5/3/02
Zemo Motorsports was a little surprised to see the turnout Friday night at the Davenport Speedway. There were more open wheels entered than we had expected, which is not a good sign for any rookie driver. The crew had made a few adjustments to the chassis earlier in the week and low and behold the car was lifting quite a bit in the turns, but Rick didn't seem to mind at all. He performed well and we are happy with the progress he is making at a highly competitive race track. Our pittin buddies for the night were Andy Cook and his crew. Andy had a good night, winning the heat and placing fourth in the feature. 

After almost having a coronary from delight, Mike's mind began to race and he was pumped up and ready to have Jim race every Sunday evening. Since Jim does race late model's, this is probably a dream that won't happen too often, but Mike does like to dream and after tonight, who wouldn't? He was so excited he was even hugging the ladies as they walked up to congratulate him (good thing this woman isn't jealous). We had a thrilling night and our car took us totally by surprise...we knew Jim could do it, but we had no idea what the ZR71 could do.

Condolences

Zemo Motorsports offers their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Jack and his racing pals,
Andy Cook and the 78 Racing Crew.

The 78 crew all had their hearts set on winning the late model feature for their friend on 6/21/02, and as fate would have it their wishes came true. The crew presented the Jack family with the trophy in appreciation of their friend, Kevin Jack

6/1/02

The boyz were having a little difficulty with the car as soon as they fired her up tonight in the pits. After over an hour of sweating, scratching our heads, borrowing fuel filters, and darn hard work and aggravation she was up and ready to run. Although we missed the hot laps, time trials, and heat, we were on our way to the feature. Michael did some great running and the car is beginning to become familiar to him. He is running hard in the front and back stretches and his corners are coming together . Of course, tonight was our first experience with a little rougher racing. Needless to say, he got tagged, bumped, but kept control of the car. Thank goodness the drivers there seem to know by watching and learning that Michael will drive clean and let them up for a spot at number one. These guys have their hearts and soul in their cars...they have a lot of money invested in their toy. As told by a racing veteran tonight, " you can tell the guys who own their cars and the ones that don't ...the ones that don't just worry about walking away with their helmet." I'll let you know as the season continues if this statement is true. For our fourth race in Blue Grass, Michael is making great strides in becoming a better drive as he placed 11th out of 18 cars. We had a good night and can't wait until next week!

6/8/02

Woo-Hoo!! Tonight was a great night of racing and we had no problems. Driving the corners are looking better each week, Rick has the motor running great, and Mike has got the set-up to perfection. It is just a matter of getting on that track as often as possible for Michael to get some seat time experience. We've made it through our fifth race and Michael has started and finished all of them (this can be a feat in itself). He was taken out in turns 3 and 4 mid-way through the feature race, put back in the pack, and ended with an eleventh place finish. For his first season the whole crew feels he is doing an excellent job. We're proud of you Michael!! A grandma and aunt showed up for their first viewing tonight and while we see Michael as an improvement in process, they pretty much just see it as ...'how can you stand to watch this?' It's been getting better for all of our family to watch as weeks go by, but it will never be "easy" for me. I met another new race mom tonight (Troy Emerick's), and after seven years of watching her 23 year old son out on the track she seems just fine and dandy. Give me seven years and maybe I'll feel the same way.

6/21/02

Our sponsor, Ken Werner, Werner Construction, joined us for tonight's racing and Rick presented a good show for him. Rick had a great run in his heat and it was just preview of what was about to come. Rick has improved tremendously from his first night and held the number one position for 11 laps. By the time the checkered flag appeared Rick had taken third place. Rick is performing above our expectations and we give him a big 'high five' for his participation with Zemo Motorsports. Without Rick our car would not be what it is.

6/22/02

Michael completed his heat race in 3rd place and had his best time in tonight's time trials. During the feature he was holding his own and running a straight line against our competitors and friends. During the 10th lap he got hung up in turn 4, spun, settled in a stopped position and got his nose tagged. It did some major damage to the chassis so we weren't able to prepare it to get back out on the track. This is the first race Michael has not been able to finish (going out on the hook) and it was disappointing for the team and driver, but we'll be back next week.

Thanks to Shelly, Ashley, and Sarah for their support to our team!!

6/23/02

Jim ran the track tonight at East Moline, and as always provided us with some good racing. We had fun tonight as we had healthy competition on the race track running 1,2, & 3 with both Veloz racing teams. It couldn't get much better than that for our team. Jim started the feature race in 6th and ended up with a 2nd place win. The 43V boyz and myself have decided that racing should be like that every night...we'd just have to switch around and all earn a first place win on occasion. I'm looking forward to the first win!!

