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Lots of fun coming up for 2013!

Don't miss out!!

End of a Great Year 2012

 

Hadyn and her first karting awards banquet!!

Last night finished out the end of a great year for HES2 Motorsports. Since there wasn't a regional race series available to our engine package this year, we opted to just hang out, travel to race with friends, and just have fun this year. Little did we know that Hunter would bring home another championship trophy and jacket and that Hadyn would qualify in her first year of racing to do the same!

Hunter thanking God and his sponsors for his great year!

In never ceases to amaze me just how close knit the racing family really is. There is a young man racing for a championship in Italy right now that we've never raced against, but just knowing he was at the same regional races we were and having common friends, we are cheering for him like crazy right now. That's how it works. We cheer and support each other. Everyone wants the win, but as Davey Hamilton, an Indycar driver who suffered a near fatal accident while racing in Texas in 2001, said in an interview,  "Whenver you put a helmet and a firesuit on, it's probably pretty dangerous. And we accept that as racing drivers." And knowing this, we support one another rather than tearing each other down.

In 2012, Hadyn flipped her kart upside down this year and got up and raced on. Hunter tasted the disappointment of being unprepared and getting beat a few times. And Scott and I became complacent at times during the season and didn't stretch ourselves to see what could be done.

Crazy amount of awards for both kids! Awesome!!

But next year is a new year. Hunter wants to move into the Jr Shifter class and start practicing now so he can be ready when he turns 12 in June. We are going to spend more time with Hadyn so she will become a real competitor (helps to go faster when you take your foot off the brake - go figure). Hunter will race at least one more big race in his Cadet kart - the Lone Star Grand Prix in Lockhart, TX in March.

We thanks all of our friends and family who have helped us so much in all ways. Above all, though, we give thanks to the Lord above who blesses us and provides us with our wonderful sponsors (and hopefully more to come!) and keeps us all safe.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Scott, Lori, Hunter & Hadyn

Figuring Out What's Important

What is important? I guess that depends on the person and situation. Someone who is experiencing financial issues may say it's food, shelter, and clothing. Another who lost a spouse or family member may say it's spending quality time together. But what does a child think is important? Experience tells us it's whatever is usually happening in their lives right at that moment.

So, when we had an opportunity to do a little traveling to race in a fledgling regional series a the beginning of the month, Hunter opted out. Okay, we did have a club race at our track that same weekend. But he opted out of that one, too. Why? Well, he wanted to participate in his church student ministry back-to-school all day worship event. There would be fun and games, but overall, this is where he felt God wanted him to be.

And that's what was important to him.

We finished out our Summer Series with both kids running great. Hunter took a win and Hadyn came back from her short track racing at New Braunfels and Waco to show how much she had learned!! So with the break of not racing at the first of this month, we had about a month out of the seat of racing.

But with the showing from both HES2 Motorsports racers last night, you wouldn't have known it.

2 - in HES2 ready to go race!

Hadyn set a personal best time of a 58.9 second lap. She's still about 5 seconds off the leaders, but she'll be there soon - and then they'll be chasing her down! And she had her last Kid Kart rookie race last night, so she will no longer be the "rookie" out there.

We've taken some hits to Hunter's class over the Summer and lost a racer to golf (really? golf over racing? whatever.) and have about 3 more that just aren't showing up to race consistently. So lately, it's just been the Hunter and Jake show. Therefore, we've taken the last two races to do a little experimenting with set up. We run in a mixed group of classes so even though last night was just Hunter and Jake in the TAG Cadet class, we had a group of four classes together. That's always interesting - especially when there is lapped traffic involved. But the boys did great and ran a great race. We didn't think the experimental set up was working well, but Hunter kept biding his time and slowly kept creeping up on Jake. Lap after lap, Hunter would look flawless on his corners and got closer and closer. I heard someone say "white flag" and I thought they were on their last lap. Hunter came off the last turn right behind Jake and was drag racing down the back stretch toward the finish line. My racer loves to run like that - give him a photo finish and it's the best race EVER. But it wasn't the last lap - they had one more and Hunter got a run on the corner and made a beautiful pass and took off! Not what I was expecting given that we were just playing with setups. But this boy has such a drive and determination to go make things work. It might take a little bit, but he'll figure it out and go!

Hunter and Jake  - great friends and great competitors!

And he was 0.1 (one tenth) a second off the track record. Oh, so close. Well, I guess we'll keep playing with the set ups and he'll keep driving.

Overall, it was a fun night of racing. And even though there are way more important things in the world, having fun - doing something we enjoy - and spending time with family - that's what was important to us last night.


