MARCH 14TH, 2008

For those that don't know me, my name is Lisa King and I started this site to give some recognition to our local bracket racers.  I have been involved in racing over the  years because my other half Chris Moren and both of my sons Seth & Justin Phillips race in the footbrake class.  My involvement has been limited to pit ------! picture taker, record keeper, reservation maker, car washer,  cheerleader etc.  The guys have let me make a few passes (less than 5) in their cars over the years but I have never really had the opportunity do more.   I made the comment that when my youngest goes to college this fall that I might try to learn to drive his car.  After hearing that comment, my guys got together and decided to give me drag racing school with Edmond Richardson for Christmas.  My oldest son, Seth purchased his 1st dragster at the end of 2007 and that is what they decided I needed to drive.     

Seth & I left Richmond on Friday March 7th and hit Rockingham's Spring Coalition for the weekend. You can see those pictures and results on this site. We left Rockingham, NC on Monday morning and drove to Bowling Green, KY home of Beechbend Dragway.  Beechbend is home to the infamous Tenn-Tuck Racing series which boast a triple header of 10K to win top races.  The driving school started on Tuesday morning and lasted through Thursday evening. 

The class started off with Edmond going over with each of us what our racing experiences have been and what we wanted to work on and accomplish from the class.  Of course I was the total beginner and said I just wanted to survive.  I actually told him that I wanted to be able to beat Wesley Washington Jr. when I went home and he told me that would be easy to do.  ( I just had to slip that in-- Wesley actually put my family in touch with Edmond to set up this school)

Day 1 consisted of reading the track, going over burnouts, lining up etc and what to do in what order.  I think I did 6 burnouts and 6 - 60 ' passes on day one and dreamed all night about putting things together on the starting line.  After watching for years, it looked so easy.  I'm here to tell you that it isn't and it definitley gave me a new appreciation for the sport.  Day 2, I started off with a few more 60' passes and then was told the next time up would be a 330'.  I was nervous and excited at the same time. I made 3-4 330's and alternated lanes.  The next thing I hear is we are going for a full pass and not gonna wait till day 3.  At this point, I had a huge lump in my throat but since  Seth was actually there watching, I knew I couldn't let him see.  He was nervous enough but never voiced anything except "mom, if it feels funny- LIFt!"   Well- 5.21 seconds later I let out a big yell because I did it!  The rest is history.  I made about 15 more full passes on day 2 and 3.  With some great coaching, I was able to get really consistent on the tree and the runs. 
 

Edmond is a great teacher with tons of patience.    His approach to teaching and the order that he taught things didn't allow for me to get scared because I always seemed to be ready for the next step.  If any of you have a wife, girlfriend, mom like me that likes to tell you what you should have done, you should send them to this school so they can see what it is really all about.  Who knows, you might find a new racing buddy!

Thanks Chris, Seth and Justin for my gift. It was soooo much fun.

Thanks again to Edmond Richardson Drag Racing School.  You can find out more about the school by going to www.perfectrun.com