6/25/02

Tonight was the Governor's Cup at Blue Grass and Mike had been pumped and ready for a try at the $1,000 purse. As always, when you get too excited a little wrench gets thrown into the thick of things. Jim Sandusky had seat time tonight and we had a good show for both the time trials and heat race (15.50 and 1st place). However, we started the race in 4th position and were looking forward to the move up...and ouch -- there goes our driveshaft. That's when you look at your team mates, buck up, and say, 'that's racing.'

Our thanks to Jim Sandusky, Dave Groene, Gene Logston, Rick Ratliff, Mary Johnson, Dick Banks, and all their families and friends for showing support to the ZR 71.

6/28/02

With Rick racing so well in recent weeks, I decided I'd better bring the camcorder because a win has got to be coming soon. We started the heat race on the pull and ended with a nice 2nd place win. Our feature gave us the opportunity to run the second row and let Rick give it his all. In early laps the car bounced off a track tire and demolished the spindle, steering box, steering quickner, and tie rod. Guess what? we were on the hook and out of the race. Since this is a first for the "radicator" I hope to have a picture of our guy (and car) being hauled back to the pits. It's our first year, we're rookies, and our guyz are safe...that is all that really matters.

6/29/02

Michael placed 4th in his heat race and drew a 5th for starting position in the feature. In previous races, as a courtesy to his competitors, he has taken the back... but he is ready for some more serious seat time to try and run with the big boys. I think he did an exceptionally good job and ended with a 12th place finish. His straight line was lost at one point when another driver came down and hit him just a little hard in turn 4. He did however, manage to keep the car under control, gain his momentum, and stay in the race. The ZR 71 is taking some major damage body wise, but is hanging in there to give the guys a finish in tonight's feature. I'm proud of the guys, the car, and the crew!!

6/30/02

Jim started the feature in 11th tonight and ended with a 6th place finish. Not bad considering he was knocked pretty hard in the noggin. Thank goodness for safety helmets. Evidently, when extra dirt had been brought in for motorcycle racing on Friday and Saturday nights the remainder was spread out over the track. Mid-way through the race in turns 1 and 2, Iim was blasted with about a 3 inch brick, just above his eye. Lets just say with the velocity it was traveling we were lucky a freak accident didn't happen. The brick stayed with Jim for the rest of the race and he presented it to Mike as a little trophy. I can't say if Mike kept his first trophy, but it would be quite the conversation piece. Jason Veloz brought home the checkered flag tonight and congratulations are sent his way!!

7/5/02

Friday night races were held in Maquoketa tonight, but we were unlucky enough to run into thunderstorms. We managed to run our heat race and place 2nd, but that was the end of Rick's seat time for the remainder of the night. We loaded up and headed home.

7/6/02

Rain, rain, rain.

7/7/02

East Moline was horrible tonight due to the rain and muck (extra dirt hauled in) from the previous week. The track was rough beyond description and many of the guys pulled out of the race as opposed to wrecking their cars. Our feature was called, short 5 laps, and Jim ended up with 4th place. Considering the track conditions and starting in 9th place we were happy with 4th. The track was sooo bad, we didn't even complain about not finishing lap time in its entirety, it just wasn't worth the wear and tear on the car.

7/12/02

Rick was in the mood to push the car to its limit tonight and he appeared to be 4-wheeling. He was up, down, and all around on the track Our heat race ended with another broken drive shaft and we had to contend with scrambling to get the car up and running before the consi race (which was very little time). We rolled out just as the race was about to begin and finished it. We were fortunate enough to get 10th row inside for our feature and Rick ran the tires off finishing with an 11th place.

The late model division was a really good race tonight and we were happy to see Andy Cook start at 11th and end up 3rd. The boy sure can race!! I kept hoping for a caution, because I knew if he had the opportunity to start neck and neck with the lead drivers he would have given them some competition. Not all wishes come true, but he raced one heck of a race.

7/13/02

Mid-season championships were tonight and it was Michael's night in the seat. Since he is 10th in points he was placed in 10th position for the feature. Sadly, he didn't get to do time trials or heat races to prepare for the feature since he already had his spot. Even worse, he was unfortunate enough to run into a small pile up, get out somewhat unscathed, but end up with a broken spindle. That left him out of the race in the 5th lap. Lets just say Michael wasn't flashing any smiles tonight. It's just racing and there was no intentional dirty driving, it was just the way our luck has been running this weekend. We still enjoyed the rest of the divisions and happy to see Jason Pershy take his first win in the cruiser's.