Let's go do it again next weekend!

For the Olympic Moments

Parent lectures are never fun to hear. And most parents wonder how much of the lecture actually got heard and how much was tuned out. Which leads the parent to lecture more to make sure something gets soaked in. For the most part, and depending on the personality of the child, I think it works.

When I was a teenager, my Dad, during dinner (and repeating an anti-drug commercial), shook his fork at me and said, "Don't do drugs." Thanks for the "talk", Dad, but I wasn't planning on it anyway, and unless you count beer and margaritas, I've succeeded. But, I did get the "lectures" on automobile safety: check your oil regularly, check your water levels, check the condition of your belts, keep proper air in your tires, for pete's sake, keep the car clean, and on and on. I remember those things very loudly in my head. And how long ago was it that I heard them? Let's not count.

So, when we lecture our kids on character and sportsmanship, it's not that we expect that perfect behavior right now. Oh, that'd be nice and for the most part we get it, but it's for those times we're not around. For those "Olympic" moments...where the worldwide cameras are on you and everyone can see what your character in the most upsetting moment of your life (to date) truly is.

Drivers Meeting in Waco. HES2 Drivers on the fenceline.

We drove to Waco, TX yesterday afternoon (2+hr drive from here) to race with some friends last night. Waco's kart track is smaller than ours and is nothing but corners - and very tough corners. It's a narrow track and there are not any good passing opportunities. I watched the struggles of the "big" racers and they have to make opportunities to pass - they don't come easily. So, in Hunter's 3 racing heats, the running order was decided by the draw of a number. He was last for 2 of the 3. And in those heats, that's where he ran, too. He just couldn't find the opening to get around without flat out running someone off the track and wrecking himself to boot. On the one heat where he started 2nd, he finished 1st. Yea. But when it counted, nope...no passing areas.

Grid for the TAG Cadet/Yamaha lineup. #88 in the back.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. We discovered his brakes weren't working very well when we rolled him up to the grid for the final. So, he ran a nothing-but-corners track with very bad brakes. He started off slower because of this, spun off a corner, got back on and ran down the pack and was running faster times and better corners than the rest of the pack, but he just couldn't pass. Oh, well, he did make one pass, but on this track, the gamble of making a pass means you also leave your self open for the pass-ee to pass you back, and that happened. So, when he came in...last...he was devastated. Bless his heart. But the poor attitude that flowed from this kid was nothing short of embarrassing. He was beyond mad about his brakes and almost hitting his competitors on the track because of it. Scott finally got him in the trailer, but not before the damage was done. Yes, it was lecture time. After the race and on our midnight trip home, it was lecture time. This morning, before church, a re-reminder of why we behave the way we should...for those "Olympic" moments.

Hadyn on the grid!

And I should not forget to mention our HES2 driver, Hadyn, who so impressed us with her driving last night. All trepidation was lifted as she drove full out, powering and muscling around corners, outrunning another rookie driver, and keeping lapping traffic at bay to increase her knowledge and ability behind a wheel. My Princess Warrior - 5 years old. Man, what will be in her future?

We don't expect perfection or the right attitudes from our kids at all times, but just like knowing that I need to check my oil is always in my head, I want to know that my kids will have in their heads, no matter what, have good character and show good sportsmanship!!



Who knows, if trampolining can be an olympic sport, then maybe karting will one day as well! Ha!

Some Days You Race, Some Days, You Just Hang Out with Friends!

It's been a while since my last post. It's been a while since our last race.

Hadyn and her new Kid Kart friend from HCKC! Racer Girls!

At the first of July, the Texas ProKart Challenge series ended it's 3 stop tour at North Texas Kartway. We had made the decision at the beginning of the year not to race this series. It was a painful decision, but due to circumstances around here, it was the right one to make. And Hunter was on board with that decision. For such a young boy, he shows such grace and understanding in decisions made by his parents. I love that. So, when this particular weekend rolled in, we volunteered to work. And it was great to see friends we raced with last year. But once Hunter saw those friends out there racing, I could see the longing in his eyes to be out there, too. But true to his character, he didn't fuss or whine about it. He knew this race was not his to run. This time. He put on his work shirt and helped out where needed. Well, that and playing with friends when he could.

Story Time around the Trailer!

