Well have returned and recovered from the 'World Finals' and annual 'World of Outlaws' season end awards banquet. At the end of each season we usually breath a sigh of relief that we have gotten to the end of a gruelling season, but this year seams different to me. I feel like it isn't time to be over. Maybe it was the rainouts (7) in the beginning of the year, or maybe it was that I wasn't on the road as much this season, but more than likely it is that we have a strong team and it would fun to keep it going that way. The guys ran strong, and had respectible finishes at the 'World Finals' 4th and 3rd and were strong qualifiers (4th, 2nd) going out late in both sessions. Fifth in season points was not where would have liked to finish, but it isn't too bad either. Leading the 1st race of the season by over 13 seconds with 2 laps to go and blowing a motor was not how it should have started; then leading again on night 2 and not finishing was another kick to the teeth. But a good team doesn't let the setbacks get you down. We won 9 'World of Outlaws' shows and had the most 'Hard Charger Awards'! There are teams that would love to be in that position. The most important part of a team, is being a TEAM! Craig and DJ have experience together with the Karavan Team, and there is bond between them that is unspoken, a mutual respect for each others abilities. What our team lacked in depth, they made up for in heart and a willingness to learn and work hard. (Look at the St. Louis Cardinals, they never gave up when it was 1 pitch away from a series title going to the other team twice!) I'm proud of our crew, Troy made it an entire season this year, Luke learned a lot, about a lot, and Tyler, our 'Worker Bee', was always buzzing around, cleaning and available to lend a hand however it was needed. Our sponsors, Big Game Treestands, Aggressive Hydraulics, Karavan Trailers and (new this season) Aeroquip Performance Products are all great people to have the support of. This is a costly business and with out all of them we can't do what we do. Who know's what next year holds for our team, maybe a championship? If you take away the rainouts and DNFs we had this season, the story might have ended differently. All I know is that we are a strong team, a threat to win on any given night, and a tough group who intends to keep working at being fast. Like DJ said, "This is the first day of next season!" And I say, "Let's go get 'em boys!"