The last two weeks have been very busy, in the shop and just getting settled in here in North Carolina. I'm still getting situated in my bedroom at Dustin's house. My room is still a huge mess because I'm still in the process of unpacking. Life in the BDI shop is a lot of fun, there is never a dull moment when working with all the guys. Just in the past week we have had some big changes come at BDI Racing, with Bond Suss leaving to go to KBM and Bringing in Jerry Babb and Jason Ricker. I have really enjoyed working with Jerry and Jason; they have taught me a tremendous amount about everything from fabricating, to putting decals on. Dustin Archer, who is the car chief, has really been a big asset in helping get situated. He has been like a big brother to me in a way. We have been working everyday to get things ready for SpeedFest. I had the opportunity to go to the SPEED Channel studios with Bob, Tuesday to see everything behind the scenes. I got to meet John Roberts, and see how Pre Season Thunder was filmed. Dustin, Darren Borseth, and I worked until 8:30 Wednesday night loading up the trailer with pit boxes, tire cart and of course we had to bring along the grill so MD could cook us up some of his famous burgers.

This morning we arrived at the shop around 8 o'clock and loaded up the four-wheeler and the #51 Mac Tools Chevrolet super late model. BD, Jason, Dustin, Big Dave, and I rode to Lanier National Speedway in the toter home, and watched movies and talked about the practice session ahead of us. I was really excited about making my first laps in the #51 Mac Tools Chevrolet today. We are

testing today at Lanier, to get comfortable with all the new faces on the team. Everyone on the BDI Racing team is like family, and it's a lot of fun to be at the track with these guys. So, today was a lot of fun and a learning experience.

I truly cannot explain the feeling I got when Duke, my spotter and I were driving into the track, I honestly couldn't believe that I am blessed and fortunate enough to be the one driving the #51 BDI Racing Chevrolet. I told Duke that it was a dream come true, and I'm very lucky to have the chance to work with the guys on this team. They are all amazing and have already taught me so much about the cars and about life in itself. I'm really learning what being a team is all about, because we work together, win together, lose together. That means a lot to me and the entire team, because BDI Racing is a family oriented team.

We arrived at Lanier National Speedway today around 2 o'clock, and unloaded the hauler, and set up the scales. The time had finally come that I got to strap into the #51 Mac Tools Chevrolet. The first time out on the track we wanted to just get familiar with everyone and I needed to get comfortable in the car. The car was on the tight side all day, but we continued to work on it and make some changes that really help the car turn better. I had to adjust to the Performance Friction brakes in the #51 Chevrolet, they are a lot more sensitive than what I'm used to in my car. Once I got accustomed to the brakes, we really seemed to pick up the lap times a bit. We were on old tires all day, so we think the new rubber will help us. I am really looking forward to Friday's practice and what will be the real debut of all the new members of the BDI Racing team. Tomorrow will be fun and we will learn more about the car. So, everyone come on out to Lanier National Speedway this weekend and checkout the awesome short track action and the SpeedFest 200 Sunday. See ya'll at the track!

Michael Pope #51