I am proud to be an American! I am proud to live in this country! I am saddened by the horror we all faced starting on 9/11! But, we must go on with the strength and confidence that our President, George W. Bush, will do what is necessary to take care of the responsible parties. Today was the last day of the longest week in my life, one that will change things here forever, but together America will survive the threat. Starting now, we will all return to our normal lives, but we will not ever forget what we have witnessed. Thank you to America for being my home and may all the terrorists find failure from now on. GO GEORGE W, GIVE EM' HELL!

Racing, although secondary to our nation's tragedy, continued on this weekend for the SCRA. While the decision to close down all the major sports venues was probably a good one, the local tracks, thank goodness, were back to racing. The strong shall survive in this life, and it looks like the Cowboy is ready to prove his mettle, again. Tony Jones, started 8th in the main event at Manzanita this past Saturday night and passed all the heroes to run away with his 2nd win of the year. It was his 10th all time SCRA victory, as he showed why he is "The Cowboy" among some of the strongest drivers in the land, and always a threat to win with these guys. The track was a mystery to many drivers, but not our Cowboy!

Tony, driving the Mike Wall Trucking, Concept Powder Coating, George Miller Automotive, # 37 Avenger chassied sprinter, made up for the last events equipment failure, while leading the 50 lap event at The PAS, and finished this one in first place. He was running away with that recent race when the car quit on him, but this time struck pay dirt on the big Manzanita half mile. Tony is showing all he can do it very well in the dirt! He doesn't miss the # 48 car, but most fans still mentally see him in the red car that is now for sale. Like all drivers who lose rides, the good ones just keep getting better rides and the results keep getting better. Tony the "Cowboy" is making believers out of fans who never thought this son of a racing legend could equal his father. Maybe now, some will be thinking that he can reach the pinnacle that Bubby did, it is certainly something to think about!

Rip Williams was 2nd for the second week in a row as he led until lap 22 lap, after winning the JE Pistons Passing Masters Dash. He was strong and only another slide job by the Cowboy kept him from the winners circle this week, he is that close to winning! It was his 6th runner-up finish of the year as he gets closer to that elusive win that has escaped him this season. Driving the Vista Paint, John Jory Corp, AMA Plastics # 3 machine, Rip and his crew have the Gambler chassis sorted out now, and you can look for his first win of the year very soon. Rip doesn't give up and don't bet against him as the season winds down.

Point leader, Cory Kruseman made his 23rd of 31 podium appearances as he continues on his march to the 2001 SCRA championship, almost 300 points ahead of his closest challenger, Richard Griffin. Cory's 50th win came at his home track of Ventura recently as he makes the journey to the place he hasn't been before, Championship lane. Cory is still riding that high that began when he opened the year with a bang at Manzanita. His world is good these days with a new baby girl, a thriving school for teaching sprint car driving and his great ride in the Harlan Willis owned, World Gate Networks, TCR, Del Mar Wire # 45. He has that look in his eye, and competitors have learned they have to go thru him to win.

Richard Griffin was unlucky this week when a dirt clod, (e. maybe a rock at Manzy?) nailed the hood and knocked the fuel line off, leaving him stranded in 21st after leading early in the feature. Danny Sheridan wasn't any better off as he also had a problem and finished 22nd, being the unlucky first car out. Charles Davis Jr was having a good night until his car quit on the last lap, leaving him 14th after setting fast time for the 2nd week in a row. They have got that Joe Morales owned # 94 running strong now! Rickie Gaunt reported he was nailed so hard by a "clod" that when it hit his arm guard, his arm was stuck between it and the frame rails, so he couldn't move his arm. Mike Kirby's hood was destroyed by clods, so it was not a fun time out this trip across the desert for many.

Jerry Coons Jr was visiting in Arizona from his racing home in Indiana, and started 17th to run up to 6th for the hard charger of the week award. Since I missed this race, no word on the shiny tire winners, but my Arizona connection of the Family Thrasher's will send me their pick. Bob Ream Jr continues to impress the SCRA boys after finishing 5th this race. Bob is the one to beat in the local 360's regularly, so it is not surprising he does well on his home track.

With my absence in Phoenix, Terry and I spent some time at the Route 66 Cruisin' event in San Bernardino this Friday and Saturday. Cars that would have traveled on the Route 66 highway are eligible to come and cruise around a 35-block area downtown that is blocked off for just that. Over 2400 "cruisers" made the annual trek and took part in this special event that Corvettes of all years were showcased. Burn outs all day plus a special night time burn out contest, open header noise contests, flaming tailpipe displays, rock and roll concerts, and some of the best looking hot rods annually show up for this 4 day event. They inducted Dean Jeffries, famous custom car builder, into their Hall of Fame and he was featured in the Saturday parade. Other celebrities, including Jay Agajanian, were on the parade route as downtown San Bernardino was packed. My hosts, the Bandy's of Willie, Sonia and Krista, made this weekend a very relaxing time away from the New York holocaust, and gave us time to reflect on what America is all about. The sheer rainbow of colors on parade was worth the long walks and warmer temperatures. I even found several of my dream cars (Corvettes of the 50's vintage) for sale, but Terry said I can't hock the house, so I guess that means NO! I suggest you try this event next year, it was great!

With the year beginning to look like it is winding down, keep in mind several things. Our country certainly needs your help, George Gervais needs your support, racing is still the one, and if you could, save a few dollars for the Wagsdash XI purse, it's only a few weeks a way, and check out how you can help by selecting the Wagsdash button on the front page of wagtimes.com. See you at The PAS this week!

The latest point standings for SCRA are: (1) Cory Kruseman - 2142, (2) Richard Griffin - 1845, (3) Troy Rutherford - 1802, (4) Mike Kirby - 1684, (5) John Scott - 1606, (6) Rip Williams - 1441, (7) Rickie Gaunt - 1416, (8) Steve Ostling - 1335, (9) Mike English - 1292, (10) Charles Davis Jr - 1171, (11) Tony Jones - 1040, (12) Danny Sheridan - 1036, (13) Troy Cline - 870, (14) Rodney Argo - 781, (15) Lance Gremett - 635, (16) Adam Mitchell - 588, (17) Michael Hinrichsen (R) - 584, (18) Jarrett Chaney - 477, <19) Bobby Graham - 469, <20) Ronnie Clark (R) - 451