As told to

Tuesday 17th April 2012: Easter week.

Saturday

Today we went to the RWYB at Santa Pod Raceway, the car was running very consistent and I got a .001 reaction, my best reaction so far; but still want a perfect! Me and my mum made a deal; if I got a perfect or double 0 reaction then I would get a new pair of converse!!! Belle got some good reactions, but my one was the best :)

We went to dinner at Buddies USA with Tog, Spencer Tramm and Stacey; the brownies are yummy, Stacey and me shared them, we were soo full! Had a good night.

Sunday

Today we were at Santa Pod again, but this time it was a Test and Tune day. We had to take my Gerbil called 'Tyson' because she wasn't very well! Belle got the best reaction out of both of us - she got a perfect reaction; 0.000!!!! :( Today Stacey Reed has come to stay at our house until the Easter Thunderball! I think that this week will go really fast as I'm sure we will have soo much fun.

Monday

Today was really warm outside so we all decided to walk to the town. Apart from that we hung out in the garden and played 'Got to Dance' on the Nintendo Wii; we have a plan to complete every song on the game by the end of this week. So we had a really lazy day.

Tuesday

Today we went to London to see my Nanny Joan. We took Tyson as well because she was poorly.... Again :(

We had a great day!

Wednesday

Today my Auntie Michelle and cousins Harrison and Jessica came to visit. We took Tyson to the vet because she wasn't eating, they said the best thing for Tyson is put her to sleep. It took me a while to stop crying, i took her home to spend some time with her and then we took her back to the vet at 5.10pm to be put to sleep. I decided I wanted her cremated so i can keep her ashes. Tyson is the best pet I have ever had and no pet could ever be as good as her! R.I.P. Tyson - the best gerbil in the world!

Thursday

We went to Pod to set up for the Easter Thunderball; we were 2nd in queue for signing on and then 3rd in the queue for scrutineering, I'm happy we didn't have to wait that long as it was cold. It's good to be back at the Pod! It's even better seeing the Alamo lane and all of the new Alamo signs on and around the track. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and racing my car; Belle is excited too. Guess what!? Spencer Massey is in the programme!

Friday

It was great to be able to race again :) Today we got 2 qualifying runs - in the 1st qualifying run I was 8th with a .1 reaction :/ and Belle was 14th and in the 2nd qualifying run I was 14th as my reaction hadn't improved and Belle was 18th. Oh well we've got tomorrow to get higher on the qualifying ladder :)

Saturday

Today my Nanny Shirley and Nanny Carol came to watch and stay with us until Sunday. So far it has been raining a lot, so I don't think we will get another qualifier in :(

We were pushed down for a qualifying run only to be pushed back to our pit due to the rain. And again :( Whilst we were down in the pairing lanes we met a man who asked if he could interview me and Belle, he was filming for a programme. We finally got our 3rd qualifying run in and packed away for the day.

Me and Stacey Reed have decided to go to the fair; we are going on this tall thing but I have no idea what it is called, lol.

Sunday

Lots of people from Alamo came today, the only people I knew already were Franc and Selina Leone, who have come to watch me with Selina's sister and niece:)

Today it was spitting most of the day, it cleared up in the evening which meant that we got a final qualifier (I got a .06 which meant I was then in place 16). The bad thing was it was VERY cold and Belles engine doesn't like the cold. After the last qualifier we only had a short period of time before going into the first round of eliminations. There was confusion over who Belle and me were up against but it was revealed when we got to the fire-up lane; I had Thomas Abbott-Cook, Belle had Aaron Fensome.

Unfortunately Belle red lite by .02; if she hadn't she may have won as she was bang on her dialling time (well done Spencer Tramm) :( Next time Belle! Good news for me... Thomas red lite, so I went careful on the lights so I didn't red light as well :D Also I was .07 off my dialling time - thanks Dad, Conrad and Anna Stanley. Clearly this was meant to be my race as Thomas was pulling amazing lights all weekend! I guess it's anyone's race and a bit of luck :) I wanna win this one for TYSON!

Me and Stacey went to the fair again in the evening, but this time with Josh Saunders and Belle. We all went on the egg shaped tall rocket ride and then on the umbrellas. Belle loved it soo much she didn't want to go back to the RV and got upset but it was late.

Monday

Lots of teams had left when we woke in the morning due to the down pour of rain. The rest of the competition got rained off at 1pm. The television crew came to interview us in the RV, the same crew were filming for a couple of things so I will keep you posted on that.

Once we left Santa Pod we went to get our new gerbils - we have named them Joey and Caramel.

I already miss everyone and being at the Pod :( We have got three weeks until the Big Bang... That's ages away :(

Tuesday

Today we picked up Tyson's ashes, it feels good to have her back :') Also a BIG thank you Roger Gorringe for the amazing photo of Spencer Massey's FRAM Top Fuel Dragster!

See you all soon

Drive Happy

Paige x

Sunday 25th March 2012: Gainesville 2012.

Wednesday 7th March

I got up early this morning and we drove up to Manchester airport. We dropped the car off, checked in and then met up with former/retired top fuel driver Barry Sheavills. We did some shopping for some gifts for the teams, then had some lunch and got on the plane!

This journey has actually gone really fast so far!  I've watched the movie Jack and Jill twice...only because it is soo funny, it had me in tears!! Lol, anyway I also watched Alvin and the Chipmunks, it was good but Jack and Jill was definitely the best movie ever! I'm not sure what to do next! I think I might just play Temple Run, which will be a good time waster... because I don't know about anyone else but I always want to beat my high score - even if I have just set a new one, I want to beat it again - strange right?? Just to let you know I don't use the cheats - I'm not a cheater! Lol :)

We have just got out of Orlando Airport and are heading towards ALAMO to get our rent-a-car!! The only problem is, we have lost Barry. We are going to drive him to the hotel he is staying in, but we have lost him :/ OOOPS! It wasn't me !! Lol.

After 10 minutes of texting and calling we have finally found the last member - PHEW! Finally we are on our way! I'm so tired :/

We have arrived at the Hilton Hotel, after waiting in a long queue to check in we are in our room now! The room is really nice! Anyway later on we are going to meet up with David, Charlie, Harry & family at Joes Crab Shack which should be funny as I can't stand seeing DEAD animals let alone crabs! Lol :)

We arrived a little while ago, after the man gave us our drinks he asked what we wanted as our main course… I didn't feel great so I said nothing… the man looked shocked when I said nothing, obviously they don't get many customers that say they don't want anything lol. But how many of them have just got off a plane?????

Tomorrow is going to be good as we are going to drive to Gainesville, the journey is REALLY REALLY LONG!

Thursday 8th March

We are now 30minutes into the drive to Gainesville and I've decided to update you all! This morning we went to the Florida Mall and Premium Outlets; Dad only let me get one thing in Abercrombie and Fitch! Which is child abuse! Lol anyway we are an hour and a half away from the Cabot Lodge - which is where we will be staying. Last year there was a load of traffic on our way to Gainesville, so I think that is why we have left in the afternoon instead of leaving nearer to the evening! The traffic last year went on for about 4 hours :(

We have arrived at the Cabot Lodge, after a long journey - I can't feel my butt lol. We are just settling in :) Dad wants to go to the shops and get some drinks, so I will report back to you when I get back!