Then we left for vacation and missed the next two club races, so again, no racing for HES2 Motorsports. Fortunately for us, one of those races was rained out, so it really wasn't like "missing" a race. Then we decided, with another family from NTK, to make the trip to New Braunfels to go race at Hill Country Karting Club and see more of our racing friends. The track at HCKC is very different from our track at NTK. It is shorter, for one, and the corners are more challenging, too. So, the kids that race at HCKC have to learn how to take advantage of passing in the corners whereas we get to take advantage of long straights at our track. It takes both to race, so it's a good learning experience for us!

Top 7 TAG Cadet Finishers

Hadyn got to race and did really well at a new track. She was racing with another rookie and actually beat him! So, she is learning something, too!! Hunter's race day at HCKC wasn't as good as usually expected, but after a poor qualifying round, I pulled him aside and we talked. It was decided between us that yes, a win or at least a really good podium run is preferable to not placing well any day, but if something new is learned and the driver has grown in knowledge and maturity by running a particular line or trying new things like braking patterns, then ultimately it really won't matter where you finish in the line up. And given that this was not a points race for us, this was the time to experiment and learn. I think he did gain some knowledge of what could be done and how, if not being careful, can get caught behind traffic and get bogged up!

It was a great weekend to hang out with friends, though. The kids were running around together just enjoying hanging out - heat and all! So, in the end, some days you race, some days, you just hang out with friends!

Goofy Kids!

Flippin' Great Racing!

Ah...yeah...the "flippin'" part.  Well, my HES2 driver, Hadyn, flipped her kart last night. To start off with, she is fine and she raced great last night. Set her new personal best time! But during the first heat, one of her competitors spun out on a corner and when Hadyn came around the corner, she didn't know what to do and just ran right up over him and flipped her kart over and landed on her shoulder and head. I was working the corner right where it happened and pretty much knew what was going to happen before it did, so I was already running that way.

She was crying, of course, and said her shoulder hurt, but the paramedic checked her over and there seemed to be nothing broken or severely injured. She has some road rash and little bruising on her shoulder, but that's it. She determined then that she was done with racing, but by the time the 2nd heat came up, she was ready to go back out. My trooper. Five years old...had her first (and hopefully last) flip in her kart...and got back in the saddle and finished the night. She'll be something to watch out for, that's for sure!

My other HES2 driver, Hunter "Blue Bolt" Stine, and his competitor friend, Jake, gave everyone at NTK a heck of a show last night!! The boys were running such fast times and running so evenly that for the final heat, it was back and forth all race long. Hunter made a very impressive and daring pass on Jake but then got caught behind lapped traffic coming out of a corner and Jake took advantage of that and took the lead back. Hunter would run him down and on and on it went until they were coming around the top of one banked corner stuck together - side by side - like glue - and went OFF the track side by side - sat OFF the track - side by side - came back ON the track - side by side - and finished the race just like that. Jake edged Hunter out in the end by one tenth of a sec, but man, that is one 2nd place finish Hunter can be proud of. Both boys came out the tech area cracking up along with all the friends and family around.

We have told our kids time and time again...there is NO win more important that showing good character and sportsmanship and they all showed that last night!!

Yeah, a flippin' great race all around!

Real Racing!

Last night was the last race in our NTK Spring series and Hunter clinched the championship with an awesome win! So far this season, our competitors really haven't been up front running with Hunter for various reasons, but last night one of our friends - who has a new kart and new confidence - really poured it on and gave Hunter a real run.

Jake consistently ran faster times than Hunter (yes, we have him on old equipment - again), but Hunter didn't let that stop him. I told him that we could put on new tires, new drive sprocket, new gear, etc and he could possibly have set the track record last night, but we didn't, so it was up to our driver to show us what he can do with what he has. And Hunter certainly stepped up to that challenge! He loved having to run down and chase another kart.  That is what fuels his fire - stiff competition. It was lapped traffic that caused Jake to stumble a bit and for Hunter to capitalize on it. Hunter just has more experience and confidence in his passing and once he got around them, it was all Blue Bolt time.

For the final heat, Hunter took off out front but Jake was on his tail. The two of them blazed a trail around the track like there were no others on it. They tore off from the pack and it became a two man race in the front. With three new racers on the track, lapped traffic might have posed a problem, but Hunter and Jake looked like they were glued to each other as they passed one kart after another. We were so thrilled to watch Jake take the corner passes with Hunter and stick with him so closely. That was exactly what Jake needed to do to gather more confidence. One last kart to pass caused a sticky bit of issue for Jake so Hunter bolted past, but Jake got hung up for a second leaving the win wide open for Hunter.

We certainly know that with that experience and now that Jake knows what he can do, there will be no more advantages for our Blue Bolt racer - it's going to be gun and run the entire race from here on out.

