So this past weekend we went to St.Louis for the NOPI event. The trip started off crazy…you can read all about that on Marty’s Blog. Once we got to the track I started to get nervous because I was the new kid and didn’t really know what was going on and what I needed to do. Car past tech and I was waiting for my run group…smoking cigs as if they were going out of style since I was really nervous. My first run was terrible. I spun out. My second run was terrible. I spun out. My third run was terrible. I spun out. I was too nervous that I wasn’t myself, so for first half of the day I would spin out. I couldn’t get use to the track, the car since I got the new motor, and all the safety equipment (I never worse gloves and the neck brace felt like a midget was choking me at all times). Not to mention I was with people that are pros and awesome. They were rocking it as soon as they got their first run.

I was able to get advice from Patrick, my pit crew, Marty, Dennis, and Rob which helped me out. All I needed to do is have fun and not worry about anything. Rob told me what he saw and what I needed to change. That helped me out the most since he saw all my runs and had a clear view of them (Thanks Rob).

By the end of the day I felt more comfortable and could actually feel myself. I started to have lots of fun and wanted more and more runs so I could perfect it. Well I didn’t perfect it but I have learned a lot from my mistakes and new things. I am glad I showed up there even though I was the worst one there and people wondered why I was there in the first place. I was out there for fun and for the sport…no one should ever forget that.

After the event we stayed at this pimp hotel. James was able to hook us up.

The ride home was similar to the ride up there. I slept in my car in the trailer. It wasn’t as comfortable as the outback that’s for sure. I took the sleeping pill but kept waking up since it felt like they were running over the biggest possible pot holes. I would get air from my seat! After 5 or 6 times, I put on my seat belt and went back to sleep. We got home safely around 4am and I went to bed.

So, I am glad I went to NOPI and looked like an idiot since I learned a lot. Was able to hang out with my friends and meet new ones. It was awesome.

Next NOPI event for me is Ohio since I really can’t afford to go to all of them.