Kid Kart Volunteer Day at the Races

Well, Hunter didn't lose his rookie status orange number plate this weekend. He didn't run a race. There was a call for the Kid Karts as a class to not race and to instead work the race. I volunteered to work registration and Scott was on standby as a corner worker, but was not needed. There was another dad who was also on standby, but was also not needed, so we thought maybe the two boys could run the race, but it was decided to pull out as a whole class.

So, we got to watch some awesome karting in 103 degree heat until the sun started to set. Hunter and all his Kid Kart friends were running and playing all night long. So he had fun anyway.

In addition to the great Kart racing, there is the Northstar Dragway right by North Texas Kartway. So we can hear the drag racing and see the end of their strip from our track. A skidding-braking sound caught our attention and we looked over at the dragway just in time to see a car tumbling over and over and over before coming to rest. Our paramedic heard the radio chatter that the driver was complaining of only a sore side. Ambulances were called in for what we assumed to be just procedural checking for an accident of that magnitude. But then finally we saw CareFlight coming in. We pray that this driver is okay today. It looked like a nasty wreck - I imagine it was a lot worse close up!!

Next race - July 11th.

Hot. Just Too Hot.

We have a race on Saturday. The weather is predicting 100+ temps all this week and weekend. And Hunter will be practicing and racing in the heat of the day. So, even though we would love for you to come out and cheer him on, we will certainly understand if you choose to sit in your nice air conditioned homes drinking nice iced down cool beverages. Just please think of Hunter often!

I have two nephews serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Andrew, the Marine in Afghanistan, was able to acquire a few precious minutes on a satellite phone to call home. His one request/desire: a refrigerator. They are tired of warm/hot drinks in that heat. Can you imagine?

So, yeah, I'll whine a bit about the heat and my little bitty being in full racing gear, but at least I can cool him off and give him iced down drinks and then we can go home to our cool house.

Post more after the race!

Birthday Run

Hunter had a great birthday yesterday! He had a choice of having a birthday party at home or racing (with a smallish party at the track) and he chose racing.

Even with the heat, it wasn't too bad. We had a nice breeze blowing all day, so it was bearable for a daytime race. Hunter broke his carburetor on Friday night during practice, so we were using a borrowed carb. He was turning some really good times during practice. Then we had some other issues and thankfully for the good sports of other dads (Scott was still at work), those problems were fixed and we were good to go.

He had a really good qualifying run and then he and his race buddies met at our pit stall for birthday cake. Hunter opened his box of NASCAR's from Mom and Dad (he collects and plays with the 1:64 diecast cars). Seems that all the karting boys like NASCAR and Lego's, which was what Hunter was getting for his day.

Heat 2 - Pre Final went pretty good for Hunter. It would have been better, but one of the kiddos was black flagged for blocking another racer and had to leave the track. In leaving the track, he slowed down right in front of Hunter, which made him slow down and he ended up losing a position in that race, but up until then, he was flying!

Heat 3 - Final. For some reason, Hunter was not prepared to leave the start/finish line at the green flag and did not get his good start. He was in fourth place keeping up with the pack and then he spun out at a corner and dropped even further back from the pack. He knew he could not catch up but he did not quit. He raced hard to finish strong. Of course he was so bummed out when he came off the track, but it didn't last long. Once the boys hit the tech barn for the awards, he had cheered up and was goofing off with all of them.

I told Hunter I was so proud of him. He raced even though he knew he would not win. He was bummed, but he knows this is just part of racing.

Yeah, I think I have a racer on my hands. Love it!!

Hunter's 8th Birthday - Sunday Race

If you are anywhere near North Texas Kartways this Sunday, June 7th, starting at 1PM, please come join us for a great Sunday afternoon of kart racing and to celebrate Hunter's 8th birthday.

His birthday is Sunday and we decided to have his cake and "eat it, too!" so to speak at the race track. He was excited about having a race on his day and sharing it with his family and friends at the track.

We hope you will be able to join us!