But that's what our racer wants - real racing!

And not to be left out, our HES"2" driver, Hadyn, got to race in Kid Karts again last night. She and I worked on her corners a little bit on Friday night and reviewed before her race on Saturday. With just a little bit of coaching from Mom, she was able to shave 7 seconds off her previous "fast" time to set her new personal best time. She's getting better every time - just imagine what she'll be like at Hunter's age if she sticks with it!!

Next weekend is the start of our NTK Summer series.
Until then!

Run Away Racing

HES2 Motorsports had a couple of weekends of back-to-back racing this month.

Hadyn started her racing season back up with a good showing in her Kid Kart class. She still has a long way to go, but the girl will hold her ground, stay on her line and just deal with the boys trying to knock her off the track. I loved watching her stay on her line as they would come up to pass (lap) her. She hasn't had the privilege of having Mom and Dad on the track training her the way we did her brother in that class just yet, but after years of watching and listening, she has a good idea of what to do. Of course, it can only get better!

She was so bummed after her pre-final heat when she came in because she came in last out of 8 karts (non-competitve class, so they all get 1st place, but they know where they finish). On the final, however, she caught sight of two karts that spun off the track so when she finished, she came in with a smile saying, "I'm not last - there are still 2 karts out there!"

Oh, yeah. That's our girl!

Hunter ran away with both of the races for NTK's Spring 4 and Spring 5 races. We're not sure what has happened to our competitors this year - engines, chassis', set-ups, confidence? We're just not sure, but hope and pray that something clicks soon - Hunter doesn't want to win this way - he wants to race - and I know they do too!! And as much as we might enjoy seeing the numbers rack up in the win column, we want him to compete, as well. But we are trying to learn as much as we can while we are there. We just moved his motor over to a new (to us) chassis and are trying to get the set-up just right on it for him.

Our track changed from our usual course lay out to our "short track" configuration for this last race. It was fun to figure out set-ups on this one and in practice and qualifying times, looked like it would be a close race. But Hunter Blue Bolt Stine took off from the pack and never looked back - until the very last corner of the very last lap when he just....spun out!! He laughed saying he didn't know what happened - we heard someone in the crowd saying he was so far in front he fell asleep at the wheel! Oh my! (Video clip attached here is the first few laps of the short track race - pardon the wind noise - It looked like it was going to be close at the start, but then...he took off!)

After the race, the boys all took turns in each other's karts and racing each other again just for fun. Because having fun is what it should be about!!

The Student Becomes the Teacher

Recently, a long time friend of ours purchased a kart and decided to come race with us at our last club race. He had done some indoor kart racing and has had a long time passion to race the big karts on our track, so he wasn't entirely new to this, but still new enough.

We had to convince Hunter to restrain himself somewhat in wanting to "coach" our friend. We told him to wait until Coleman came to him to ask for advice. Now, for a 10yr old boy, waiting to share your vast knowledge of the thing you know best is excruciating! But he calmly and patiently waited and it paid off. Coleman did come to Hunter to ask him for his advice on how to handle our track. It was a sweet moment and Hunter gladly stepped up to the plate. The advice must've been good, since for his first race, Coleman stayed on the track and finished the race!! Hunter went on to win his race and is the points leader for the Spring series so far!


In other news, we received word from the Kidz in Motion television show creators that Hunter's segment is finished. We think it looks great and would love to share it with everyone, but we have to wait until it is released/distributed. It is looking good for the show - 35 countries have expressed some interest in the show!

Whoo!! A kart racing TV star in my house! Maybe I should get his autograph now? LOL!

Paparazzi and Racing!

Since we didn't get to run NTK's Spring 1 race due to severe weather, the rain kindly held off a couple of days so we could get in our Spring 2 race this past Saturday. And we had fun!

The paparazzi was following Hunter (and our friend Hannah) around all day long. Okay, not really paparazzi, but the filmmakers that are working on the Kidz in Motion television program that will feature Hunter and Hannah in a couple of episodes (hopefully this will be picked up for USA distribution). Both kids gave the film guys a good show!

Hunter was excited to be back in the saddle at NTK, so to speak. He took the pole during qualifying, then won his pre-final heat. During the final, one of our friends visiting from New Braunfels was getting the track dialed in and kart set up where it needed to be and posed to give Hunter a run. But lapped traffic caused some distance between the two and Hunter won the final.

We look forward to the next race on April 21st.

To give you a taste of what he does, here is a sample. This is from one of the film makers, Russ Ansley, and some of the footage he has gotten of the kids. It's from NTK and the Texas Lone Star Grand Prix race. Enjoy!!

