[Dave Casey]

Well, the Challenge is in the books and we can't thank Jim enough. Hard work and dedication by Jim has made it happen again. Although I have raced at Indy a dozen or more times, this was my first Challenge. It was exciting, educational, humbeling and downright fun.

It all started the week before at Bowling Green, Kev and Caleb are 4 and 2 tenths faster than me and honestly I was not surprised, more disappointed in how I ran and my inconsistency. Had some great visits with both and their crews and families, what a great group to race with.

We roll into Indy and it is time to get our game going, we hop it up for the first tt weds and, back to the inconsistency on the starting line again. Kev and Caleb are layin'down runs and just doin a good job. Jason ran a teen and I am 4th out of 5 cars after the smoke cleared from class.

One regret I have is that I wanted to visit and talk with Vince, I planned on it when we were lined up for class except they pulled Vince all the way up, and I didn't know he was up there, and we ran as soon as the rest of us lined up. Vince showed up and ran and that is what it is all about.

Last years finalist Jason had to have the whole weight of the world on his shoulders, loosing a parent is the toughest thing, and he and Jennifer handled it so well and their tribute will always be remembered.

Friday night we gather at Jeff Teuton's pit area, for the award presentation. well I had to have a beer, it just wouldn't be right to go there and not have a beer with that Louisiana bunch. I am however somewhat miffed that they even talk to me, heck after they found out I was from Massachusetts, I had to hear all about the darn democrats, maybe when I told them I was one of the 3 republicans in the whole state, they may have forgiven me for living in Mass. There were lots of laughs and Patsy had a bottle of Wild Turkey that we had to sample. Jim did a great job of presenting and pointing out how important class is.

So,I know that I am VERY close to getting Caleb 1st rd heads up, after they toss 2 cars, I miss him by 1 spot, whew that was close, but guess what, I get his dad who is in B stick. Tree comes down, we are off and bang, broken third gear for me, and I am coasting as Brett's win light comes on.

Thanks again Jim, we had a great time, sorry I can't give much insight on the auto side of the challenge, someone can chime in.

Thanks also to Kevin, Caleb, Vince and Jason, great racing with you