7/14/02

Racing is always at its best at East Moline with Jim in the seat. We started in the 1st row in the heat (pretty gravy, hun?) and ended with a win. Other heat winners were Milo Veloz and Doug Crampton, which meant we were probably in for a good night of racing. Of course, even with a heat win it doesn't mean you'll get to be on the pull in the feature; and instead, we drew a 9th place start. It didn't take long for Jim to do his magic though, because he started moving forward as slick as slick can be. No dirty racing, no accidents, just moving in the zone. With four laps to go, we had a restart and a little readjustment of the line by the track "officials." Jim was placed outside second row (as opposed to inside second row) and a few tempers flared because others saw it differently. Inside, outside, it doesn't really make much difference to me. I just enjoy watching the ZR 71 put on a good show and race fair. I feel no animosity in wishing the best whenever 43, 43V, 40, 00, etc.. wins (I enjoy watching them all take a checkered flag); it's our rookie year and we're proud of our accomplishments.There was no damage to the ZR 71 from possible hits, and I compliment Jim on his 2nd place finish and sportsmanship conduct for the evening. (Oops, it does appear after numerous viewings that Jim may have made a little rub. I can't see it, but Zemo says its there if you look close enough) First place went to Randy Wages and 3rd to Milo Veloz. Randy's car owner has had his own streak of bad luck recently, so he probably deserved to see his car take the checkered flag. Congratulations Shon!

7/19/02

Whoa..the rain brought on a track conditions that weren't the best, but everyone seemed to muddle through. The front stretch had a small lake to contend with throughout the night. Rick ran a very good heat race and tried to keep up with the competition. Tonight, however, we couldn't keep up front and had a spinout in turns 3 and 4 that left us with a 13th place position. We still enjoy finishing a race, so we're happy to take home a 13th position. Thanks to Mo, Heavy D, and Mike, "the girls" had a fun night out afterwards. I hope the dancing guy brings a smile to their faces, because they brought one to ours on Friday night!! Sometimes you just need to have a little fun.

7/20/02

...Congratulations to Eric (43V) and Jill Veloz on their delightful 4 pound baby boy born on 7/19/02!!! 'My son' became very aggressive tonight and ran with the big boys!! He made me SOOO nervous keeping the pace with the likes of Milo Veloz and Ronnie Weedon. I kept hoping he would just back off and let them pass...NO such luck. Of course eventually they did get around him, but Michael tried to hold onto his position . He ran 4th in his heat and drew a fourth position in the feature. Again, we had a little spinout, but Michael ended up with a 6th place finish (the best so far). Thanks to Mary for taping the race and letting me watch for the first time...and to Granny and Frank, next time you come you keep an eye on the ZR 71!!

7/21/02

It was mid-season at East Moline tonight and Jim took the win for his heat race. The first 15 laps we were on the edge of our seats as Jim moved to the front. Eventually he had the first place position (a first for the ZR 71 in the feature), but darn it, we had a caution and he ended up moving back to try for another run at first. We had some very stiff competition tonight, our eye on a good finish, when the tie rod broke. What luck!! With 5 laps to go, Jim had to pull out of the race. It continued to be an 'on the edge of your seat' race as Milo Veloz took first position and the win on the very last lap. Doug...you were so close!! For the second car with the itty bitty engine you did one heck of a job tonight. The saying is, ' there's always next week.'

7/26/02

The track is slowly changing as the season progresses and Rick is finding it difficult to find his groove. The car's setup is beginning to run differently and Rick is trying to keep up with the new conditions. We suffered a few spinouts in the heat, consi, and feature and just trying to work out the kinks and understand the car and track. Rick is having difficulty going into the turns, opposite of Michael who has difficulty coming out. In the end, they'll both get more seat time and understand the track conditions and the car as time goes on. Rick ended up with a 12th place finish in the feature.

Hmmm...the powder puff was last night and not one word was mentioned to any of the girls for possibly hopping in the car and running a few laps. These boyz just don't want to share their special girl...the ZR71 (I'll give Michael credit tho, he would be supportive). One night, just joking, I offered to pack the track and Mike and Rick pooh, poohed me as those I was crazy to think I should take her out. Oh well, I really never wanted to, but their nervous reaction made me realize they REALLY don't want me to. And Angela...god forbid that lead foot would get in the car, Mike would defiantly have a coronary!!

7/27/02

Rain, rain, rain

7/28/02

Races scheduled for 7/30/02.

7/30/02

Happy Birthday to Little Z!! He turned 18 on the 29th.

Tonight East Moline hosted the UDTRA for a $10,000 win for the late model division. Open Wheels were also on the agenda and Jim was in the seat. We had a great heat race and won the checkered flag (although we drew a front row position, so it wasn't too tough). The feature line-up was based on the draw, redraw; meaning a heat win doesn't do a darn thing to put you in a good position. So guess what?? Jim drew an eighth, and Randy Wages and Milo Veloz drew the first row (what kind of luck is that?). The ZR 71 always has the potential to move forward and Jim did his amazing razzle dazzle and was up front early on. We eventually ended up with a caution, and on the restart our now second place car appeared to be setting LOW to the ground. What the heck does this mean? Track officials take a moment to speak with Jim and it's apparent something's not right. Jim and the car persevere and make it to the finish line neck in neck with John Bull.