Wrapping Up the Lone Star Grand Prix

It was a long, crazy weekend. But it was a good one! 

On Friday, we drove down to downtown Dallas to Fair Park - home of the Texas State Fair and the Cotton Bowl.  We got parked by some great friends of ours from New Braunfels and set up for a great weekend of racing. Friday afternoon, we were allowed to go out and walk the race course. The City of Dallas had repaved some areas, but it was most certainly going to be a rough one. We heard that some people decided to go ahead and pull out, but we trusted our young driver to give it a go and let's see what can be done. Since no one had driven this course - ever - no one really knew how to set up for it. There was a lot of discussing and sharing of suggestions going around the pits with our class and we all set up for the first practice on Saturday morning.

Throughout our practices there were many more changes made. When it finally came time for qualifying, we were still trying to dial in a good set up. We were limited on our choices, but when limited, you make do with what you have and ask your driver to do the rest. And he did a great job. He went out and drove a tough course - still trying to build confidence - and being VERY cautious - and qualified in 4th position. 

Getting coaching from our friend, Chris Williams. 

Starting in 4th position for the final heat on Sunday, he moved up to 3rd after our friend Kaleb's side pod fell off (yeah, we know how THAT one feels, too). The front two karts had a big lead so there no catching them. The race, however, was for 3rd and Hunter was leading the charge. In the 1.4 mile long course, we could only see the kids for about 25-30 seconds, and then they would disappear for over a minute. Nerve wracking hardly describes the feeling. Finally, they came around and took the white flag - only one more lap to go. When they emerged again, Hunter was still in front of the pack for 3rd. He came around the last couple of turns when all of a sudden...

He started to slow down - pulled to the side to get out of the way of the others on his tail and coasted around the final turn - with the checkered flag in sight - and then coasted off the course into the infield lot. *Sigh* It was a broken chain. And a broken heart. The supporting cheers that went up for him from the spectators around the fence was incredible. People we did not know were yelling for him - telling him how good he had done. The corner worker told me later in a FaceBook post how impressed she was with his sportsmanship. 

He was crushed, but he handled himself so well. We have been trying to teach him all along that people won't remember who won, but how the racers handled themselves. So it wasn't the finish we were hoping for, but it is one that we can remember and rejoice in.

Until next time....race on, my friends!

Hunter being interviewed during a Red Flag stop in practice. This is for the Kidz In Motion TV show.

Lone Star Grand Prix - March 17th-18th

Tick tock, tick tock....

Next Saturday and Sunday, March 17th and 18th, will be the inaugural Texas Lone Star Grand Prix karting event held at Fair Park in downtown Dallas. I'm not sure, but I don't think there has been a race down there since the 1984 Formula 1 Dallas Grand Prix. But nonetheless, Hunter will be racing at the event!

This is a 1.4 mile long road course set on the streets and areas around Fair Park. The City of Dallas has been working to pave and smooth out the course for our karts. When you are racing between 60-120mph just a couple of inches off the ground, you'd like it to be a bit smoother than not.

The people working on this event have done an outstanding job and are expecting between 5000-10,000 spectators over the weekend. The Texas Museum of Automotive History in Fair Park is having a large car show with many classic and race cars.

Our Cadet racer, Hunter, is beyond excited for this event. We didn't think they would have the Cadet karts running when it was first talked about, but they did include us and we will be there ready to go. Hunter will have practice sessions and qualifying on Saturday, then on Sunday there will be a practice, Pre-Final race, then a parade of cars and karts setting up the Final event on Sunday afternoon.

Also, we were contacted by a company that is producing a kids sports television program called KidzInMotionTV. They would like to include Hunter in their program and will be at the race (and some NTK events, too) to get some footage of him racing. This company has a world wide distribution deal and is working on getting something in the USA, too. So, if you decide to come watch Hunter race, wear your blue colors for Hunter "Blue Bolt" Stine!

Spectator tickets are just $10 per person, so grab the family and come on out. Read the website for more details and we hope to see you there to cheer Hunter on!!

Starting a New Year!

Thank you to our new sponsors for 2012: Dutch "E" Enterprises - Oil and Gas Production, Zrii - Natural Wellness, and Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney!! We appreciate your support of our racers!

Hunter raced a couple of weeks ago at North Texas Kartway in the final Winter Series race to break in the engine after a rebuild. After almost three months away from the track, it didn't show for our racer boy. He cruised to a first place finish! Hadyn was chomping at the bit to get back out and race, too, but that race was just for Hunter's engine break in. Next time, Sis.