Once we got outside we saw Don Corsette from Lucas Oil, he took us to Publix as he needed to get his hair cut! We got everything we needed and headed back to the hotel. Dad has been strange all day … so I have a feeling that something is going on… I don't like surprises! Anyway I better get ready as we are going to dinner with Rob Geiger and his daughter Sara Geiger.

OMG!

As if … how did I not suspect this??? I knew something was going on… how could they keep this from me? I JUST MET SPENCER MASSEY…. Ahhhhhh! Spencer was going to go to dinner with us but luckily he had to go do this fan fest at the Ale House…! PHEW! There is no way that I would have ate in front of him! Lol :D I had another picture with him!!!!

Now we are on our way to an Italian restaurant with Rob & Sara

I felt soo bad at the restaurant as I was being really picky :/ And I also didn't eat everything… why couldn't we just have gone to a place that sells normal chicken? Lol anyway I still can't believe that I met Spencer Massey ;D he told Rob to take me to his pits so he can show me all around!!! I can't wait!

I'm going to go to bed now so cya xx

Friday 9th March

Today was a relaxing day as we mostly rode around on a golf cart and watched racing. We went to see Roger and Leah at R2B2 to catch up which was really nice. We also went into Erica Enders' pits and we also met Victor Cagnazzi who runs Erica's car. We also spent some time with Melanie, she is working really hard to get back on the track. I really hope she works it out as Melanie's a real professional and loves all of her fans.

We keep on popping in to the Lucas Oil Pits and said "Hi" to Don Corsette. We watched a little bit of racing; Sara had enough of it and was getting tired, so we left early :( but tomorrow me and Dad will be going by ourselves because Rob and Sara are going somewhere! So we will get to watch lots more racing tomorrow! YESS! :)

Tonight we are going to go to dinner with Sara and Rob again, not quite sure where we are going, but I'm hoping there will be no more surprises and normal chicken on the menu! Lol

Anyway I must be going as Dad is moaning at me because I take forever to get ready, so he wants me to get ready first! I will tell you about the dinner tomorrow as no doubt we will get back to the hotel really late!

Bye xxx

Saturday 10th March

Last night there was no surprises, but we went to another Italian restaurant for dinner. Me and Sara thought we ordered a margarita pizza - you know the one with just cheese - but they are different in America to what they are over in Europe - so me and Sara got a pizza with no tomato sauce, a thin base with tomatoes and spinach on it! It tasted horrible, so Rob told the waiter that the pizza Sara and I ordered was wrong because in Europe it's just got cheese on! So luckily the waiter changed the pizzas for free lol. :)

We arrived at the track a few hours ago and we have to meet up with my sponsor Oakley (Oakley have the BEST sunglasses EVER!) We had a great time with the guys at Oakley and then we also went around to see my friend TJ Zizzo, Leah Pruett, Roger Burgess and then everyone at the Lucas Oil Pits!

Even though the day hasn't ended I already know what the best bit will be. Remember when I said that when I saw Spencer Massey and he told Rob to bring me to his pits... Well we did it this morning... It was so cool; there was all of these people waiting for him (Dad got Rob to text him to say that we were waiting outside) and he came out and told me and Dad to get under the rope, so we did!!! I never realised how many fans he actually had but I'm his #1 BIGGEST FAN EVER!! We started talking and he was showing me his car, Dad asked if we could have another picture together :) You didn't see me complaining :P Spencer also showed us his trailer, did you know they have 9 engines, so if one blows up then they would have a spare engine to replace it for each run!! It's mad how many they must go through in a year.... I only have one! They also had this cabinet full of pistons and then heads too - there was about 50+. They have a computer to see what there run was like eg. if they had tyre shake etc. Spencer is soo lucky, he used to be in Junior Dragsters (like me :D) and he has worked his way up to Top Fuel Dragsters; I hope I will be that lucky and drive a Top Fuel Dragster....one day.

We met up with David, Charlie & family as they were going to take a walk up to Courtney's pit after her crash. After talking to them for a while we went over to R2B2 and spoke with Roger and Leah for a while to confirm our plans for this year. Well Done to Leah Pruett for getting past the first round. But right now we are standing near the start line with Leah Pruett watching Top Fuel... FINALLY! (long story as to how I was allowed) Lol :) Well done to Morgan Lucas for becoming No. 1 qualifier! Go Morgan!! It's getting well cold, so Dad said he is going to get me a jumper... And I said "Can I get a Spencer Massey one?" and then he said "I guess so!" Im getting a jumper with Spencer Massey on it!!!.... I'm not that excited lol :D

We are on our way back to the hotel now! After watching the racing for a little while Dad was getting cold so we decided to head back. I'm sad because tomorrow is our last day! Do we have to go home? I have already told Dad that we don't have to go back if he doesn't want to, but he said he has work to do :(

I'm soo tired so I'm going to stop typing in case I start writing weird stuff! Lol

Cya

Sunday 11th March

Today is the day that we have to get on a plane to boring old England :( I have already been to see Spencer Massey to wish him luck and to say goodbye and watched loads of racing on the start line!!. Well done to Spencer Massey and Morgan Lucas for getting through the first round... Better luck next time TJ Zizzo :) We are just about to go and say farewell to the Lucas Oil team and then will be on our way out of Gainesville.

I got to meet two very special people today, Champion drag racer Darrell Gwynn who had a terrible accident in his top fuel dragster at Santa Pod 20 years ago. Since his accident he has dedicated his time to make other peoples lives better and safer through the Darrell Gwynn Foundation.

I also met an American hero SGM Jon Cavaini who received the Medal of Honor from USA President Ford!! How cool is that!! You can read all about Jon's amazing story on the R2B2 Racing web site.

It was a real pleasure meeting two very special people who dedicate their lives to others.

We have said our goodbyes to the teams and to Rob Geiger. He has just told me that Spencer Massey was going to give me his crew shirt that he has been wearing at the event :0 OMG AHHHHHH! But we are going now so Rob is going to get it for me and then give it to me when we see him again!!!

I wish I could live in America so I could watch racing all the time :( BYE GAINESVILLE, IM GUNNA MISS EVERYONE :(

We are in Orlando at our friends house now and I have just heard that Spencer Massey lost in round 2! :( better luck next time, though I'm sure he will win the next event....fingers crossed! :) The event has been called off due to the rainy weather so by the time we get back to England we should know who has won; I think it will be Morgan because he has been running great times!

After a good flight we are back at home and I'm already feeling cold, I'm also sad but I guess I will see all the racers in Las Vegas in October; last year I sat in the grand stand waiting for the top fuel dragster final and guess who was in it.... Spencer Massey vs Del Worsham, and I was (of course) cheering for Spencer, so hopefully this year Spencer will again be in the final and win it!

