December 7, 2004 Tonight I am sitting in Leon’s Suburban, heater blasting, slowly falling asleep. Relaxed, at last. We’re heading towards Laughlin, Nevada and the Ramada Express International Rally. I’m too tired to worry about anything and I’m looking forward to racing this weekend. But a few hours ago, things were a different story… Only three days ago, had Prince come back from Chaste Automotive. He was waiting for Big Tom to install his new electrical system and his engine hadn’t even been fired yet. As you can imagine, I was freaking out!!! I had wanted to give Prince a proper shakedown to make sure he was driving well and we wouldn’t have another mechanical DNF. Most importantly, I wanted to actually learn how to drive Prince. While I drive a lot, I’m always driving Mr. Rogers, the practice car. I’ve only been with Prince three times. The guys at Chaste have given me an absolutely beautiful car and I am not worried about Prince being behind schedule, only my lack of seat time in my new car. My successes so far, have all come from spending time driving Mr. Rogers and learning what makes him tick. But driving skill comes from knowing some fundamentals of car control… and fundamentals are well, fundamental. They translate over to other cars, so I’m hoping that I’ll be able to drive decently in an unfamiliar car. Besides, I did perfectly well with Leon’s Evo… As soon as Big Tom got Prince, I knew he was fine. Big Tom looked through Prince and declared him well and I left happy. Back at home I started packing, but I still worried about my baby. I went out shopping later, buying water, granola bars, Gatorades and an emergency car kit, while holiday shoppers loaded up on wrapping paper and Christmas lights. It was going to be a three-day race and I didn’t want to run out of anything. I brought way too many things and packed way too much, but I liked to think of it not as over packing, but as being prepared! Which brings me to my Big Fear: the weather. Ramada is known for its snow, ice, rain and mud and the ever-present cold. It’s been really cold at home, so I’m figuring that it’s going to be worse in the desert. Hence the inclusion of all of my long sleeve shirts and all of my socks! Nothing is worse than being cold. I couldn’t help it if it snowed and I had to crawl around at 5 MPH, but darn it, I wouldn’t be cold. Amongst the pre-rally stress, however, there was good news. Last week I learned that Monster Energy drinks had joined my racing team for next season. The good news was that they would be sending one of their promo trucks with me to the rally! Before leaving, Leon and I met two Monster reps who gave us a large supply of drinks for us and our fellow rallyists, as well as stickers and some cool blinking lights. I was grateful for their support and was looking forward to promoting Monster at the rally. Finally, with a truck full of energy drinks and too many of my clothes, we were on the road! We had the Evo in tow. Leon had brought her to race on Sunday’s Super Special Stage. She would also be my backup car, should *touch wood* anything happen to Prince. Leon was determined to see to it that I would do something that he had never done- finish this rally! My thoughts exactly! Return to Diary of a Driver.