Cruzin for Life in Santa Maria

[glofria]

Once again it is that time of years when we are being called to the central coastal town of Santa Maria, CA for their series of events benefiting the American Cancer Society, the local Marian County Cancer Ward, and various other benefactors on the weekend of Sep. 25-26. Last year $100,000 was donated to help those in need and we as drag racers were a big part of these programs.

Several drag racers participated in the burnout contest on Sunday including our own driver Andy Heimstra who said he though everyone was saying a "Spinout Contest." This year we'll paint some lines for him to follow. Also on hand was Mindy Fry in a nitro burning funny car (best not to call it by name because of legal ramifacations) who layed down two of the best burnouts I have ever seen. This year that same funny car will be back with a new shoe as well as Bob Vance's wheelstanding funnycar "Crazyhorse" and Jet Truck "Inferno," in an effort to top last years show. We'll also be back with our '57 Chevy and '69 Camaro to be part of the show. (Think of it as a poor man's test and tune). We're working to get the original "Bean Bandit" there too.

I want to encourage everyone to come out and be part of this, who knows we might be racing there someday. Otherwise, come out and show your support, Otherwise, go to a local charity event in your neighborhood and support it.

Word out of Santa Maria is that the city has already repaved the street that is to be used and have told the organizers of this event, "do what you want, we'll repave it again after your done." For more information go to www.cruzinforlife.org/ or contact Art Foster at [phone].

Thank you

[glofria]

Found this in the local rag. www.santamariasun.com/sports-lead/5263/what-a-drag/

For those who are curious or in doubt, come on out for the Cruzin for Life event on Sep. 25-26 to see and feel for yourselves if this is for real.

I just found this on the PSCA website. Looks like Lake Havasu might be getting an 1/8 mile track too.

havasunews.com/articles/2010/09/15/news/doc4c9046b580e36668268837.txt

[racerb]

Gino hope you guys have a great time and raise a lot of money for the cause. We have always had a great time there fantastic dinner and a lot of fun.
We will be at Fontana with TEAM ANRA / Famoso. Taking 24 Jr dragsters for the Div 7 Jr. ET finals. Team looks real strong.
Have Fun and be safe. No donuts in the street.
Butch

[glofria]

Butch, when do we ever not have a great time. I'll be sure to grab the extra ANRA fliers to hand out as well as our tropy to display too.

Gino

[glofria]

Here is a list of items to be auctioned off in the live auction, we'll b shooting for item #18. www.cruzinforlife.org/live_auction.htm There is much more to be bid on on the side tables.

Last year the hot item was the luau for 75 people. Us racers pooled our money together and bid $500. The winning bid was $13,000, and the three remaining bidders all agreed to that bid for three different events, thats $39,000. Hopefully this year we can convince Mike Halstead to cover the balance unlike Mindy last year.

[glofria]

Sorry that I haven't posted an update, been busy with projects. My feeling though is that overall the energy level of this event was down this year compared to years past. A lot of factors that could be the cause of that. Nevertheless, a good time had by all and plenty of people to meet that show interest in our hobby. We may have even picked up a new sponsor. The project that has been metioned before is moving forward quite nicely and if everything continues to move at this pace, we could be playing there by this time next year.

I've stated this before, I'm not one for a car show but as long as it is for a good cause than I'm all for it. Meeting and hearing some of the folks that have benefitted directly from what Cruzin for Life has provided make what we do all the worthwhile. One of the couples that we met on Saturday night had recently lost their 7 year-old son to lukemia. You could see the pain still in their eyes. So on Sunday, Jeff (the husband) was hanging out with us throughout the day and rode down to the end of the street to pick up the car and bring it back. In a spontanious gesture I asked him to climb behind the wheel of the '57 as we towed it back. Hesitant at first, he finally agreed and about half way back started to crack a smile. Everyone laughed as we drove pass the wife (Dianna) and out came the cameras when we parked. It was a stupid little thing to do, but for a moment it made a difference in someone elses life. Jeff and friend Jim will be joining us for the ANRA Finals weekend as an honorary crew members.