Bye and remember "Drive Happy"

Paige xx

Thank You to: Dad, Rob Geiger, Roger, Leah, Spencer Massey, R2B2 Race Cars, Alamo, Lucas Oil & Oakley:)

Sunday 27th November 2011: A busy (and expensive) few days.

The trip to Las Vegas was fantastic! Me and Belle met our favourite drivers; Spencer Massey, Matt Hagan, Antron Brown, Melanie Troxel (of course) and TJ Zizzo :) Anyway well here's how the story begins:

Day 1 – Tuesday 25th October 2011

This morning we had to wake up and leave the house by 7 o' clock! I'm NOT a morning person :) lol. We had to get up this early because our flight was at 11.45(ish), and Dad likes to get to the airport early. Once we arrive at LAX, we have a 5 hour drive to Las Vegas - this time I'm hoping I will stay awake for the whole drive, therefore I will be able to see the desert and then see the lights in Las Vegas slowly getting closer and closer, bigger and brighter.

Whilst we were on the plane I watched Cars 2, Zookeeper and Kung Fu Panda 2, all the films were great!! Especially Kung Fu Panda 2, it's so funny! I love it when we just arrive in America because once you have got out of the plane you get a sniff of American air - it smells lovely. So here we go, another 5 hours to go.

We only had one stop, and that was to get something to eat lol. I told Mum to wake me up when you are able to see the Las Vegas lights, but noo she just leaves me there sleeping. So I didn't get to see the lights :( Anyway once we arrived in Vegas we went straight to the Monte Carlo, and to bed I went zzzzzzzzzzzz.

Day 2 – Wednesday 26th October 2011

I got up at 6.30am and I was still tired so I decided to go back to sleep, I eventually woke up at 7.07 am. Once everyone was dressed and ready we went down to the Hotel Buffet Restaurant; that was about 8.00am. The buffet was lovely, I had scrambled egg, pancakes, fruit and bacon. Whilst eating our breakfast we all made an agreement... Belle, Auntie Carol, Nan Shirley and Mum and I were all going to go to The Las Vegas Premium Outlets. My Dad decided to go to the track, just to check out were everyone was pitted and meet up with friends!!

It was soo much fun at the Outlets!! I went to the Converse shop and brought 2 more pairs of Converses. Also Belle got her first pair of Converses! :) We then headed to Nike shop – my Auntie wanted to go there, however guess who got something .... me!! I got 2 pairs of shorts :) What can I say, I LUV to shop!! We headed to the Guess shop (it's Mum's favourite) Mum got Jeans, Belle got the Guess bracelet that I wanted :( , but we can share. Mum found a pair of jeans she LOVED in True Religion they were very expensive, I won't tell you how much!! – Although I can't speak because I spend lots in the Abercrombie and Fitch shop ;)

After going shopping we met Dad at the Hotel and headed to The New York, New York, to meet Gary Page and his fiancée, Jane. Once we met them we went up to the game area, because Gary Page wanted to go on the rollercoaster ride. So Guess what ... I went on there with him:) The rollercoaster starts inside and goes all around the New York, New York. The ride was just like any other rollercoaster ride, however it goes upside down and all you had was a bar that went over your neck and finally one bar that goes over your legs... Scary!! Belle was too small, so her and Dad were playing on the games – she won loads of tickets!!! The more tickets you have the bigger prize you get. So once we came off the ride I started give her money so she could play more games, to get more tickets. In the end I just stood near the counter and loads of people gave me their tickets:) We ended up with a strange bracelet, a sparkly converse shoe and a weird glow up ball. We had loads of tickets and the good thing was they never expire, so when we go next year we can get some more things/ tickets.

After that I wanted to go to Fashion Show Mall because there was a big Abercrombie and Fitch shop :) We walked along the Las Vegas Boulevard, on the way we popped into The MGM to see the lions and finally we went to the Bellagio to see the Fountains, however we waited an hour but they weren't working:( . By then we decided that the Fashion Show Mall was too far away so we headed back to the hotel, I was all walked out.

Back at the Monte Carlo Hotel I ate at an Italian Pizza place.:)

Day 3 – Thursday 27th October 2011

We got up at 7.00am and we went down to the buffet at 8.00am again. Today is going to be another shopping day:) We are going to be dropped off at the Fashion Show Mall first and then make our way back up the Strip through different hotels until we get back to the Monte Carlo.

After breakfast we headed straight for the Mall:) We took Belle to the Build-A-Bear shop first so she could get her Snoopy and Woodstock bears, she loves it in that shop. Whilst in the Abercrombie and Fitch shop I spent an obscene amount of money!! :) I got sooo much but some is going to be put away for Christmas... I feel spoilt!!! Anyway that was all my money gone.

We took a long walk through: The Venetian, Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the Palazzo. Towards the end Belle was getting tired and grumpy so we got ice cream from Ben and Jerry's and had a rest outside Caesars Palace, Belle picked the biggest cone they had!! All of the hotels were beautiful! I especially enjoyed wandering through Caesars Palace and The Bellagio, the way they are set out is amazing – best hotels ever! We finally got back to our Hotel, to have a rest ready for the FanFest that started at 5.00 pm. But knowing my Dad he will make us arrive an hour early :)

Once we arrived (which was 30 minutes early) all of the drivers were getting ready to go on stage. Unfortunately we couldn't go up with Melanie as she hadn't arrived yet because she was at In n Out Burger signing for fans. Instead we went up with Leah, while we were waiting backstage Belle and I got to meet Tony Schumacher :) We also had our picture done with him and he said that he would look out for us. He also said that Belle and I had nice eyes.

Once the fanfest started me and Belle was sitting between to Melanie and Leah:) Me and Belle signed some really weird things like: a helmet, rugby ball, game, banner and t-shirt. Whilst we were at the fanfest Belle got chosen to go up and enter a dance competition, she came 2nd.... GO BELLE!! And whilst she was dancing Gary Page came to see us:) Thank you Andy and Roger for taking lots of great photos once again ;)

So we all went back to our hotels to eat...I had some Pizza again, I love it! We then all went to bed zzzzzzzz.

Day 4 – Friday 28th October 2011

Once again we got up at 8.00am and went down to the buffet. This is the first day at the track and I'm looking forward to seeing some great racing:)

When we arrived at the track we went straight down to Melanie Troxel's In N Out Burger pit, to say hello to all the crew. Now they give you a VIP band to get in and out of Melanie's pit easily. After settling there we went to the Lucas Oil pit, we met up with Don Corsett and then headed for the track to watch some racing. After a round or so we headed back to the Lucas Oil pit to get our VIP bands and have breakfast, I had a chat with Charlotte Lucas, she is lovely.

The day went on and we sat on the stands watching racing. After the Pro Mod, Top Fuel and Funny Cars had gone down we went back to Melanie's pit to congratulate Melanie because she had qualified No 2 in both Pro Mod and Funny Car .... GO MELANIE!! We stayed there and had lunch, which was delicious:) After lunch I met Spencer Massey ♥ - who has the most amazing eyes EVER (he used to drive Junior Dragsters as well).

