Last weekend at the track my mom and I had a great time. My dad decided to stay home and play in the garage, but we had help from a couple of good family friends. The first day we were there we were struggling with the carburetor on the car. We still managed to get passed round one though! The second round didn’t go so well for us, and we were done early. My mom is doing really well driving, and she is improving every time we are out. It’s like I told her though, racing isn’t easy, and it all just takes time.
Since it was so early in the day and my mom and I planned on staying the night at the track that night, we set out on an adventure to Redding. After giving into our guilty ice cream pleasure, we headed to a Redding novelty, the sundial bridge. It was a beautiful day, but very hot out. We went down by the water with the intent of swimming, but it was so cold we both only made it up to our ankles in water. Then, we headed back to the track and just relaxed. It was nice to spend some time with my mom. We see each other a lot, but it is usually at work. So it was nice to slow down and just get to relax and hang out together.
On Sunday we were back in action to try again! Our car was running so much better. My mom even ran a 9.91, her personal best. During competition she went all the way to the semi finals and won her first check. We had a super awesome day and I was so proud of her. 
My mom, like most racers, has a whole routine she does when making passes in her car. I love getting to be involved in that routine. My mom has me buckle her in, and right after I am done we always shake hands. After she does her burn out, I am the one that backs her up. Then I help her find the line, and right before she stages, we touch hands one more time. It is cool getting to help my mom race, espcially she has helped me race for so many years.
I have to be honest though, it is not always easy for me to crew at the races. I have race fever so bad and I can not wait for Sonoma. Last year, when I qualified at the Sonoma Auto Light Nationals, it was a big dream come true. I grew up watching all my heroes ride there, and to even be on the track at the national event was the best feeling in the world. Qualifying there was amazing and a great accomplishment in my career, but this year I am ready to do more. We have been working so hard, I have a great crew, good motors, awesome bike, and now it is up to me. I know that my team and my bike will do their jobs; all I have to do is handle my job.
I am still learning so much every time I make a pass on my bike. It’s like I have said before, I know I am not a perfect rider, but I am striving and constantly working to be a great rider. I have so much passion for racing and pro stock motorcycles and my team has the same passion. We want to do well and be a competitor. I can’t wait to come to Sonoma and do the best that we can, because I am so proud of the progress this team has made already.
Along with drooling over the nearing Auto Light Nationals, life continues to be fantastic. I just took some finals today for my online classes, and I did pretty well! I start up a new set of classes on Monday. I also couldn’t resist going to the animal shelter near my house the other day. Of course I also couldn’t resist a tiny little kitten that was in need of a home. Ratchet, my new little kitten, was abandoned by his mom not to long ago. I fell in love with him at the shelter, so he quickly came home to live with Torque and I. Torque wasn’t too fond of the little guy at first, but just today I caught Torque giving Ratchet a bath, so they are warming up to each other just fine. It is great having two kitties in my home, but two is plenty. So I think I had better stay away from the animal shelter for a while! Talk to everyone soon!
Learn more about Katie by visiting her team page.
