..... I can’t believe it’s over.  It seems like just last week we were all in Charlotte, practicing our Pre-Show routines at headquarters.... and it seems like yesterday were in Indy...and now, its the last race.  I can’t believe it.  It’s been an incredible year full of really good memories and experiences that I will never, ever forget.  I have met so many great, wonderful people along the way, too. 

Being able to be a part of SPEED Channel is a real dream come true for me.  It is something I never imagined I would be involved with.... but I have learned that you have to make your own opportunities.  It was a chance that I even came across the SPEED auditions on the website last November.  I was working part-time at Lowe’s, selling appliances and singing in Watkins Glen twice a year.  I knew I was capable of more and SPEED came along and rescued me. 

Bottom line is, I want everyone out there to know that you made this year a great one for me.  I will miss all of my new friends...Daryl, Loyal, Robyn, Megan, Cat (our manager)........and of course all of the SPEED fans out there.  Perhaps we will see you next year.

Never give up, and keep smiling!

.........Carl Edwards is creeping in on the championship (Can he steal it??) If not, this season will still be exciting and cool to be a part of.  Saturday I watched Kyle Bush make history with his 10th win.  one day I’ll be able to tell my kids (*gAsP*!!  ) that I was a part of that NASCAR season.

Why is Halloween my favorite holiday?? It’s the one day where you can dress up and act goofy and be fancy free about it. HAPPY HALLOWEEEN everyone!!!!!! Only 361 days left till next time............

In other news, I have never hit and killed an animal before… and lastnight as I was driving home from the airport at about 12:38 AM, I hit and squished a MOUSE!!! I felt terrible… I know I hit it because it made like a crunch bump noise under the tire.....I would like to dedicate the TMS weekend blog to Mr. Mouse.... RIP.... :(

Where did the season go?? I know it’s long, but it seems like just yesterday we were at our halfway point in July. Seriously....

One of the awesome things about the job though are getting to watch the races… so far this year, I have seen (I am going to try and remember them all off the top of my head)

Daytona 500

Martinsville in March

Talladega in April

Richmond in May

All-Star Race in Charlotte

Dover, Michigan and New Hampshire in June

Watkins Glen and Michigan again in August

And newest on the list----> Atlanta yesterday which was awesome..  I sat near the finish line with my good friend Chris.

SPEAKING OF GOOD FRIENDS......... Matt Deason and Cowboy Ricky......... these two heroes showed up all weekend, entered the raffle for “Seat to Suite” and were treated like royalty on Sunday… I know they had a blast, and they deserved every second of it.  Matt still donates $250 of his monthly income to the Victory Junction Gang, and Ricky is very sweet and goofy. We met them in Dover, and have been keeping in touch ever since.

My friend and long time fan of SPEED, Beth, is having surgery this week… Martinsville was the last NASCAR race she’ll be going to for a while :( I wish her the best of luck and I know her doctor will take good care of her.  She is a cancer survivor.

The camgrounds are so rustic and so cool in Martinsville… (can you say rustic and cool in the same sentence??) Just about any spot you go to has a good view of the race… and I finally got Loyal to sit and watch his first bit of racing this year—aside from the Daytona 500.  I think he enjoyed himself, although he probably won’t tell anyone.

Thank Daryl for a nice, NEW selection of music… each of us contributed 5 songs to the new playlist—My personal favorite....

EVERYBODY HAVE FUN TONIGHT-- Everybody WANG CHUNG tonight !!

First and foremost… have you hugged a friend today??? You never know what the future may bring, so hug your friends and tell someone that you love them!! Loyal scared the crap out of us on Friday when he passed out, but thankfully our stage manager Fran saved the day and helped Loyal until the paramedics came.  Loyal is doing okay, and I am sure he will blog all about it… Loyal’s Blog

Finally, a special “shout out” going to my friends from Charlotte---- Beth and Robert the biggest Tony Stewart fans I know...Carol, all the way from San Diego, coming out to escape reality for a while and partake in her favorite sport—NASCAR, and last but not least, Dawn -aka- “The Bootie Barker Girl” who brought me a Trick or Treat bag (Can you believe Halloween is coming up already?!).  With only 5 races left, I hope to see many of the friends I have made throughout the year again… Martinsville is next… that was where I won the pool we had going in the beginning of the year.  I had no idea who to pick until a young man approached me, with confidence, and told me to pick Denny Hamlin!! 