It would have been the best day ever if Mum hadn't of embarrassed me in front of him, she told him that I loved his eyes, he just laughed. Then we met Matt Hagan ♥ – who is amazing. She also embarrassed me in front of him... I swear that's what Mums were made for :( We then went to congratulate TJ Zizzo for qualifying No. 1 :) We had a chat with his Mum and Dad who were lovely. The day passed too fast, all of a sudden we were watching the next round of qualifying in the Top Fuel, Pro Mod and Funny Car. Melanie was still No. 2 and TJ Zizzo No.1.

As we left to go home we bumped into Antron Brown!!! So I asked if I could have my picture done with him:) He said to come see him tomorrow because he loves the way I speak :) What a GREAT DAY I met Spencer Massey, TJ Zizzo, Matt Hagan and Antron Brown which are some of my favourite drivers ♥

Day 5 – Saturday 29th October 2011

This morning we had breakfast at the Lucas Oil Pits – it was a nice change. They had scrambled egg and sausages... nice!

Mum and me decided that we would get Anna Stanley's SURPRISE early in the morning so that we wouldn't have to rush it:) The SURPRISE is a 'Thank You' present because of how lovely she has been, she has helped me soo much and I'm soo grateful to have her helping me soo... THANK YOU ANNA STANLEY x

We also got our 'Get Well' card signed for Paula Marshall; we got Melanie Troxel, Courtney Force and John Force to sign it! Whilst we were waiting for John Force we met a girl who had been waiting 3 hours for John Force to come out and sign her photo and have their picture done. Pure Fan Dedication!

Later on we had lunch at Melanie's Pit, their chef made amazing pumpkin cakes – which was icing and sugary orange crystals on top of a soft brownie... They were DELICIOUS! After that I bumped into Urs Erbacher and Anita outside the Nitro Mall, and I asked if I could have my picture done. We also met Roy Wilding and friends.

Good news. Melanie has qualified 6th in FC and 2nd in Pro Mod, there was only one BIG crash in qualifying... the body on J. Gray's car flew off!! It came off in slow motion like a movie and then all of a sudden it landed; you just heard a BANG and crack, the body smashed. Back to the good news: Melanie easily got through round 1 in Pro Mod. I met Antron Brown, he remembered me and insisted he'd talk to me before he was going to go down for his next qualifying!! I said he should go down and that I would come back but he said 'No' :) So we all had a chat with Antron and of course we had our picture done.

Dinner is served.... All of those who were in the In-N-Out Burger Pits today got a meal from the In-N-Out Burger stall. It was all really nice, I will definitely go back to a In-N-Out Burger place again :) We left the track at 7 pm and took a walk down the Las Vegas Strip, loads of people were dressed up – scary.

Day 6 – Sunday 30th October 2011

Today, we had an early start we got to the track at 8.30 am and we had breakfast at the Lucas Oil Pits, we had a chat with Charlotte Lucas and I met Rick (who has a program now called 'Rick Restorations') he was originally off of 'The Pawn Shop'. Wow, who would have thought that I'd meet Rick at the Vegas Strip!?

We went for a walk and Belle went around getting her Alamo Shirt signed, she got Spencer Massey's autograph just so that she could annoy me, saying that she had his Autograph and I didn't :P But I did get it, a personalised hero card signed to me! As the day went on it got hotter and hotter... And the day went... FAST. Melanie seemed to be whizzing through eliminations (in the Pro Mod) and before I knew it Melanie was in the semi finals... against our team mate Leah... GO ON R2B2! All of us were cheering. Leah Won!

Just as I was walking back to Melanie Pit's I saw Anita, she recognised me!! :) So I stayed and had a chat with her for a bit. Soon the FC's were out and Melanie had made it past Round 1, but got eliminated in Round 2.

How cool is this... Belle went to go see Matt Hagan after he'd won in the Semi Finals, he was packing his parachute and one was damaged so he flung it on the floor and said to Belle “You can have that if you want!” How cool :) Now whenever she see's Matt Hagan she always say's I've got one of the end's of his parachute!! Lol. Belle then headed over to Tony Schumacher's Pit and he pinched her nose, I think he remembered her from the Fanfest :)

Leah Pruett won in Pro Mod. Mum said we had to leave but I insisted we watched Spencer Massey, I said that I wouldn't move unless we did. TF were the last pair to go down the track!! So ages went by and then finally TF came on... I luv Spencer Massey but he was up against... Del Worsham. Sadly I watched my 2nd fav driver lose (Melanie is my fav):( At least he came 2nd.

Mum and I ran all the way back to the car where the others had been waiting an hour!! Oops, sorry guys. I had a great day but already miss it. My family met Spencer Tramm and his Mum at the Cheese Cake Factory for dinner – this time we booked in advance. However we still had to wait an hour before we could get a table, but as I was walking through the Bellagio Mall I found an Abercrombie and Fitch shop, so I did some spending – I spent $56 on A PAIR of shorts lol... Dad went mad. We had a lovely dinner, Belle was sooo tired she fell asleep, ah.

Last Day :( Day 6, Monday 31st October 2011

We had to get up early, so that we could pack up and be down for breakfast at 8.00 am. We left the hotel at 8.30 am and headed for the track:) When we came out the hotel we saw Ashley Force-Hood and her baby!

Once we arrived at the track we headed straight for the pits, as we said 'Goodbye' to everyone we knew. We then found out Melanie was testing the FC, so we quickly went to say Goodbye to TJ Zizzo and gave him a hero card for his children, then rushed back to watch Melanie. There wasn't many people testing, but Tony Schumacher and Brandon Bernstein both got some excellent runs in!! We also watched the Fighter Jets practising; there was loads, they felt and sounded like they were going right over our heads.

After a short time at the track we had to leave as we need to travel to LAX for our flight, so I went to say 'Goodbye' to Melanie and all the crew!! I wished her good luck with the testing, and said that I hoped I would be able to see her soon.

We then made our way straight to LAX Airport. It was a long drive back :( I'm going to miss EVERYONE!!

Paige x

Thanks to Roger Gorringe and Andy Willsheer for pictures

Sunday 4th September 2011: Trip to America.

Monday – 18th July

Today is the day I've been waiting for; we are finally making our way to the airport for our trip to America. Tonight we stay at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester and then finally go on to our flight to Orlando tomorrow morning! The only bad thing is that we have to leave school, go home, get changed and leave for Manchester immediately. Well at least we are going to Manchester tonight rather than us getting up really early and then driving to the airport. It took us 10 minutes to get changed and to check the house to make sure we hadn't forgotten anything. So we are now on our way to Manchester.

The drive seemed to just drag along :-( We have just about settled in, we arrived at 8.30 pm and now it's 9 'o' clock, so I should be heading to bed soon, as we have to get up early.

Tuesday – 19th July

I have just got up and it's 6.30 am and I'm soo tired. After a nice breakfast we are travelling to the airport to catch our flight. ? I can't wait to arrive to a sunny hot day in Orlando!

