Testing Sessions

Hello to all my Dote Racing fans!  Our team just returned from a successful test session at Palm Beach International Raceway in Florida.  We made nine runs over the course of three days and we learned a lot.  Our crew chief, Doug Kuch, is doing a fantastic job sorting out all the new combinations we are running.  Plus we just got a brand new dragster from Murf McKinney that had never been down the track. 

Our first order of business was getting me licensed again for top fuel.  I hadn’t been in a fuel car since December of 2008 so my license expired.  I have to say, I was very nervous the first time I got strapped in the car and took it to the starting line.  Driving top fuel isn’t exactly like riding bike.  Our car chief, Glenn Camp reminded me that they wouldn’t have hired me if they didn’t think I could do it.  With each run, I got more comfortable and more confident with the car.  I am happy to say that thanks to the Dote Family and my Dote Racing teammates, I am a licensed top fuel driver again!

For a test session, spectator turnout was terrific.  I loved seeing my fans again.  I’ve been out of the seat for what has seemed like a long time, but it was nice that people didn’t forget about me and have been so welcoming to my return.  I got a lot of positive feedback on the look of our dragster.  Ryan Korek of  Korek Designs designed and painted it.  I love that he used sparkly pinks and purples which aren’t real common on other cars.

The Dote family has ensured that we have everything we need.  Lynn, his daughter-in-law, Connie and daughter Diana were there for the entire test supporting us and helping things go as smoothly as possible.  Connie is like our operations manager; she handles all the day-to-day, behind the scenes tasks that need to be done which keep her busy.  Lynn’s wife, Sue, and son, Mike, are very involved as well but they work hard at their business in upstate New York which makes it possible for us to race.  I called Mike to check in with him after we were done testing.  He seemed pleased with our progress, however, he’s looking forward to seeing us run in the high 3.70’s and low 3.80’s and pick up some wins.

Now we have about six weeks until our first race which is in Gainesville, Florida.  Led by Doug Kuch, our team members Brian Boyle, Brandon Hazelton, and Heather Boyle will be busy at our Monroe, OH shop preparing everything to be ready, as they have been for the last five months.  Then once we get to the race, they will have help from Glenn Camp, Charlie Zellman, Steve Moore, Chris Cycak, and Justin Sturgill who take time off from their regular jobs to work hard for our team.

I’m excited and hopeful for what’s to come this year.  I’m very thankful to be a part of this Dote Racing Team.  I hope you all will follow our progress and support us.  I’ll check back in soon!