First and foremost… have you hugged a friend today??? You never know what the future may bring, so hug your friends and tell someone that you love them!! Loyal scared the crap out of us on Friday when he passed out, but thankfully our stage manager Fran saved the day and helped Loyal until the paramedics came.  Loyal is doing okay, and I am sure he will blog all about it… Loyal’s Blog

Finally, a special “shout out” going to my friends from Charlotte---- Beth and Robert the biggest Tony Stewart fans I know...Carol, all the way from San Diego, coming out to escape reality for a while and partake in her favorite sport—NASCAR, and last but not least, Dawn -aka- “The Bootie Barker Girl” who brought me a Trick or Treat bag (Can you believe Halloween is coming up already?!).  With only 5 races left, I hope to see many of the friends I have made throughout the year again… Martinsville is next… that was where I won the pool we had going in the beginning of the year.  I had no idea who to pick until a young man approached me, with confidence, and told me to pick Denny Hamlin!! 

What a great weekend.... awesome fans (it was practically a sea of Amp’d green and Depot orange during NASCAR Raceday!) It reminded me of Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham but I didnt say anything on stage because I didn’t know how many people would know what I was talkin’ about ... ANYWHOO....

Trackside Live seemed like a record breaker to me… such a LOUD, powerful crowd, not to mention rowdy-- but it was a good kind of rowdy! The kind that says “Hey I love Dale Jr. and I’m gunna say it loud and proud”.... Little E was a guest on the show, along with Jeff Gordon who was kind enough to sign some fans memorabilia after the show.  That was really cool of him.

Random Observations:

#1: No dogs this weekend....perhaps they are not allowed?

#2: Not a lot of kids around.... this was kind of strange, then again Talladega does have its “mature” moments....

#3: Not a lot of food stands around either, but if you’re not allowed to bring coolers in, where does all the food and drink come from??

#4: Daryl is clumsy.. not only did he cut his back open (See Loyal’s blog: Click Me ), but he bumped into me ‘bout 5 times… and that was only on Sunday!!

#5: Shea is the sweetest, coolest, biggest Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan we have EVER (I mean EVER) met! 

... really good time Kansas was cool, cool, cool.  Lots and lots of fans from my “other” neck of the woods… and I mean north woods… (Minnesota and North Dakota). “Minnesota Nice” still holds true, even in Kansas.

The Tony Stewart fans were treated to a really nice set-up this Sunday.  They had their very own “tailgate” area with a picnic table (not that anyone was eating, usually people were cheering for Smokity Smoke Smoke and enjoying the view.  If you are a Tony fan, feel free to come early to the stage (about an hour and a half before the scheduled airing of NASCAR Raceday built by the Home Depot) to get your VIP wristband and enter the VIP zone.  Here are some things to remember....

#1: You must be a Tony Fan

#2: You must be decked out in Tony stuff… hats, PJs, shirts, coolers, etc. The crazier the better.

#3: There are only 20 spots, so make sure you come early.  If you are not sure where to go, just ask.

#4: The Home Depot VIP Zone is only available at ISC Tracks.

But what if you’re not a Tony Stewart Fan; you’re a big SPEED fan though??

OK! For Trackside Live on Friday evenings, you may have seen our “Backyard Tailgate” stage...This is a small side stage where about 8-10 fans can sit and watch the show from an up-close POV. To be selected for the “Backyard Tailgate” come see us on Friday afternoon.  The only thing you’ll have to do after that is show up about a half an hour before we go live with Trackside Live. (Usually 7 on the Eastern Time Zone).

Shout outs to my awesome SPEED friend, ARCHIE!!!!!!!!! You rock, I hope you rmember to bring the poster I made you for NASCAR Raceday… Martinsville, baby!

I also want to recognize two other very special friends that I made this weekend, Linda, a volunteer from “Make a Wish Foundation” and Matt, a recent high school graduate from New Jersey.

Linda was pledging her devotion to Make a Wish by trying to get as many NASCAR drivers and SPEED personalities to sign a T-Shirt which will be auctioned off for a donation.  Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Elliott Sadler and were kind enough to sign it after Trackside Live, and after NASCAR Raceday; Jimmy, John, Kenny, and his wife Kim signed it on Sunday.