The flight is under way! I have just watched 'Gulliver's Travels', it was funny and life like. Had a nice ice-cream. Flight seemed to go quickly and after another movie or two we were preparing for landing in Orlando airport.

I love the smell when I get off the plane and walk through the tunnel to the terminal, mmmm florida air!! After picking up our car from ALAMO we headed to the first hotel, Buena Vista Palace in Downtown Disney, which is one of my favourites. An early night for me tonight.

Wednesday 20th July

Dad, Belle and I went to Publix to get breakfast (Mum didn't come with us as she had migraine). When we got back to Buena Vista Palace we had breakfast and went for a swim with Mum as she felt a little better. We had a lovely swim. Dad had to come and get us out before we shrivelled up.

In the evening we went for a walk to Downtown Disney which is just across the road. We had a browse through the largest Disney store in the world; it's so big you can get lost in it; Mum usually does as it takes her hours to come back out!!

Thursday 21st July

Another day of travelling!! We woke early and packed for our long 10 hour journey to Bristol, Tennessee. It seemed to take forever and my bum was hurting. I saw lots of wildlife and big mountains as we got closer. We went up a mountain so steep that the lorries were going 5 mph (I could have pushed them faster) and they needed to keep their hazard lights on incase they rolled backwards suddenly. Then we came down a steep mountain that had a run-off for lorries if they could not slow down enough; and it looked like it was regularly used!! Dad pulled in to see the view from a tall mountain, it was really pretty. Dad didn't want to stay too long just incase we encountered some dangerous wildlife, lol.

We arrived at the Carnegie Hotel where we were going to be based for the next 10 days. We made ourselves comfortable, looked around the hotel and facilities and went to bed, as tomorrow I am going to Bristol Raceway to meet the owners of Halfscale Dragsters who made my new awesome car.

Friday 22nd July

After breakfast we set off to Bristol Raceway. The sat nav took us in the back way and we kinda got lost until we see the track, it had beautiful views, the pit area was huge. We arrived just before Halfscale Dragsters so Dad helped Randy and Judy set up their stand. Randy and Judy are the owners of Halfscale and made my beautiful new car, thank you Randy. Judy took Belle and me into their RV to watch TV as there was not much to do and really hot outside. Gabby creeped up on my Mum when she arrived and frightened her, Mum said it was really strange to see her in another country. Gabby warned us that when it rains it just rushes through the pits; and it did. The dark clouds came rolling in over the mountains and dropped lots of rain on us, but the rain was warm. Now I know why they call it Thunder Valley, we had a big storm hang over us for a while creating a river through the middle of the pits.

While I am racing here for the next 9 days I am borrowing a Junior Dragster from Halfscale Dragsters. The car belongs to their nephew Daniel. I am going to put my own stickers on the car tomorrow. But first I need to join the LONG queue for 'tech inspection' which we call 'scrutineering'. Wow, there are sooo many cars and it's only the first day apparently more arrive towards the end of the week for the Eastern Conference Finals.

I met a lady from Birmingham, England, while I was queuing. Her name was Sonia, she had moved to the USA 15 years ago after meeting her American husband who happened to be the announcer for Bristol Raceway. She was so surprised to hear that I had come all the way over from England to race and thought it was great that I had made the journey.

We head back to the hotel to change and get ready for dinner. Dad, Mum, Belle and me went to Pizza Hut; I love pizza!! We have another early start tomorrow as it is practice runs for the Mike Boss Competition. I hate mornings!!!!!

Saturday 23rd July

It has been raining sooo much! The only cars that had the opportunity to have a practise run were the 330 Outlaw Class! We made some really nice friends who have been helping Dad get the car ready for this week, their son Sean raced in 330 Outlaw!

As the day went on it rained and rained; finally they made a decision to call it off.

Sunday 24th July

330 Outlaw class is now going through their eliminations as they already had their timed runs yesterday! Luckily Sean Serra wins 330 Outlaw class. Well Done Sean!!! Sean's trophy is huge and very heavy. The winning car and trophy are displayed for all to see on the Halfscale Dragster stand. It looks really cool.

Sean drives the Halfscale Dragster 'house' car which Randy is Crew Chief for; this means that Halfscale own the car but Sean drives it for them as they no longer have any of their own children racing juniors. Sean has his own 7.90 dragster which he will be racing later this week.

Monday 25th July

Today is MY Elimination day, wish me luck! And it is also Gavin's birthday; he is the grandson of Randy and Judy. Belle was so excited about singing 'Happy Birthday' and giving Gavin his present that she tripped over the back of the trailer and nearly knocked herself out on the golf cart, luckily she just cut her knee and elbow. Belle was very brave and didn't cry.

Guess what... I got past first round. However Gabby and my new friend Miranda weren't as fortunate as me (they didn't get through) :-( Second round has come round really quick. And before I knew it I was already getting ready to go down the track! This time I didn't get through, but it's okay because it's my first time racing here in Bristol, and I still have 2 more races to get further.

For the rest of the day we watched all of the classes, and then went out for Gavin's celebratory birthday dinner at Cracker Barrel. I made friends with Sean's younger sister, Miranda, who is the same age as me. We had a great time. We took Creg, Christy and Miranda back to the track and got to our hotel about 11ish.

Tuesday 26th July

It's my day off today as the ages 13-17 are doing their practice runs. Tomorrow is ages 8-12 timed runs; which is me. So today me and my Mum have decided we are going to Abercrombie and Fitch, to spend a fortune! Sorry Dad :-) A & F here we come! After shopping we are head back to the track to watch some racing.

Wednesday 27th July

Fun day competition today! I only get 1 timed run, then it's straight into eliminations! My first timed run was really good, I got a 0.016 light and the car went 8.915.

We have just had round one and I won because the boy I was against pulled a red light! And before I knew I was already in round 3. Unluckily I lost in round 3 – oh well?

Now a big group of us are off to Fatz Cafe for dinner.

Thursday 28th July

The Eastern Conference Finals begins today. We have a few timed runs – but not many. Also our friends from St Louis arrived, so I had their support as well!

My day went really fast! After having really late nights throughout the week we have an even later one, as we go to Outback with 20 other people (so 24 altogether). I wonder what the bill will come to?!? : /

Friday 29th July

Ahhh!! :S It's the first day of eliminations! It sounds really strange, but we only got the first round of eliminations done today as there were that many racers here – it took over 6 hours for one round!! Anyway the good news is I got past first round!! YAY! This means I can come back tomorrow and race!!

Saturday 30th July

Second round here I come; I am feeling nervous today as this is the big competition.

There were five friends that were all racing today; Sean and Gabby in 7.90's, Miranda and I in the 8.90 class and Owen in the 12.90 class. All of us had already got through first round except Gabby who was knocked out. 4 out of 5 isn't bad though.

Miranda and I didn't get through second round but it's okay because Dad said that we are definitely racing here next year, I'm looking forward to it already! Sean and Owen got through 2nd round and continued doing well.

