Last week we competed in the VCRA All Stars for Autism Rally. It was a fun event with great people. We were able to use this to help prepare for The Great Race. It was the first rally for Maxine with the new motor. We were pleased with the performance but Gary found some problems that he will fix before the Great Race. Once again Maxine is “apart” in the garage. Gary has assured me he will have everything fixed in plenty of time. It is hard to believe that it is only six weeks until we will be in Traverse City for the start of The Great Race. Time for the final countdown!

When I looked at the calendar this morning I realized it was just a little over 2 months till the 2012 Great Race. I immediately thought I needed to run to the nearest store and get my much needed blue and pink highlighters for the event. (I know I’m a little obsessed with the highlighters) This year I have a pleasant surprise of knowing that “Maxine” (our 1938 Ford) is actually all together and running since last year Maxine was still in pieces scattered around the garage at this point. Maxine has a new engine and “purrs like a kitten”. I’m concerned that our performance charts might need some adjustments. Actually I think the biggest problem will be with my driver driving like he did with the old engine and being too fast. I constantly must remind him that he is not in hot pursuit!!

Again this year we have volunteered to mentor a Rookie Team. The Rookie Team we mentored last year, the Bittermans, won the Rookie class so we are hoping for the same results this year. This year we have the Rookie team of Jim & Jean Scott # 68. We had a nice conversation with them and have exchanged emails. Like many of us were as Rookies they are a little overwhelmed but I assured them that it is impossible for anyone to know less than we did when we did our first rally. The Rookie Mentoring program gives us the opportunity to share both information and friendship with those new to The Great Race.

I had planned to write about Gary preparing the car but recent events changed my mind. Yesterday there were serious storms and tornados in our area. Fortunately we are fine. However, since last night we have received numerous calls, emails and texts from our Great Race Family checking if we are okay. We know that the cars and competition are great fun but nothing compares to the friendships that are made on the Great Race.

At our house we have a “rule” that if an activity is not on the calendar then it isn’t official. I recently bought our 2012 calendar and the first entry was The Great Race. So it is “official” we will be participating in the 2012 Great Race. I’m hoping others are marking their calendars for the 2012 Great Race too. I talked with Great Race Director Jeff Stumb last and he is busy organizing an incredible event It is going to be an exciting rally. I encourage you to register now. You don’t want to miss out on this GREAT event!!!