Now, Matt is one of the sweetest fans I have ever met.  He was there with two of his best buddies (who had never been to a race) and he told me that he donates $250.00 to Kyle Petty and the Victory Junction Gang EVERY MONTH.

I think this is incredible.... a 19 year old who gives away $250 a week?? That’s $3000.00 a year, people.

I just want to say that if eveyone could be a little bit more like these great fans the world would be a better place.

Still didn’t see any moose in Loudon, New Hampshire.  Darn it… maybe Loyal will see some and take some pictures while he is hiking through New England on the Appalachian Trail (yes, he is doing it alone next year!!!) Weird mix of weather here this weekend, but I will not dwell on the past.  Some of the good things were as follows:  Loyals friends from the campgrounds, Helluva Good Dip samples, getting to rollerblade, helping some lady fans of SPEED to win a contest against their husbands (they were trying to out-do them by collecting the coolest souvenirs from around the track, I hooked them up reaaaaal nice), Phony Tony, Dan, and SPEED Demon!!

I just got home from the airport and I am writing early again because I am not sure when I will get to the computer again… I am getting my 3 wisdom teeth pulled out tomorrow!!!  I have never had any type of surgery, or stitches, or even been to an emergency room before so I am kind of worried.  One thing I can tell you for sure, is I am NOT getting put under.  It kind of freaks me out.  Supposedly, however, this entire procedure should only take about 15 minutes… we will see about that.  Atleast I will have a decent excuse to gobble McDonald’s milk shakes for a few days… mmmm........

So, a few weeks ago, I had locked my keys in my car while I was at a Sunoco gas station (The best gas stations in my opinion).  It was about midnight and the only attendant at the register was this nice girl, Barbara, and she helped me call AAA and kept me company until the tow service got there.  We got to talking and it turned out, her grandparents are huge Earnhardt and SPEED fans.  I told her I’d bring her a hat to give to her gramps, but I guess she didn’t believe me, because when I brought it to her tonight, she couldn’t believe it.  She was so happy.  I thanked her for being so nice to me that night and her reply was, “Well, I just treat people the way I would want to be treated.” So true.

So true.... 

I am writing early because I will be without internet access (GASP, *Shock*) as I head out into the wilderness of Watkins Glen once more.  I am going to pay my grandfather, “Salty” Austin, a visit this week.  We plan on recording some new country duets and putting together a few songs of my own.  He is 90 years old, and has been playing his own eastern style of western swing for 80 years. He also has his own old-time radio show every Sunday....This is a picture of him in his home in Watkins Glen, I am not sure who Emily Arin is, but thanks for taking this nice picture of Grandpa and posting it on your website…

WGI was hosting a vintage grand prix race this weekend that I also planned to attend, but since the shows have been moved to Sunday I will not be able to make it :( This means my Glen activities are officially over......... for this year atleast. 

But enough about WGI. This is Richmond, and I really like it here.  I was actually born in New Port News, VA, where I spent 3 months of my life before moving up to the frozen tundra of Buffalo, NY until I was 3.

Richmond is very clean with friendly people.  It’s hard to believe that this tidy city is nestled so close to plenty of nice houses and suburban blocks… I guess its kinda like Indianapolis. I think the actual track facility is pretty cool. Speaking of pretty cool, we had some very dedicated fans that hung out until LATE Friday to support Kyle Petty and his show, Tradin’ Paint… it was POURING rain!!!

I want to thank not only those fans, but all the fans that support the Speed Team and I.

HEY!  California was super fun.  True, it was slow and there were not a lot of fans on Friday and Saturday, but we made our own fun at the SPEED stage.  Robyn and I made frequent visits to the campgrounds on Friday… only to get completely soaked by some guys with one of those “water canons”.  What is the rule on these things?! A fun little 99 cent water pistol is fun… but a water canon that blasts icy water at you like a fire hose?… And must I add… where does this water come from?..   