We had a really long 10 hour journey back to Orlando so we said our goodbyes? I really don't want to leave the track. We have made some fantastic lifelong friends that I will definitely keep in touch with and hopefully see again next year. I REALLY WANT TO PERMINANTLY RACE IN AMERICA. I had such an amazing time, we learnt lots as well! I NEED a green card, lol!

We stayed in contact with friends at the track and found out that Sean Serra (true to form) came 2nd and Owen got through to the Semi Finals but pulled a red light :-( Well done to them both!!

Racing was just the beginning of my holiday; we still have another 3 weeks out here – 4 weeks in total!

Our friends from St Louis are going to drive back to Orlando with us to spend time together relaxing and having fun. They have family who live in Orlando, which is where they will be staying and we will be spending lots of our time. Over the last 6 years we have been meeting up with the Sabala and Rosa family during our holidays; us kids have great fun together - mostly in the pool.

Thursday 4th August

Wahoo, it's my birthday! 13 today :-)

We are off to Aquatica, Seaworld with a group of American friends and Laura Turburville (we picked her up from Tampa yesterday where she is on holiday with her Mum).

It was a really hot day (it's always sunny on my birthday) and Laura, my Mum and me got sunburnt. We all had a fantastic time; got there at 8.00am and left at 8.00 pm.

We went back to the Rosa family house to cut and eat birthday cake. Yum!! We are absolutely worn out so it's home to bed. We are taking Laura back to Tampa tomorrow to pack as she is leaving on Saturday.

Sunday 7th August

For the next few days we are off to stay in Dads favourite hotel ever, the Hard Rock Hotel, Universal Orlando. Whilst we are staying there we are going to go to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Belle is now tall enough to ride 'Rip, Ride, Rock It' so she is really excited.

We checked in and started our day at Universal, the park was so quiet so we got all the rides done; Belle loved 'Rip, Ride, Rock It' so we went on it four times!! We decided to make our way over to Islands of Adventure to get some rides done there while it was quiet. We got favourites done so returned to the Hard Rock for dinner and rest ready for tomorrow.

Monday 8th August

After fuelling ourselves up at breakfast we caught the water taxi to Islands of Adventure to have fun and get very wet!!

The park was busier but we got all the rides done and left the park just as a storm arrived. We love these parks and staying at the Hard Rock Hotel so it a shame to leave but tomorrow we are heading to Atlanta to see Melanie Troxel and Roger Burgess.

Tuesday 9th August

We packed up and left Vista Cay apartments and our 6 hour drive started. We have had a lot of long drives over this holiday so we are used to it now. Our base for the next couple of days is the Holiday Inn Hotel. Belle and I wanted to watch a movie; we picked 'Hop'. I am really excited about tomorrow as we will meet Melanie and Roger again and then spend a day at Six Flags Theme Park with Melanie.

Wednesday 10th August

Guess what... today we are going to go to the R2B2 workshop! After that we are going to go to Six Flags theme park, over Georgia, with Melanie Troxel.

The R2B2 Workshop was amazing! It is hard to describe here in writing but oh what a place. Let's just say Roger doesn't do things in halves. Kevin, who is the General Manager, showed us some really cool cars and gadgets. I sat in my all time favourite car – A YELLOW LAMBOURGHINI, but didn't want to get out. I met Leah who is the newest recruit to the R2B2 racing team. Leah was getting ready to leave to go do some testing. Roger and Melanie were going to fly out the following day to watch her. Melanie is a very lucky lady!

Soon after Roger had taken us around all of the building, Me, Mum, Dad, Belle and Melanie went to Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags had some fantastic rides; I definitely would recommend this theme park. I like all of the rides apart from the Ninja, your head constantly bangs on the hard harness (it hurts), only go on it if you want your brain to get shaken. My favourite was Acrophobia, it takes you straight up perched on a so-called 'seat' whilst spinning and then when you get to the top it leans forward so you are standing and then it drops you! It's a 16 story drop.Belle's favourite w as the three WOODEN rollercoaster's! They shake you so badly. We had a great day; I think I'll be going back there!

After a quick change we all had dinner in our hotel. We left the adults talking while Belle and I played on the Wii which they had in the restaurant. I was so tired after our long eventful day so I headed straight to bed when we eventually left the restaurant.

Thursday 11th August

We are at the R2B2 Workshop again as we are going to say goodbye to everyone. Roger Burgess, the team owner, let me hold a WALLY! It was really heavy. Before we left, Melanie gave us some R2B2 stuff and then we were off on another long drive to stay in a house in Orlando.

Friday 12th August

Today we are off to visit our friends, the Sabala family, to say goodbye! I really don't want to go home ?

Saturday 13th August

We have been waiting in the airport for about 1 hour now! The person at the front desk isn't sure whether we will get on this flight, as there is a problem with the plane! That means another day in Orlando! As we came out of the terminal it felt like we had just arrived in Orlando again. :-) Tonight we are going to return to one of my favourite hotels, the Buena Vista Palace. It is really strange because we started our holiday in the Buena Vista Palace and now we are about to end it here. It's nice spending another day in Orlando though.

Sunday 14th August

We stop off to see the Rosa family on the way back to the airport and say another goodbye. Luckily enough we actually got on the flight to Glasgow! They had a bit of trouble closing the doors, but we got home! The flight seemed to go so quickly, only Dad slept. I already can't wait until I come back to the U.S.A.

Thank You's

I would like to a special 'thank you' to Half Scale Dragsters and family; Randy, Judy, Eric, Jaime, Owen and Gavin, R2B2; Roger, Melanie and Kevin, The Serra Family; Creg, Christy, Sean, and Miranda (not forgetting Parker and Hot Rod!) for making this trip so special and memorable. And to our friends; the extended Sabala and Rosa family for always making us feel so welcome in Orlando.

Wednesday 12th July 2011: New rides.

Saturday 28th May - Main Event:

At the Main Event I had an interview with Trackside Tina, I dragged Stacey Reed into it! They were amazed how Stacey prepares her own car e.g. fuel, tyre pressure and more. I couldn't do my own car because I would forget what I would have to do! Lol

Sunday 12th June Shakespeare County Raceway – joint first:

A few weeks ago at Shakespeare County Raceway I finished joint first with Alex Brett, at the Junior Dragster League! My car ran a Perfect ET on one of my runs! The Trophy I received was beautiful! Thanks Alamo for sponsoring this Junior Dragster event.

Friday 17th June New Golf Buggy:

We have now got a new Golf Buggy! You will all see it at Dragstalgia or the Open Sport Nationals!

Friday 24th June - Surprise, Surprise:

Last night I received my early Birthday Present! Guess what it was…?! It was my NEW CAR!! EEEP

My car came a day early, so no one expected it! All I knew was that Geoff Hauser had a parcel at his work, so we had to go there and collect it… but we couldn't fit it in Dad's car though. Here are some pictures we took:

Me and my big box	The first glimpse inside
Dad, Geof and Belle unwrapping	Me, Belle and Scott
Hello!	Moving the pedals

Belle having a rest!