Coming up for the kids is the start of the North Texas Karters club Spring series on March 10th. We will run at Spring 1, and then the following week, March 17th and 18th, Hunter will be racing in the Texas Lone Star Grand Prix at Fair Park in downtown Dallas. This is quite a different event for Hunter as this is a 1.4 mile long road course - the same place that Ayrton Senna raced in the 1984 Formula 1 Dallas Grand Prix. Ooooo...feel the history there!!

We could still use more sponsorship to get Hunter into the new SKUSA Texas ProKart Challenge races coming up. They are offering use of an engine, but the entry, parts and travel fees will need to be covered for three weekends in Texas and one week in Las Vegas for the SKUSA Super Nationals race. If you have any leads, please pass them on our way!

Looking forward to a great year!!

New Year...New Opportunities

2012.  A brand new year. And hopefully the Mayans just ran out of space on their calendar. ;)

I have been busy putting together a letter and schedule for Hunter to deliver to some local businesses to solicit for sponsorship in exchange for mobile advertising. There have been some changes to the scheduling around here and one of our big race series that we can race with our current engine has been dropped. If we can pick up a different engine package (and preferably another chassis to go with it), we can add some National series races to his schedule.

He can continue to race at the club level, but as good as the kid is, we'd like to see what he can do in a more challenging arena and get more experience from that. We also have plans to travel to New Branfels and Katy to race with our friends from around the state as much as we can.

Hadyn will really get into her club level racing this year and we are excited to see what she will learn. She'll be propelled into a higher learning area as well, since she'll be with us on any travels we may take. Pretty good experience for a five year old!

If you know anyone that has a business they would like to advertise in exchange for some racing $$, let us know! Hunter is well worth the investment!

Embrace the Examples

What a fantastic finish to a great NASCAR racing season. We watched the battle between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards come to conclusion last night and were totally impressed by both of them. With a 3 point deficit, Tony had the race of his life. Started further back in the field while Carl was on the pole, had some car issues during the race that set them further back and had to race to catch back up and for both to finish the race and season in 1st and 2nd was just icing on the cake.

Personally, I was cheering for Carl Edwards. And Hunter might not ever want to admit it again out loud, but at the end, he was too. We watched Carl do some catch up moves that took our breath away and we recognized some of those moves. When coming up on traffic, our instincts as observers are to think "slow down and be careful,", all the while yelling at the TV or race track for the slower traffic to "get out of the way!" But we have watched Hunter perform some of these moves on his own in his races, too. In Houston, while trying to catch back up to 1st place, he encountered traffic and had to thread the needle so to speak. It was risky and we were on pins and needles because that is a good (good? no, bad.) way to end your race day but apparently, when in the moment, all you see is an opening...and you take it.

When I got to race my Powder Puff heat, I saw that, too. I would come up on traffic and the desire, instinct, drive, whatever it is, to push through would be so great, I found openings. And for all of our inexperience, I probably shouldn't have taken, but I did and it worked for me. I see Hunter doing the same thing. I watched the NASCAR drivers doing it. It's just racing. It's a pretty incredible feeling, I have to admit.

But over all the racing skills, over all the excitement, over all the drive and determination, there are lessons to be learned and number one in my book is how you conduct yourself before, during and after the race. We've worked with Hunter all year long on how a true Champion is to conduct him or herself.

And to witness Carl Edwards exemplify that last night on my TV screen gave us all the credibility we might have been needing. Carl said that if he didn't win, he knew he wanted to be the best loser NASCAR has ever seen. I totally respect this guy. He has his human moments, but overall, this man is a true champion and everyone who saw him last night knows it, too.

So, thank you, Carl Edwards, for embracing the examples we have put before our racers. Keep on racing and we'll see you in Victory Lane again!!

Great Weekend to Close Out Great Year!

Hunter, Jake and Ethan - the top 3 for the Year, too!

We raced our final race of the season at NTK on Saturday. And this time, I really mean "we"!

Hunter had a great showing on Saturday and with a great pass during the final, pulled away from the field to close out his year with a win and clinching the Year End Championship at North Texas Karters! We are so proud of him - and how much he has improved throughout this year.

