August 21 - 23 - Matthew scores a victory at RPM Speedway in Hays.  There was a lot of three wide racing.  At one point, BJ and Matthew did an entire lap side-by-side.  Once Matthew made his way through lap traffic, he took control of the lead and held his line.  Hudson and BJ followed but neither were able to get by him.  The announcer even commented that if Matthew held his line, he didn't think they'd be able to pass him.  It was an exciting finish.  We enjoyed a group photo after the race  and visited in the pits for a while.  Then Kim Gamble and the Stejskals joined me at Sonny's to continue our celebration.  The car driver and pit crew had to get some shut eye to get ready for Goodland.

On Saturday, I headed home as Jacob had football practice.  Race results came via the cell phone.  While Matthew ended with a good finish getting 3rd place, it was discouraging news.  A car had blew its engine leaving oil on the track.  Matthew didn't see the oil and hit it causing him to go straight into the wall.  The car is really messed up.

The boys seriously considered coming home, but being within a point of the track championship means you don't want to give up either.  Sunday started off terribly with a flat tire on the pickup followed by their port a power tool breaking.  They spent the entire day trying to pull the metal away from the tires and secure the radiator down.  Everything is so bent, they can't even get a shroud around the radiator and the Steve said it is really bad.  But, they have done what they can and they are going to race her.  At least they can say they tried.  So, now I sit and wait for the phone call.

Steve calls first while Matthew is still in post-tech with the incredible news.  Matthew finished 2nd right behind BJ!  That means he is tied for 1st in points at the track.  Steve is worried about how hot the engine got given the limited repairs they were able to make.  I teased him that it was a good thing they stayed and raced.

Matthew calls later and is very happy.  He said the engine was cutting out pretty bad so he was working hard through the race.  Sounds like they have a lot of work ahead this week to get ready for next weekend.  They both sounded really happy but also really tired.  Matthew can be really proud of himself.  He didn't give up and brought home another great finish!  Steve said just wait till I see the car.  Now, the track championship comes down to the final race there which happens to be on Matthew's birthday!  Whatever happens, it will be a birthday to remember I am sure.

Next weekend, we are back at Minneapolis and WaKeeney.  Matthew has moved up to 8th place in National points. 

~CBR Mom