Belle in the bin

Belle practising

Thanks to Geof Hauser at Hauser Race Cars for organising the whole thing along with my Dad, and thanks to Randy, Judy & Jaime @ Half Scale Dragsters for building such a beautiful car. Also thanks to Malcolm at Air Sea Logistics for bringing it to England. Dad, Mum, Belle, Geof, Scott and me had fun unpacking it and putting stuff on it.

Sunday 25th June Summer Nationals - Another One:

Alamo has had yet another addition – A New Crew Member!

Anna Stanley has joined the team and has been coaching me; it has been amazing. We began with staging which we cracked at the Summer Nationals, I nailed the lights, however me losing in the 1st round was my fault – I forgot to let off! Oops! :s Thank You Anna!

Also we displayed the new car at the Summer Nationals! I couldn't believe how many people were around it when I arrived at Santa Pod!

Monday 27th June - National Press at Santa Pod:

Anyway, how lucky am I!? On Monday Santa Pod opened the track just for me because a photographer needed to take some pictures of me and my new car!

Sunday 3rd July - New Car:

The Alamo Team, Spencer Tramm and Pete Kellett, took my new car to the Retro Show at Santa Pod Raceway to do some demo runs… Unfortunately there was a small issue with the fuel tank - then they kinda fixed it! They decided to fire it up to see if it would be okay for me to go down for a run, however then Dad found something else that he wasn't happy with – turns out it was ok, just a new way of doing things!!. So in the end I didn't go down the track, but I did get to see some cool cars.

Monday 4th July - I've been nominated:

A few days ago my Head of Year – Mr Whitely nominated me for a Northamptonshire County Education Award for excellent commitment and attitude towards School. Guess What?! I'm one of the Finalists, so I have to go to a special ceremony where they announce who have won!

Tuesday 5th July – All Eyes On Me:

This evening, I had all eyes on me!

Around a week ago I got a letter from my School; I thought that I had done something wrong. :s But it turns out that I was getting an award in P.E.! I love P.E. – especially running! Lol

Well anyway, when we got there they began the evening by calling up pupils from across the school to receive different awards; I was sitting patiently waiting for my name to be announced, I was waiting for ages, I was beginning to think that they just invited me for the sake of inviting me, but you only get invited if you receive an award!? At last the final award was announced….. And it was me!! The award that I received was

My award, which is only awarded to one person each year, was presented to me by Dan Cutting who is a 3x Guinness World Record Holder for Freestyle Football he had performed at the beginning of the evening and it was amazing!! I received a certificate, a trophy (to keep) and a shield (to give it back next year but my name engraved on it forever). I totally didn't expect me getting that award – there are so many other people in my school that have other great achievements!

Wednesday 6th July

I've just got back from school, and I've opened a letter with my name on it! It was the USA Junior Dragster Magazine, I only realised when I was flicking through that I am in it! I'm on page 10! It announces me joining Roger Burgess' R2B2 Racing Team.

Looking for a new ride:

I'm looking for a new ride, for Santa Pod – don't worry it's nothing expensive (well not as expensive as my new car anyway), it's a BMX! So if anyone has a new/used BMX that is up for sale of if you know someone who has email me at alamodragster@me.com!

Next week we are off to America to Race with Gabby in Bristol, I will be keeping a diary and my web site up to date with how we do. You can follow us on our trip at www.paigewheeler.co.uk on Twitter @alamodragster or on my page in FaceBook Alamo Dragster – Paige Wheeler

Bye for now

Paige - x –

Thursday 12th May 2011: A busy few weeks.

There has been lots of exciting things that have happened since my last trip to the USA, which was in March to Gainesville.

The day after I came back from Gainesville I had to do some filming with the BBC for a programme called “Country Tracks”, Santa Pod opened the track just for me to do a few runs (how cool is that), unfortunately one time the camera stopped working : / I don't know what I did wrong!! Then a few days after that I was asked to go on to BBC Northampton to do a radio interview about my trip to Gainesville. What a busy week I had?!

Before the R2B2 announcement was made it was really hard for me to keep my mouth shut, I was sooooo excited I just wanted to tell the whole world about it! lol ;) Now I can talk about Melanie Troxel as my team mate :D PHEW!

Easter Thunderball

Finally after a few months (it feels like a year) of waiting I can finally get back in my car and RACE!

I had a great time at Santa Pod, however I lost to Josh Saunders (I didn't mind) in the 2nd round. I only lost by 3 inches! WOW. Josh went on to win the event! Well done Josh and Rhiannon Bellenie for coming 2nd and leading the Alamo Challenge, for now.........

Big Bang

The Big Bang was a good event. We were pitted right in the corner of our pit area so we could see the live action area! It was really cool because we had VIP Seats – everyone else had to stand outside in the wind whilst we sat indoors in and watched! Belle wanted to go on the Monster Truck that passengers can ride in so I went with her, it was great fun; we want another go.

Someone tried to steal my ride – it was BELLE, she kept on wanting to steer my car down to the pairing lanes and when she was doing that she was buckling up the belts and putting my gloves on. How DARE she!

Anyway, I lost in the first round to Brad Jackson, he beat me on the lights, it was like the European Finals all over again apart from I won that one... ;) It's weird; like the Easter Thunderball I lost to the winner of the event AGAIN. Well done Brad & Rhiannon x.

Also whilst I was competing in the Big Bang the announcement of Oakley sponsoring me went out. I love Oakleys, they are AWESOME!

Another great thing happened whilst we were there.... I got my USA NHRA LICENCE!! EEPP... HOW COOL!

To get my USA Licence we had to go see a man (who had a cute dog called Bingo), Dad says he was a Public Notary who was licensed to witness my forms - Mum and Dad had to swear on the bible!!

My new car design has finally been agreed with Alamo after lots of changes and discussions. Hopefully my new car will be here by the end of May – Yay!

Bye for now,

Paige -x-

Sunday 20th March 2011: Paige's Gatornationals diary.

Wednesday 9th March Here we come, Orlando

Finally, this is the day that we set off to Orlando to attend the Don Garlits Hall of Fame Ceremony and see some great racing at the GatorNationals. I'm looking forward to seeing Melanie and all of her team!

Anyway, at the moment we are waiting inside the Virgin lounge eating pancakes with bacon, it's really nice :-) The Virgin Lounge has totally changed!! It now has a Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero!! I'm trying to decide if I should get a facial or a hand massage in their beauty salon?!?!? Both sound really nice : /

On the plane

We have just got onto the plane and I've just realised we are in Premium Economy!! The sits are nice and roomy – just the way I like them... the only bad thing is that we have to fly for 9 hours and 11 minutes :-( BORING.

I've just watched Tangled and its really good – only watched it to annoy Belle – she hasn't seen it yet!! Heehee. Just so I don't get square eyes I've decided to read my book from school, I'm on page 118 and I've got to read to page 165 by Tuesday! OMG Finally I have finished the book and I still have 5 hours left – hurry up... Now I think I'm going to watch Mega Mind, it looks really funny. Mega Mind is actually a really good movie – 3 hours and 15 minutes to go!!! Finally we've landed and we are on our way to the hotel.