 Hadyn had her first race this weekend. I was just hoping for her to stay on the track, hold her line and finish the race - and she did all of that and had her best time to date! She was so excited. During the awards ceremony, she was given her medal (all Kid Karts receive 1st place awards), her 1st time driver trophy, a bag of candy, and her 1st time driver Teddy Bear from the Kid Kart sponsor, Polar Graphics. With her arms full of loot, I asked her if that was it - were we done with racing. She said "yes" and I asked if we could sell the Kid Kart now. The misunderstanding was mine, apparently, gauging by the appalled look on her face when she replied, "NO!" She meant, we were done for the day. Okay then. She really wants to do this.

Can't beat that smile!!

Then it was Mom's turn. The Chonda class allowed all of us Moms, wives, girlfriends, etc. to run a Powder Puff heat in their karts. I had a blast - too much fun, really. I think two karters in the family is enough right now. I got t-boned on the first lap and had to wait for the guys to pull our karts apart, but I was still able to catch up and finish in 3rd place (out of 10, I think).

Hunter #88, Kaleb #17, Michael #88, Riley #53 -
Photo by Stephanie Haseloff

On Sunday, we left home at 5AM and drove to New Braunfels, TX for Hill Country Karting Club's annual Enduro race. For Hunter's class, it's a 30 minute race to finish. And it was a chance for us to hang out with our SWRC friends for the afternoon. Hunter started the race in 4th position, and after our 2 friends dropped out due to engine troubles we thought that Hunter might have a good chance to finish in the top 3...until...he was penalized a lap for passing under a yellow flag. But even with that, he still finished 4th out of 12 and can now say he ran a 30 minute enduro race. And it was all fun. We'll definitely be going back there to race next year.

Throughout the entire year, we've had ups and downs and have learned valuable lessons at each turn. I love this sport and all the people we have around us have been so great to help us grow and learn. I am very excited to see what both our kids can do next year.

HES2 Motorsports will be very excited for 2012! Hope to see you all at the races!

Above All...Drive Smart

After racing hard in the Fall 5 race and falling just short of a win, we were told by some friends that Hunter's kart just didn't sound like it was pulling the power it needed. We had the top end of the engine rebuilt before the first race of 2011 - which was in January.

So, after a short conversation with our engine builder, we shipped it off to have it done inside a weeks time. The engine was delivered to us on Friday before the race with the shock and wonderment of how Hunter could have possibly done as well as he had - winning the races in SWRC as he did and the championship - with the condition that motor is in. George had replaced the piston and rings, but told us that as soon as we completed our last races, he needs it back to do the bottom end of the motor. Again, the curiosity of how Hunter did it.

Guess he's just that good.

So, going into Fall 6, Hunter was able to get his fairly typical times and captured the pole position during qualifying rather effortlessly. During the pre-final heat, Hunter got out in front of the pack, which is something he hasn't been able to do regularly, but then his main competitor, Jake, was taken out by another racer running too close on a corner. If it was someone we didn't know well, it might have been a silent cheer, but we were upset to see it happen that way.

Jake had his kart up and ready for the final heat - minimal damage, so he was good to go. However, he would start at the back of our class. But anything can happen. And happen it did.

We were running in a group of three classes - the Rotax Mini Max's were in front of our TaG Gazelles, then the Yamaha Jr 1's. Upon leaving the grid for a warm up lap, the 2 Mini's, Hunter and one other Gazelle, made it through the first two turns and then the rest of the field piled up on top of each other. There was a spin out on a corner, three karts banged into each other sending a fourth through the air upside down into the grass. Thankfully, that young one was fine - a little sore, but fine. The other karts were rendered un-raceable and Jake's rear axle was bent.

The race continued and Hunter won without any challenges to his position. He would rather really race someone for the win, but we'll take it none-the-less! This puts him one win away from the NTK Year End Championship.

It is here that these kids learn to drive smart. Something that I think some of the professional drivers must have missed. Of course, I'm writing this in the wake of Kyle Busch being parked for the entire weekend in Texas for his actions in the Camping World Truck Series with Ron Hornaday. Sad that two championship contenders in their series had to be taken out in such a way.

Accidents happen, but above all...drive smart.

Where True Champions are Made

Hunter has had a great year in karting!! He finished 2nd in the North Texas Karters Winter Polar Bear Series, he won the Spring Championship at NTK, finished 1st in the NTK Summer Sidewinder Series, he won the Southwest Regional Cup Series Championship this year, and has had many, many podium finishes! But this Fall Series at NTK has turned out to be somewhat of a challenge for him and may cost him the year-end championship at NTK.

Knowing full well that the kids Hunter raced with in the Spring would be challenging him in the Fall and with our focus being more on the SWRC races, we didn't go into the Fall Series at NTK with the full focus and great equipment we should have. Result - a couple of bad finishes for Hunter and a lot of great finishes for one of his competitors. 

