I find myself waking-up to the sounds of the jet dryers that are prepping the racing surface that will support the best drivers in the world and their incredibly fast machines. The realization of where I am, quickly brings me back to reality and knowing this is not a dream. Looking around my motor home, my dog is nearby, and I also that see my phone is full of messages. The day must start and I am so glad that it has!

From in a deep sleep one moment, to then reaching for my fire-proof race suit the next. I gather my Oakley racing shoes and a glass of water, and pat on my dogs' head as I walk out the door, in the direction of the garage. Many things are analyzed in these moments of truth that a new day brings. Am I ready, what are my responsibilities today, what must I do to be my best, to learn and to take the right steps? I must be ready, that is my job and why I do what I do. Walking step-by-step, the crew and fans are all around. It's amazing that each day is very much the same. Passion for racing is so prevalent, but not just racing.........IndyCar racing at the glorious Indianapolis Motorspeedway.

I make my way to the garage #7, 8 and 9 for Team 3G. If you took all the ingredients and resources, with a mere 4 employees and a rookie driver to open-wheel racing; how can we think to compete against the mega teams that are here? Heart, sole, passion, details and believing......it is something that can take a person to places that knows no limits. That unknown is found in the place to where the red, black and silver #98 is heading as I watch while riding atop of the golf kart that tows it. What a sight. I am again in awe each day to see this place that is revealed from under the bridge that reads "Gasoline Alley". Hearing people talk there's a car, go Stanton, you can do it! Stuntman Stan, yeaaaahhhh, with the thumbs up say you will do it man! This would make any person smile! Something about respect and admiration for what we do, that continues to bring true commitment and understanding of how lucky we are to be a part of something so amazing.

Our job today is to complete the 7 remaining laps above 210 mph, towards passing the rookie qualification. Next I hear the radio command from my crew chief, he says we need to do the 4th phase, which I know is to be 10 laps above 215 mph average...! What??? I was thinking, I am still sleeping, this must be a dream.... but no it's the reality of the requirements from the IRL. Heavy condensed air conditions are causing damp humidity, which is not conducive to speed. Good cars that ran the day before at 221 mph are only running at 217 mph...... I am thinking how are we going to get to this speed? Simple, put a new set of Firestone Indy 500 tires on, make a few changes to the car and then just simply go and do it.

Accomplishing all our requirements, the task for the next mission is finding a comfortable speed to qualify this weekend which will set the field for the Centennial Era Indy 500. My crew with a mutual plan works diligently throughout the long day. Making changes, some not so favorable, others taking us in a direction that is bringing speed and grip. The trials of a driver is unpredictable, a car seldom makes it easy on you, focus is key, attention to detail in every sense of the word is beyond explanation. I must keep my mind clear and my eyes concentrating on the surface passing by, and all the information your IndyCar is silently telling you.

Learning and working now has come to an end at a rewarding 218 mph average.
This was another day in which I have gone faster than any other day in my life.
This day I will end soon, but it will bring another all new experience to me with the light of a new day, with a new speed and a new goal, but the same passion to drive and be my absolute best.

Stanton

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