The track announced Jim as the 3rd place winner, but Jim and our tape both indicated Bull had him. By the time we went to pick up our winnings, someone else had decided that Bull was third place as well. That left the ZR 71 with a 4th place finish, broken spring, and one honkin flat tire...but we finished. Randy Wages won the checkered...and we're happy for Sean and Randy to come out on top, but we're chomping at the bit to have a night of nothing breaking and a chance at the number 1 spot.

Thanks to Banks Plastering for showing your support!

8/2//02

Mississippi Valley Fair - No races

8/3/02

There were more than the usual number of cars tonight at Blue Grass so a consi was required to decide which drivers would not be fortunate enough to make it in the feature. Michael, thankfully, did not have to run, which made this writer happy. He was placed toward the back of the pack in the feature and when the lights went out he put enormous effort in moving forward (which he did). Even our rivals at the track indicated he has improved tremendously since they first began watching him. The boy and his 'fast mutha trucka' did end up on the back stretch with a lot of sparks flying less than half way through. Of course, the sparks weren't a minor problem, but a drive shaft that decided to malfunction. This is our 3rd time the car has experienced the same problem, each time for a different driver. Michael was pushed off the track and we chalked it up to another night of not crossing the finish line.

Due to our bad luck, I got to put the camera down and watch a race. I must say that it was the most exciting one I've watched, excluding the ZR 71, for the entire season. We had competitive driving going on between Randy Wages and a newcomer to Blue Grass, John Dimmit, Mr... 21D (I think that is his name). Since Michael was out, 21 D is a driver I have never met, and Randy was up front I could only root for the hometown boy against the outlaw that rode into town. What a race!! These boys put on quite a show and both of them did some great racing. The last few laps were action packed and no one new the outcome as they came upon lap traffic. Yikes, it wasn't until the last and final turn that we new the winner of tonight's feature. Congratulations again to Randy and Shon!

8/4/02

Does this give you a clue to tonight's race? Well, yes it is true... the ZR 71 had its first win!!! Jim brought home what Mike has been hoping for since his first race on 5/26/02, a feature win. Can you imagine our thoughts when Michael drew a first place spot? We know Jim can race, we know the ZR 71 is a 'fast mutha trucka', but we also know anything can happen (and it has all season). Jim tried to keep me from dreaming big (he's had plenty of live and learns in his racing career), but hey, tonight was the night and it felt right. It wasn't an on the edge of your seat like last night's race for the spectators, but when we're in the lead...I don't care. There were a number of restarts but Jim pulled away and told the boyz 'bye bye' every time. Our last restart I dropped my camera long enough to see Randy Wages right behind Jim. If Randy has any telepathy he surely heard me tell him to lay off...I want this win!! And somebody did hear me because tonight he couldn't catch up (Sorry Randy, but you whip our butts all the time!). Tonight was perfect and we want to acknowledge Jim, Cindy, Cassie, and his family and friends for being supportive of the ZR71. Damn he is a helluva race car driver! Thanks to the 43 team for lending us a drive shaft for tonight's race. If they hadn't, we wouldn't have been in the winners circle! Thanks to our competition for their support, and thanks to our sponsors who made it happen. Lastly, congratulations to Mike Zemo, owner. He managed to keep his blood pressure in check and not have a coronary from the excitement (if you only knew how excitable this fella is over the ZR71, you'd appreciate my comment)

8/9//02

Rick started in the front row of the heat race tonight and ended with a 3rd place finish. Cox and the Dominator passed Ricky "the Radicator" and kept him on his heels as the track proved hard to handle. Tonight's track was the weirdest so far this year. Rick started in the front row of the feature anticipating he could run a good line on the bottom, but that was certainly not the case. The high line was the fastest way to go, which is very hard to understand if you've ever come to Davenport. Rick took the bottom and couldn't do anything with that position. He tried to move up, but only to find the black slick going into turn one. The car got loose on the entry and went right around on him in the middle of corner. It was a near miss for John Bull and the "99" car. We were almost on the wrecker once again, but Rick took out his anger by driving the track safe and fast at the same time. He ended up with a 14th??? place finish (the check indicated a 10th place mark, even though we were paid for the 14th place finish.)

Congrats to Sandusky Motorsports with a 4th place finish in the Late Model division.

