July 9 - Everyone came out to the races at Hays and we got to announce Nicole's birthday and Grandma Effie's birthday the following day. Matthew gave everyone a great heat race running second most of the race with a great battle between him and his friend Brian. On the last turn of the last lap, the leader spun out right in front of the two of them and in an instance, you could just see one or both of them hitting that car. It literally made you hold your breathe and I know my heart rate instantly shot sky high. Both of them showed their calibar of skills IMHO (in my humble opinion) as they shot around the spinning car with Matthew edging out Brian for the heat race win. Yes, I normally don't write much about heat races, but it really was exciting!

Started 6th in the feature and finished 6th. Got up as high as 4th but couldn't hold it.

Saturday it was on to Goodland while watching the radar. Grandma Effie and Grandpa Carl got to ride along with the boys while Jacob and I took Andy to his first rodeo as well as some other activities with Uncle Trev. Luckily the storms all moved south of Goodland and they were able to get the races in. Matthew took second in the heat race and they knew they had problems with the car. Had problems with the transmission in the hot laps and broke a rocker arm stud in the heat race.

Matthew battled hard in the feature. His Dad said it was the best race of the entire season so far. He swapped positions as each kept battling to the front. But, in the end, Matthew was able to take the checkered for his 8th feature win of the season! Great racing. First time they could remember the track was tacky at Goodland. Experimented with the setup and was able to make the right adjustments as well as fix the problems. Since it was Grandma Effie's birthday, Matthew was able to give her the win on her day and present her a trophy.

Next week we are at WaKeeney and back to Hays during their Fair.