In May of this year I was pouring over my issue of European Car and I came across an advertisement for the Dunlop Drivers Cup and how I could go and compete against the best Amateur drivers in United Sates. "Great," I thought "I can spend a few minutes filling this out and I am sure nothing will come of it."

So I spent some time and filled out the questions and then wrote an essay. It looked like this:

Action! Adventure! And, one good looking face! As an avid enthusiast of all things on wheels, I have taken every opportunity to drive everything I can in every situation possible. From AutoCrossing successfully in two SCCA regions to racing Ford Festiva's on a motocross track, from karting at indoor facilities to trail riding quads and dirt bikes, I bring a wide range of experience. As an endurance athlete, I have the stamina to attack every part of a four day motor-fest event! I look at the Dunlop Drivers Cup as an incredible chance to be a steward of our sport, to show sportsmanship and the spirit of competitiveness that allows good teams to do great things. If selected I look forward to having the time of my life, both on track and off while representing Dunlop, my country and myself in the best way possible… by winning!

Then I sent this great mug shot:
















Then I told all my friends about the event and promptly forgot all about it.

Fast forward to late July 2006 and I get this email:

Congratulations!!! You've been selected as one of twenty-five semifinalists for the upcoming Dunlop Drivers Cup US Regional Qualifiers in Danville, VA, September 11-15. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to fill out a bunch of forms, do a quick interview (to be scheduled) and start stressing if you will make it to one of the final twelve competition seats!

Of course I didn't believe this, so I called the person at Dunlop that was listed as the contact and asked if this was a joke. I was assured that it was the real deal and that my next step was to wait.

And wait I did. Ten very long days later, I got this email

Hope you're ready for some asphalt, mud, and dirt ........and more forms to fill out!!!! You've made the cut!!!!!

The Dunlop Drivers Cup selection committee would like to invite you to compete September 11-15 in Danville, VA at Virginia International Raceway for the chance to represent the United States in the World Drivers Cup!

And this is when my excitement got out of hand.

I started wearing my helmet everywhere.

Like to mow the lawn.











To play video games.










You get the idea.

And now that I have filled out almost as many forms as when I bought a house, we are only days away from the start and I am preparing to leave for VIR. As I prepare I will post updates and pictures as well as pictures from the event, so stay tuned.

I, of course, want to thank Dunlop for this opportunity, it is the stuff dreams are made of.