8/10/02

ZR71 and company came out ready and willing to take on whatever was in the way. But as we see by the insert it wasn't a very good night. Michael drew 3rd row inside for the first heat and we weren't sure what would happen. Leland Bushong ran around him on the outside, which stuck him in the back with the whole track to work with. We had a few setup problems which left us tight in and loose off, but we managed to recover by feature time. Michael took 6th place in his heat race as he bobbled with 3 to go, continuing to stay on the track and giving it his all to race to the finish line competing for the 5th position; however #15 managed to nose up ahead of him. By feature time we had the car back on track and hoped things would go right. Michael started 15th on the inside hoping he could move forward from so far back. On the drop of the green in the first lap a few cars checked up and sent #7 Keith Haislip into a 90 degree turn straight into the ZR71. The whole right side of the car was knocked in with a bended rim and another flat tire. Michael pulled in and got reorganized while still under the caution, but that wouldn't be the last time he would need to pit. A few laps later Milo Veloz spun out causing another caution, which gave Michael a position ahead of Milo . He managed to keep him in check for 2 or 3 laps, until another caution came out. Milo took ZR71's spot, but that didn't stop Michael from trying to get it back. Michael tried to lay low for a bit and let things roll through but then Randy Wages spun out in turn 4 causing a 5 car pile up. Milo, Michael and Kevin Peters all received damage. At that point Michael hit the brakes so hard he lost the fronts and was stuck with only rear brakes the rest of the night. Michael pulled in just to verify the problem during another caution, but was sent on his way. Michael couldn't do a heck of a lot without front brakes so he laid low ONCE again. Just around lap 20 Michael came out of turn 2 when the right rear cap for the axle was stripped out and sent him to the inside once again. This time he would stay in for a 10th place finish. It'll do. Tonight's racing was UGLY for all drivers as at least half of the competition drove away with major damage of one kind or another.

8/11//02

Rain, rain, rain.

8/16//02

We had a late start tonight and ended starting in the back of the pack. Our late arrival was due to the discovery of problems that were not easy to attend to. We were on edge trying to find parts, buy parts, and work with items that weren't meant to be. Thankfully, Shon Sanders, was there to offer assistance www.ssracing.com and we ended up making it to the track just in time. Rick ran well throughout the night, running the heat, consi, and feature. Our feature netted us a 16th position and by the time the checkered flag waived we had managed to move up to 14th. The track was the best for Rick tonight as a few changes were made to the set-up. All seemed to work well and we may go with the same again next week.

8/17//02

We didn't adjust our set-up tonight and we could surely tell with Michael. He ran the track different than usual and it was easy to see there was either a problem with the car or the track conditions. It was slick, but the other drivers weren't having any trouble. It is amazing what a set-up can do and how it can affect your car. We had a lesson well learned tonight and we will be on top of it next time around. Michael did fine considering, it just took time to figure out how to do what he needed to do. We had a few spin-outs but finished the race with a 13th place finish (he started 16th). Currently, Michael has an 8th place position in points. Tempers flared at the track tonight, and some were not happy racers. I was happy to see the ZR 71 start and finish the race in one piece.

8/18/02

8/23/02

We lost oil pressure tonight in hot laps and decided not to run the chance of damaging the engine.

8/24/02

Engine problems

8/25/02

Rain, rain, rain

8/30/02

Hoped to run in Tipton tonight with Andy Cook in the seat; however, things didn't go according to plan.

8/31/02

With the help of Dave, Theresa and Andy Cook we had planned on running Blue Grass tonight. The heat race indicated we had an oil leak which we adjusted, but after a few laps in the feature is was obvious Michael wasn't going to be able to finish the race. ZR 71 was pulled in to watch the races from the infield.

9/1//02

Rain, Rain, Rain

9/2/02

We were excited about putting Andy Cook into the car for the Bud Shootout on Davenport's 1/2 mile track. However, we ended up thinking too much, discovered the car would not meet all requirements and backed out. Worst mistake...there were no officials to check the few minor flaws we had. Looking back, it was in the best interest of the ZR 71 to have entered the race and let Andy get his first taste of open wheel racing. We'll be prepared for Andy next time!!

9/6//02

Andy was in the car for the first time tonight!! Dave, Theresa, and Andy's crew joined us for his debut in the ZR 71. Everyone seemed confident that Andy would do just fine and he proved he could. His heat race was action packed and he was in second place when a caution was called. Go figure...with a few laps to go he lost his position, ending the race with a 5th. Of course this means he has to run the consi to qualify for the feature. The boy has attitude... he pulled in the pits, acknowledged his mistakes, and said he was winning the consi. He gave what he promised and took the checkered flag.

Andy started the feature in 13th and moved up to a 5th place finish managing to miss a few pile ups and learn there is no such thing as a line in open wheel racing. If you ask him he'd be the first to tell you open wheel and late model are quite a bit different...but he wants to get back in it. Don't be surprised if you see Andy in both the open wheel and late model next season!!