Oh well, we visited some guys from Electric Sunglasses/Helmets who hooked us up with some sweet pop culture-type stickers and Kyle Busch t-shirts that came in handy at the Phoenix airport on the way home for me because I needed something comfortable to wear. It turns out, Kyle had ventured out into the campgrounds on Friday to do an autograph signing on behalf of Electric, one of his sponsors. (Info brought to you by Robyn =)

On Saturday we went to.... (I forgot what its called again....) Oh! Dave & Busters?? I had a delicious BLT, a new menu item and 2 games of basketball against Loyal, Robyn, and Daryl. Needless to say, I lost. (I have always hated Basketball for a reason)

OMG- NASCAR Raceday was wicked fun.  Robyn and I had rollerblading vs. sneakers races that drew quite the crowd before the show… and two of our loyal, re-visiting SPEED Fanatics showed up and partied with us throughout the Pre-Show and the live airing.  My rendition of Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Night” seemed to go off well and “We Will Rock You” by Queen will be next....*** I want to give a shout out to Rob, aka “Pajamas” for being the nicest Smoke fan I’s evers mets. 

Bristol.... the NASCAR race of the year (well, aside from Daytona 500) I wish I could have seen some of it… but the thing is, the seats were all sold out and the only way for us to watch would be from the pits… which is awesome, I know, but the whole idea of Bristol is to be able to look down in the gladiator stadium-style seats and watch the battles below (*insert war cry*) !!! Oh well… atleast the crowds were awesome and the fans are die hard, thats for sure.  I really like Tennessee too… and amazingly, its only about 12 hours from home.. I had no idea. I found a couple of my friends who snuck away from Watkins Glen to attend the race… (your secret is safe with me!!)

Loyal and I had fun in the camgrounds, where we met “Peanut Marie” a blue macaw parrot that is the talk of her campground loop.  She had her very own kiddie pool and everything. 

Check out Loyal’s blog, he put up Campground Adventure Pictures --- http://www.speedtv.com/members/Loyal Loyal always puts up the coolest stuff… and NO I’m not saying that just because there’s pictures of me, Mom. 

I know a NASCAR race isnt really a place for a puppy, but one of Daryl’s friends brought his baby dauchsund with him (Her name was Racy) and she was super cute but very tired.  Could you imagine what going to a race must be like for a little dog?? All the food smells, the people smells and the sounds!! Racy and her owner made a Fanatic Video Postcard.... see?? It’s so easy, even dogs can do it!!! 

The second trip to Michigan was much better than the first… I can’t explain it, but it seemed that we had a lot more fans paying us a visit than last time. “You like us, you really like us!” The shows were cool too, Kyle Busch dropped by on Sunday for NASCAR Raceday to do a segment on these awesome go karts that go like, 60 milles per hour or something. CRAZY.  It’s like a tuna fish can rocket. What a pretty area though… not as pretty as Watkins Glen, I must say… or as damp.

After Raceday, I stayed to watch some of the race with our good friend Warren from Home Depot (you can thank him for all the sweet Smoke goodies at ISC tracks)

My sister and I were on the edges of our seats, hoping for a win by David Ragan, but Carl Edwards will do just fine too.

I had an eventful Sunday eveing which involved a delayed flight, soggy McDonald’s french fries, and locking my keys in my car at a gas station pump.  I try to make the best out of every situation though and the gas station cashier and I made friends as we waited for the tow truck to come bail me out.  I have AAA and I have had to use them twice now in two years. It is my Professional Klutz opinion that everyone must get a AAA membership!!!!!!! 

I <3 Watkins Glen

I had an absolute blast, as I always do when I hang out in WGI.  I will miss not being there for another whole year!! I met a lot of awesome people during the race, our shows, and the campgrounds--- I had no idea they were THAT big!

On Saturday I sang the Canadian National Anthem for the start of the Nationwide Race.... Now, before someone sings, they put you in the little PVC “Bull Pen” behind the stage with all of the drivers.  I had my little sister Taylor (14, David Ragan and Carl Edwards fan) and stepsister Kaitlin (11, Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards fan) with me.  They were standing on the stairs that the drivers had to walk down on.  Carl Edwards walked by them and gave a big “Hi!” and to their pre/teenage delight they squealed “Hi!!” back. They were definately excited, but most of all, I was able to get them into the Pace Car for the start of the Nationwide race!  I would have gone too, but there wasn’t room.

We stayed for the entire race on Sunday, the amazing wreck, and the long red flag.... POOR Sam Hornish, Jr.  He has the worst luck EVER… poor everyone that was involved, but atleast everyone walked away OK.

I will write more when I get some more of my pics uploaded!!