Mar 10, 2009:  We just finished a day of tire testing in Darlington. Hopefully we’ll end up with a tire that will make us be comfortable and help us be able to race hard.  Tire tests are a premium this year since we aren’t allowed to go and test at NASCAR sanctioned tracks.  The No. 43 and the No. 9 both have one coming up also so hopefully that will help us some.

Atlanta wasn’t what we’d hoped for as far as where we finished but I felt like we made the car better as the day went on, which is progress.  The last 60 laps I passed guys running in the top-12 so I know if we could go back there this weekend we’d be more competitive.

Bristol is up next and is one of my favorites.  It’s a tricky track but hopefully we’ll have a setup that’s fast.  Qualifying is important so we need a good day on Friday and some solid practices on Saturday.  I’m doing an appearance on Friday night in Bristol.  I think AJ and I are going to be boxing, or so that’s what my PR guy said.  We’re working on the details so we can post it on the appearance page.

Folks always ask how do I know when I’ll appear, etc.  Our appearances are controlled by our sponsors for the most part.  I have over 50 appearances with our sponsors and that doesn’t count the 100+ hospitalities I attend on Sunday’s throughout the year.  Some of the appearances are public but most have been corporate appearances over the last few years.  And, we do as much as we can to raise money for charity throughout the year.

I’m back at Darlington tomorrow then I’m heading home to Emporia then going to Atlanta for the ACC tournament. Go Heels!!!

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