Thursday, August 7, 2008

North Platte Nebraska

Justin’s good friend Tim and his family live 10 minutes from this track so they invited us to stay with them. We had such a good time hanging with them out plus Tim and his dad are drivers themselves. Both have raced all sorts of race cars but sprints are one of their favorites. So their knowledge and help was so very appreciated.

Tim also is a professional photographer and owns Tim O’Neill Studios. It was so cool to have him at the track with us as he took many incredible photos for us. The following photos were all gifted to us from us. Thanks Tim!

This track was very flat with just a slight bank to it. It was really dry which resulted in many spin outs and people driving off-road. This also created a lot of dust and made it hard to see in some turns. But Justin says that this is the best his car has handled and was thrilled to be able to get on it and actually challenge himself and the car.




Justin right after a spin out. Thankfully he didn’t hit this guy who spun out first. It was great to see J right in the action and getting aggressive for positions.


Tim set it up for me to ride with one of the push cars. I had a blast!! This also allowed for me to hangout in the middle of the track since the push cars waited there until needed. When a car spun out or people had to stop under a caution it was our job to get everyone going again. The car I was in always beeline it for Justin. I would then get to encourage Justin and sometimes rock the car into gear. Here I am all ready to push J out for his heat.


Justin and his dad walking the track. Such a great photo!


Justin talking to Bob, who is a sprint car veteran. He has gained great knowledge and information from these guys and is thrilled to be driving next to some of these pros. Bob also taught Justin a valuable lesson while on the track about holding his position and not giving up his spot. This photo also shows me and Tazzer hanging with other drivers and crew. They all love Tazzer!


When the track was ready to get the Sprints out for their main event they had all the drivers sign a Frisbee. They then threw them into the crowd and if you had the Frisbee of the winning driver, you won some money. Cool!


Justin and Chad during their heat. Go guys!!


Getting ready for the heat and then the main event.


Receiving some encouragement and advice.


After the race. Tired but excited about the day. We are now 9th in points and ready for Hollywood Hills!

Friday, August 1, 2008

An Update from Justin

Hey fellow race fans this is the one and only Justin Wolf Medlock. I figured it would be a treat for everyone to hear about the racing from the drivers seat. This season has been a total learning curve. As many of you know, I raced 10-horse power go-karts for about 8 years and made the transition into a 700 horsepower sprint car. The first couple races of the season took some getting used to. The amount of horsepower is helpful and tricky at the same time. I’ve learned throughout the season how to use the horsepower to get me through the corners and how throttle control can advance me down the straight-aways without spinning my tires. Each race I’ve become more confident in myself and the other racecar drivers.

I am looking forward to the second half of the season. We are 9th in points, which is a huge confidence booster! I am more aware of how my car reacts on different racetracks now. We have raced all of the tracks on our circuit except one in Casper and I am looking forward to returning to all of them with gained knowledge. My goal is to stay in the top 10 in points for the rest of the season. I also want to finish in every A Main.

The last track we were at (which April will soon post photos from) was North Platte Nebraska. I felt the most comfortable in the car than I ever have. My dad had the car set up perfect. I started the A Main middle of the pack turning 17-second laps and half way through I advanced to the 13th position turning 13-second laps. It finally clicked…I can do this job! It was also very helpful having 2 sprint car veterans helping pit for us. My good friend Tim and his dad Bob were a huge encouragement and believed in me more than I believed in myself. I left N. Platte with a new outlook on the rest of the season. I am going to being more aggressive on the track in order to advance in points.
Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers.

Great big thanks to Tim for his amazing photography and artistic skills. We now have trader cards! These are a huge hit with the kids and race fans at the track. Check them out!