9/7/02

Michael's season championship was at Blue Grass tonight and I was thrilled to see only 16 cars in competition as opposed to the 27 last Saturday!! He started in 8th position and fell back to 12th during the first portion of the race. He was holding his own against the big boys, such as John Dimmit, and I held my breath and taped. The car is running faster than ever and he was given a different set up for a faster run (Dad thought he was ready). Needless to say Michael moved up and ended with a 6th place finish. It was the best performance he has put on in his rookie season.

His official track standing for the season was 9th. FYI: Ronnie Weedon had his 497th career win....congratulations Ronnie!!

9/8/02

Tonight's racing became tragic as Randy Wages hit the wall in turns 3 and 4 while packing the track. As most are fully aware, Randy's throttle stuck while running the track without safety harnesses or helmet. He sustained severe head injuries and was taken by ambulance to Illini hospital where he was placed in a drug induced coma and his injuries were accessed. Later he would be transported to Trinity for further medical treatment. As of this writing Randy is still in a coma (not drug induced), but is responding to simple instruction such as moving his toes and fingers. As of 9/10/02 he also responded to the doctor by showing two fingers and sticking out his tongue. All of this is being done while still in a comatose state. I don't know how this can happen, but it is very promising to me. I look forward to visiting the hospital tomorrow hoping to find he has come around. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Wages family and friends. They are a very strong and supportive family who have been by his side 24/7.

As for racing on Sunday night all of our thoughts were in places other than on the track, but we stuck it out and competed. Jim's heat run was not spectacular, but we wouldn't expect anything else since his thoughts were surely with Randy as well as trying to provide a good run. By feature time his composure seemed to reappear and he ended running a great race, starting towards the back of the pack and ending with second place finish. Had there been a few more laps Jim definitely would have given the checkered flag winner, Doug Crampton, a run for his money.

Jim's performance was great, but bittersweet for our team. We would have rather the night turned out differently, with Randy (as in most cases) included in the running for the checkered flag!

9/15/02

We have a 3-peat!! Yes, we did it again!!! Not three in a row...but three no matter how you look at it. Jim took the checkered in the heat and Andy Cook drew an 11th place start for our feature. You need to see the tape!! Within the first few laps Jim was moving towards the front and nothing could stop him. Our competition was exactly as you'd hope for, with friends running along side of each other. Jason Veloz, 43V, ran in the first place position for quite some time, but Jim gained on him quickly. Before you knew it Jim and Jason were running neck in neck competing for position. Jim was as smooth as ever and just glided on the dirt throughout the rest of the race (we did have one little falter in turn 2, but managed to get back in the zone). We were shocked at how easy it came tonight, but none the less VERY happy. Chances are good when you are lucky enough to draw a position up front, but 11th to first proves you have a great car and a great driver. Jim's smile tonight was the biggest I've seen, but as a matter of fact we all had big smiles!! Jason finished the race with a 5th place position due to car problems. Milo Veloz and Doug Crampton ended with 2nd and 3rd, respectively. It was fun to see the 4 running up front. Jim and Doug were both clocked at 79 mph tonight and Milo at 77. We didn't receive stats on Jason so I'm not sure what his best run was. We plan on heading to Peoria on Saturday for a one hundred lapper and should be joined by Jason and Doug if all goes well. We'll have Andy Cook at the wheel for his second appearance in the car. We hope to have our bud Jim there, as competition on the track. Would that be exciting or what?

9/21/02

We took a trip down to Peoria tonight for a $2,000 to win show with Andy Cook in the car for a second time. The night was fun from the get-go as we teamed up with 43V and made a road trip out of it. Andy's heat race was awesome! Zemo was so excited he had to sit down and catch his breath after Andy brought in the checkered flag. He started the heat second row, outside, and pulled to the front and brought it on!

The feature consisted of a 100 lapper and the track was such that to run you could only fall into the bottom line hoping to inch your way (nose your way) up front. Andy started fifth but fell back the first 50 laps to twelfth position, not because he was ineffective, but because he kept trying to make his move on the outside. My nerves were on edge as he ran into traffic that continually slowed him up and gave him no other choice but to 'go up.' If you were going to move forward on this track you had to be innovative. Once he went into the pits at the half way mark he informed the crew what he needed to run his race and was off again. This time the he was 'effective,' even on the outside and forged his way to 4th (it takes a lot of kahunas to gamble on the outside). He could have moved even further the last 20 laps, but he had to deal with lap traffic that was left in the front on the restart around lap 83. The awesome "Drew" was nosin his way to 3rd when the checkered flag waved. Were we disappointed? Heck No! He gave us a show we could only be proud of. Mr. Awesome Drew ended up without a scratch to the car and had the only caution free heat race.