Hunter raced as well as he felt he could have yesterday, and we thought we had everything set up as well as we could have. But I think we were all off target a bit. Hunter could have made some moves that would have required him to step out of his comfort zone and be more aggressive and we could have made some more set up changes that might have given him just a bit more in his engine. However, it is what it is and Hunter finished in 2nd place. Not a bad position to be in at all, but that finish did put a big dent in his possible year-end championship bid. 

Race championships are not won on who is the faster or better driver (or both), but on who has the most points. We went through this last year. Gunnr was the faster and better driver in our class last year, but he missed a couple of races and had some bad luck in a couple more - and Hunter and Reilly were able to capitalize on that. All of that pushed Gunnr from the championship spot into 2nd for year-end. But he gladly accepted that and did not seem to be a poor loser at all - a champion in heart.

Which is where champions are made - in the heart. Points may say otherwise, but if you carry yourself with dignity and let your good character shine through, others will notice the champion in you regardless of what the points say. Let your mouth run or poor attitude show and others will notice and remember that as well - sadly, more so than the former. 

Yesterday was a good lesson in that for all of us. Hunter still has a chance at the year-end championship, but overall, he has to be a champion at heart first - points won't matter if that isn't in place first.

Keep your fingers crossed and prayers lifted up for him....for all of us!!

We're Wired That Way

Dan Wheldon and family after winning the 2011 Indianapolis 500

Motorsports. Racing. Danger.

Yeah, it all goes hand in hand, doesn't it. I've had so many moms ask me why in the world would I let my 10 year old son, Hunter, race a kart. They really freak out when I tell them I'm putting my almost 5 year old daughter, Hadyn, in one, too. But, it doesn't scare me.

My dad raced Stock Cars in his younger years. My family had a European style dirt enduro motocross track and held races the 2nd Sunday of every month for 13 of my growing up years.  My husband loved to ride and tinker with anything motorized as a kid.

It's in the blood. We're wired that way.

In 2001, when NASCAR suffered a tragic blow with the passing of Dale Earnhardt due to a race day crash, Scott and I were not into racing yet - Hunter was still in the womb. But we saw the impact that took on the racing community and it was not lost on us.

Yesterday, the motorsports world suffered more tragedy. Indycar driver Dan Wheldon suffered unrecoverable injuries from a horrific wreck at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and passed away. Hunter  and I sat and watched the entire thing unfold on our TV screen. It was paralyzing. We felt as though a family member had left us. And in a way, it was family.

Not to be forgotten, but also yesterday, racing lost another driver - Toyota off road racing driver Rick Huseman, his brother Jeff and their pilot were lost in a plane accident.

Davey Hamilton, an Indycar driver who suffered his own near fatal accident while racing in Texas in 2001, said in an interview yesterday,  "Whenver you put a helmet and a firesuit on, it's probably pretty dangerous. And we accept that as racing drivers."

And we accept that as parents, friends, loved ones. Drivers have been given a gift. Our gift is our ability to accept that. It's just the way we're wired.

Rest In Peace, Dan and Rick Your racing family will miss you.

Toyota Off Road driver Rick Huseman

Slug Bug....Rainbow?

As a family, we like to have fun. So we taught the kids how to play "Slug Bug (Color)" while we are driving around. Of course, rules had to be amended when I started getting bruises on my arms from way too excited kids spotting one. So, now it is "Slug Bug (Color) - Virtual Punch".  And we've had to cancel the game a few times when attitudes started going south from not getting to call it first. 

All of which has taught the kids valuable lessons in "fun"...sometimes you lose. In racing, Hunter has had to learn the joys of winning and the agony of defeat for whatever reasons there might be. But the bottom line is always - are you having fun? 

When the fun leaves a game or sport or really anything you enjoy doing, then is it worth it to keep doing it? I'm not advocating quitting, but perhaps, re-evaluating why you are doing whatever it might be. A karting friend told me basically the same thing this weekend regarding our "fun" sport - when it becomes a tiresome job, it's time to step back from it. 

Hunter had a race this weekend, but he was the only one in his class to show up to race (other engagements, broken karts, etc). He was put in a group of two other classes, but all he had to do was take the Green Flag and then come back in - save the kart if he wanted to. But not our boy. No, he said he would race to the Checkers - because it's fun to be out there! 

So, we learn game playing in the car with Slug Bug. Sometimes you are first to call it, sometimes you lose. And if you lose, you laugh and say, I'll get the next one!! And keep playing - as long as you are having fun!!