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I haven't been racing since October of last year - I have a beautiful 7 month old daughter at home though (along with her 3yo sister).
Finally things settled down enough that I had some time to go play this weekend - particularly since the Monster Trucks were in town and the Fairgrounds are about 7 miles from my place straight down the road - that's close enough I didn't even need to stop for gas before coming home - a novelty with my Travelette.
This was also my first chance to really tow the racer with the new-to-me gooseneck I bought two years ago and refurbished (new springs, hangers, axles)
I guess the important bit is that I won the Tuff Trucks - a first place showing for the Binder in front of the home town crowd. Not only that, but I didn't even break anything (woo-hoo!)
The surprise of the evening, however, came when I was registering.
The gal working the registration paperwork seemed a little familiar, but I wasn't sure why.
Turns out, she thought I looked a little familiar as well, but passed it off.
Until I handed her my paperwork with "Tom Mandera" and "1977 Scout II" and "Little Devil" along with "Super Scout Specialists" and other things.. and she looks up, "Tom??!"
Turns out, the Kuehls, of Terry & Michelle Kuehl and Lil' Foot racing fame were the entire "crew" for this Monster Truck Show.
They'd come up from Greeley to run the show, and there I walked in.
For those that don't remember, Lil' Foot is a Pro Arena Tuff Truck Scout II that Terry raced in the "Pro" circuit for several years, starting a year or two before I started flogging my Scout II around Montana.
We've conversed online a bit back then, and Terry and Michelle made a few Rendezvous in Fairplay with Lil' Foot in tow. I haven't seen them in a while, though.
But there they were.. at my fairgrounds..
Since Terry was the announcer, at least he got it right when I pulled up to the line - "Tom Mandera in an International Scout" - NOT a Bronco, like I hear so often.
My camera crew was at home with the baby, but I did find a friend's pit-crew member that was willing to run the video camera, but haven't had time to take the video off the camera.
My $25 entry paid back $40 for first place. Including fuel to and from the FG, I guess I came out ahead on the day - barely.
I need to get back to work on the new racer.. I have done a *little* work on it lately - the block is on the stand, and I've actually put a wrench on the chassis now.
:D
Thanks everyone,
-Tom Mandera, Helena MT
Montana GSE