Our QC teams ended up with great final places considering there were at least 66 entrants for the open wheel division. Milo did a great job of taking a 2nd (Peoria seems to be his track), Andy a 4th (with only his 2nd time in the seat), and Jason a 10th (with cars just wanting to take him out, but surviving). It was another great night of racing.

9/22/02

We have a 4th!! What fun. We show up at the track tonight for our second to last East Moline race (weather permitting). Jim's heat race was nothing to brag about, but he can't be perfect every race night and our car can't kick butt every night he's in it. We still worry about the U-joint breaking each and every time, or a multitude of other problems. His run was good but even his fans expect him up front within the first few laps or consider there is something wrong with the car. WRONG! By the time the feature rolled around Jim had drawn a 3rd place position and the car and Jim were rockin and rollin. Jim managed to work up to first position and ran with it the rest of the night. We had numerous restarts, which gives the other drivers an opportunity to move forward. (when we're behind I love a restart). Thank goodness Jim didn't have any problems keeping his position for the remainder of the race and continued pushing forward. We did have Doug Crampton, #40, on our butt, down below, or wherever he could position himself to try and run past Jim, but eventually Jim was out front on his own and captured his 4th checkered flag for the year at East Moline Speedway. Rick Wages was in the Shon Sanders #3 car tonight, sitting in for this brother Randy. Fans seemed pleased to see the car back on the track with a Wages in it and cheered. The track drivers also visited the stands and took a collection to help assist in Randy's increasing hospital bills and collected over $700. Rick ended up with two flat tires and had to pull out of the race, but I know Jim was looking forward to running with him. Racing continues this coming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday scheduled at Davenport, Maquoketa, and East Moline, respectively. Come check out our drivers! And to the girls that joined us tonight to show their support....THANKS, we appreciate you! Next, we just need the 43V crew out there. We can be your second favorite team :-)

9/27/02

Rick was back on the track tonight hoping to place for the feature. We ran the heat, but didn't place and had to hope for a good consi finish. It didn't happen, but we tried. There were over 44 cars that entered and sadly we were one of the 20 cars that didn't make it. This was Rick's last try for the season but you can expect him back next year on Friday nights.

9/28/02

Rain, Rain, Rain
Maquoketa had a special $2,000 to win show tonight and Andy Cook was in the drivers seat. DISAPPOINTMENT...We were rained out before Andy could even run a heat race. We're hoping to have Andy in the car this Friday night and I'd love to see him do his stuff.

9/29/02

We actually have a 3-peat!! Jim had his fifth and final win at East Moline tonight. He started the feature in 10th position and had stiff competition to try and move up with. I don't think any of us really expected too much. There were too many good drivers up front that could hold their own the entire race. Slowly, ever so slowly, things moved in the right direction and I begin to think he might place in the top three. We had Ronnie Weedon and Thad Wilson running with us until it seemed like an eternity. It was a 'hold your breath and hang on' towards the end of the feature. When Jim actually made it to that number one position it just seemed to good to be true. My biggest fear was the driveshaft would break or some other little irritating thing might happen, like a flat tire. (FYI..last week Jim reached the pits and had a punctured tire, obviously he had hit the same thing Rick Wages had twice that night) Tonight was so unexpected Jim had my knees shaking and my stomach in knots. Jim had to love racing tonight because he had to work for this win and those are his sweetest moments. Congratulations to Mike, who has put his heart and soul into these awesome shows and our sponsors who gave us the opportunity. Don't forget Friday night at Davenport with Andy Cook. Sunday, as of this writing, Jim will be in the ZR 71 hoping to win the Reinhart for Cassie at Hawkeye Speedway.

10/5/02

We made a trip out to Tipton tonight for a "topless" race. Sounds interesting doesn't it? The drivers were suppose to remove the roof and its side panels for a $1200 purse. If the roof was not removed the purse would amount to $700. We ended up removing the roof against our better judgment and put Andy in the car. There were approximately 58 cars that entered for a chance at the win and we did make it on the first round. The feature began with Andy in ninth position and we watched with baited breath as the first laps were one big conglomeration of cars. A little space is nice between the contenders, because this close anything can happen. Our "little gal," who has become my third child, ran her heart out with Andy's guidance. She was knocked around, pushed around, and banged into, but she kept on going. Andy ran the pants right off of her and she was there for him the entire evening. Amazingly enough she and Andy persevered until the end with a 3rd place finish. When the car and Andy arrived in the pits we were all on cloud nine until we saw our ZR 71 was badly damaged. She was broke in so many places I can't believe they stayed on the track. She carried Andy through to the finish and I'm so proud of that car. I think I'm going to have to name her. I love our Drew too!! He, of course, was feeling deflated that the damage was so bad, but it was a culmination of rough tracks, fast motor, a 4 year old chassis and pushing her to her limit the entire season (remember the majority of our season had rookie drivers).

