanks to you and Kacie for her support!!!
Betty Dearmore - wife of John and mother of Allen. You opened your home to all of us and made sure we were well fed and cared for. Thanks!!!
Bob Gibson. Your knowledge and contacts were vital to keeping this low budget operation going and your help at the track was great. Thanks!!!
Jimmy Johnson. Thanks for digging in and getting dirty at Bowling Green. Your helping hands are always welcome on our team. Thanks!!!
Fellow racers Brendan Murray, Art Dromgoole, and Charlie Proight. Thanks for lending us parts at the races to help keep us going when things went wrong!
Goodguys Rod and Custom Assoc. John Drummond, Larry Westervelt, and Troy Coker.Thanks for having the races out here East of the Rockies, treating us with respect and giving us good, safe places to race.
David Miller. A great photographer and generous guy. Thanks for the great photos!
Ray Moats at Taylor. Thanks for the great plug wires and quick service!
Davis Clips and More. Thanks for the beautiful paint job!
Larry Fidance at Denso. Thanks for providing us with killer Denso Iridium spark plugs.
Green Cylinder Heads. Thanks Kurt!!!
David Freeman. Thanks for letting us use your magneto and being a "remote" team member. Hopefully next year you won't be so remote. Ha Ha!
Mom and Dad. What can I say here... even though you are gone you're always with me and always a part of me. Thanks isn't even close to enough.
God. enough said.


I'll end this post with a quote from Allen Webb at Bowling Green Saturday night after a long day of hard work. "I love this! Brad, this is your car. When we are at home we call it "Brad's car" but 5 weekends out of the year this is OUR car."
I couldn't agree more Allen. This is OUR car and OUR team. No man is an island and no man less of an island than me. I am proud, grateful and humbled.

Brad