But before it gets there it turns to butter and curdles!

I was doing so well too. When you get to the semi's you can start to taste it. You get your hopes up.

I've never seen the crew they had on the line before. Earlier they had the familiar crew - the Thursday night regulars. These guys get you know you, how you stage and such. The new crew - well, they must have wanted to go home.

I had cut some long lights and gotten away with wins. Quarter finals I crept in a couple of more inches and cut a 0.513 RT. Figured I was golden for the tougher rounds to follow - it gets tougher as the day rolls on. Creeping in takes a little extra time. Semi finals, no sooner than I tickled the stage light the tree was coming down. Got caught with my pans around my ankles and the out house burst into flames. 0.65 light - Ouch.

Sound like sour grapes? Yes, it does to me too. I know, its my fault - I should have been ready. But I'm still disappointed. Darn it.

I did cut a perfect 0.500 light second lap though. That's two races in a row. Tongues are gonna be wagging.

I'm sure I've qualified for the Race Of Champions in Fallon Nevada. Even in seventh place I could go because so many just don't want to make the trip. But I figure I'll finish fifth. Not too bad I think.

I inquired to register for the Race Of Champions just to keep my options open. Thinking maybe I'd get a piggy back offer, rent a trailer, or even just rent a car in Reno and race for "what the hell". All long shots those are - but registration is $85 - so I let the idea go. Maybe next year if it's in Las Vegas my wife Catherine would come, and friends from Ohio too. That would be extra fun.