We were approached by a non-fan who gave us glowing remarks on Andy's driving in tonight's race. We are aware we have some of the finest drivers and appreciate their dedication to see us do well.

10/6/02

Our poor girl was put back together over night and back on the track for a run at Hawkeye Speedway. It was a very important day for Jim Sandusky because he had hoped to win the Reinhart for Cassie and have a 4th win under his belt. He ran a magnificent heat race and earned a 6th row position in the feature. He and the ZR 71 were looking great as they continued to move ahead with only a few laps into the race. Jim did an excellent job and climbed up to second place when the car broke. What a disappointment for Jim, Cassie, and our entire crew. The track was SO rough and so bad that by the end of the race there were only 7 cars left on the track. Does that tell you anything? Considering Michael ended up 9th for the season (I think that is VERY good for a rookie driver), I'm glad the ZR 71 won't be there again. It is just too tough on the old girl and she deserves better. Congratulation to Mitch Way who made a great show in his last lap and won the trophy.

10/11//02

Tonight was a busy night. Mary had the first Quilt finished for the Randy Wages Benefit so we were able to display it at Davenport Speedway for the spectators to view. We were also able to break away and watch Andy run his heat. Pins and needles, pins and needles. That's how it felt watching and waiting. Andy had a good run and there was absolutely nothing to complain about. Problem was he didn't make the first 4, which means it was the consi race or nothing at all. In the consi Andy just kicked butt and ended with a win that gave us a place in the feature...way in the back, but in the feature. Jim was also in the consi race and it was very DIFFICULT to view these guys running against each other. Of course, the ZR 71 would have had to be my first choice, but luckily that wasn't an issue because Andy and Jim placed 1st and 2nd. What a relief!! Jim knows how we feel about that "yellow car" and laughingly gave us a hard time.

The ZR 71 isn't completely back to perfection so no matter how well these guys run she could break down. You end up cheering to get through that line and at the same time thinking you need to baby the car. Andy was moving up, but ended spinning out in turn 3. Later, as he moved up again, there was another spin-out in turn 3. Well, you know what that means...we had a black flag and left the track.

Andy is an excellent driver, no doubt, so it's a little hard to be down. There are nights you just don't have any luck and fate issues you a little knock. We'll just keep our chin up and look forward to our next race. We've got Maquoketa on Sunday, and if we can keep our little ZR 71 together, I look for Andy to do well.

Does this mean another night of Jim and Andy neck and neck? I guess we'll find out.

10/13//02

Tonight was our last event for the 2002 racing season. It was down right cold at Maquoketa and the race took place during the evening hours. The feature was a 50 lapper, $2,000 to win, so it would be a great way to end our season and give Andy a win. Andy did fine in the heat and we had a draw that was easy to work with for the feature. With 50 laps it gives you a lot of time to just wait your turn and move up. No since in running the car hard and possibly breaking her before her time. We were all on the same page with our thinking, so I wasn't too worried about the beginning of the race. However, once you have a restart and your car drives off the track it gives you a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach...like, what the heck is going on? Pins and needles, pins and needles. Pacing, pacing, pacing. Can you guess the problem, the car had overheated because the radiator cap had not been secured tightly and everyone was scrambling to get it under control. Pins and needles...we managed to get back on the track just in the nick of time and go to the back of the pack. Andy was moving up, but here we go again, we had a pile up in turns 3 & 4. Needless to say there were a least 4 cars involved and ours was one of them. She was smacked hard and did enough damage that she was crippled and will need a rebuild (lets say a BIG rebuild). Andy described it as the hardest hit he has experienced yet and learned later he had cracked a rib....not something I relish hearing. When you see a car being taken out at that velocity your first reaction is are they okay? ...well at least most peoples thoughts are that. Andy did plow into Doug Nigh during the fiasco and Doug agreed it was an incredibly hard hit and he had thought his car had become toast as well, but it turned out better than he had anticipated. Which is fine with me, because the last thing we'd want to do is cause real damage to Doug. We'll be on the mend and I'm sure Mike will want to have the car completed by the car show in January. Now it is just a time for regrouping, building, and putting our hearts and soul back into the ZR 71.

Hard as it was not to just pack up and leave, we did watch the remainder of the race. Congrats to Rick Wages and Shon Sanders for running an awesome race and ending with a 2nd place finish. Doug Crampton also ended the night well with a win at Blue Grass and an 8th place win at Maquoketa...way to go Doug!!