Arrived At the Buena Vista Palace, Orlando

Okay then, we have just arrived at the Buena Vista Palace, after going to Chick-Fil-A for something to eat, from my point of view the BVP looks posh, everywhere is sparkling white and clean... Unfortunately we are only staying here for 1 night and then we are off to Gainesville to watch the drag racing :-)

Thursday 10th March Here comes the long drive

I've just got up and it's 8.00am in the morning, I'm still really tired. I think we are going down to have breakfast in a buffet! :-) I feel like having bacon and scrambled eggs ... hmm. That breakfast was delicious, I had loads of this special Florida orange juice – it's my Dad's favourite orange juice. Great, we are just about to leave and head on to Gainesville. Wish me luck through the journey!!

Hurry Up Traffic

We are 45 minutes away from our destination and we have just come up to some very slow moving traffic. There is nothing to do so I might as well tell you what we'll be up to in Gainesville. We will firstly be going to the Don Garlits HoF Ceremony, so I have to dress up in a nice dress... I think I look okay in it but Dad says I look beautiful. Then over the weekend we'll be going to the track to see some racing!! Yay.

Another hour and a half has gone past and the traffic is now moving fast so we should be there at 4.57 in the evening. However I won't have as long getting ready because we have to meet Rob Geiger at 6.00 in the evening.

Phew we have just arrived

I can now move my legs after sitting in the car for ages!! Now all I need to do is get ready for tonight.

I've just got ready, put on my dress and all my accessories!! So we are now off to meet Rob Geiger. I can't wait until we get there because I'm sure it'll be totally different to anything I've seen so far.

Just arrived at the Hilton Hotel for the Don Garlits HoF Ceremony and there is so many people, I have met Charlotte Lucas, Don Coresett, Jeg Couglin Sr and so many other important people in drag racing. The dinner was really good and I enjoyed every minute I was there. After hours went by Rob Geiger asked if we'd like to go for an ice cream, so we left, there was still 3 people to go up and get their Hall Of Fame trophy. We had an ice cream at the Cold Stone, I had a strawberry ice cream after much time choosing. Decisions, Decisions! After we finished eating the delicious ice cream we headed straight for the Cabot Lodge.... to go to bed.

Friday 11th March GatorNationals

It's 7.45am and I'm up and ready for breakfast. I wonder what the Cabot Lodge has for breakfast – I hope it's nice!! So off we go to see what's for breakfast and I saw they did scrambled egg, so off course I had that and one of their biscuit bread things with a Krispy Kreme and a bit of orange juice... It was a really unusual breakfast but it was nice :-) We saw Robert Hight in the restaurant and lots of crew members from other teams. At 8 am we met Rob, Craig and Sam from Geiger Media at the reception area and headed out to see some racing.

So here we are now at the GatorNationals!! We are currently in the Lucas Oil Hospitality Area with Don Coresett and Charlotte Lucas (they are some of the nicest people you could ever meet – all the Lucas Oil team)... Don said that I could sit inside Shawn Langdon's Top Fuel Dragster!! How COOL! So of course I took the opportunity... I also meet Shawn Langdon and Morgan Lucas!! After about 10 minutes inside his car I finally got out of the car because I needed to go get some Oakley's. So after I got some really cool glasses we headed back over to the Lucas Oil Hospitality Area; that was where I got to meet Forrest Lucas (the owner of Lucas Oil). Forrest Lucas showed me a Super Bowl Winners' Ring that he received after the Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl because he sponsored the team... he put it on my finger, it is worth 20,000 dollars and it had real diamonds all over it!! WOW!! What an experience... Forrest said to me that no one in the UK has ever seen one, let alone wear one. How lucky am I!!

After we had lunch at the Lucas Oil pit we headed over to Melanie's pit to say "Hello" and to wish her good luck. We also headed over to see Roger's Pro Mod, it looks real cool, a bit like Batman's car. Dad got some pictures for Spencer ;-) Later in the day I got to ride in the tow car with Shawn Langdon for a Top Fuel qualifying run. Then to add to the excitement I rode with Melanie in her tow car for her Funny Car qualifying run. I also met Kenny the man who owns Nitro Fish, Pro Stock Driver Bob Benza and we went over to see Erica Enders. This day just can't get any better.....

Soon after that we watched a bit of racing and then went back to the Cabot Lodge to go to bed.

Saturday 12th March

Morning everyone, today we are meant to meet Craig and Sam at 7.30am, so I needed to get up at 6.00 so that I have time to get ready and have breakfast - I take forever to get ready and eat :-) This morning we saw Morgan Lucas and Robert Hight at breakfast!

We have just arrived at the track and on our way to see Melanie, Michael Gullquist and Roger to say Good Morning and to wish them good luck in qualifying. On the last qualifying run Melanie's tyres spin early, she pedals it but just misses out :-( Roger, Brad, Ray and Michael all qualify. We watched lots of racing, weather is chilly but sunny; probably better than back home though. Heehee!

Oh my god, Gary Page, Laurie Bamford and Barry Sheavills just came over to see us at Melanie's pit. Gary wanted to take a picture of me in my new Oakleys to put on his Facebook. Wow! I love watching Gary racing his Funny Car at Santa Pod never thought he would want to take a picture of me. This was my last full day here; me and Dad have decided that we don't want to go home.

Sunday 13th March

Guess who I just met... John and Courtney, we were chatting for a bit and John called me pretty!! OMG!! They both wished me good luck for the season. At breakfast I also saw Antron Brown and Tony Schumacher!! They were also staying in our hotel...

Soon we arrived at the track and went over to the Lucas Oil Hospitality Area to have some breakfast – it was really nice!! When we finished our breakfast we went over to Melanie Troxel's Hospitality Area to say Good Morning to all of the team. Unfortunately Melanie didn't qualify in the Funny Car nor in the Pro Mod, which is a big shame but I'm sure Melanie, Roger and the team will get everything sorted for the next race and WIN it all!! So we wished Melanie good luck ready for Las Vegas – which is her next big race :-/

We popped over to see Tim Wilkerson – he remembered me from Las Vegas – he is really nice. Then we went over to see Roger and all of the R2B2 team. We had a nice chat with Roger, he is such a nice man, Melanie likes him too, she says Roger's a nice boss. Just before we left, we went to watch the 1st round of eliminations then we said our goodbyes for the last time before we then drove back up to Orlando for our flight home. I didn't want to go.

Goodbye Sun :-(

I would like to say a very special Thank You to: Roger, Melanie and all the Team at R2B2, Forrest, Charlotte, Don, Morgan & Shawn at Lucas Oil / Morgan Lucas Racing, Torch at Oakley, Kenny at Nitro Fish, Rob, Craig and Sam at Geiger Media / go2geiger.com, Tog at Eurodragster.com

See you at the Easter Thunderball, Drive Happy!