This week proved to be another good week for Joe.  After his less than stellar results these past few weekends he decided to step out and enjoy some riding this week.  He went to the track during the week a couple of times and just got some seat time.  After so many weeks of him beating himself up, he knew he needed to get back to the root of his passion.

It’s not been easy living with Joe these last few rounds as you can imagine.  He is a wonderful guy…just tends to have a hard time complimenting himself when he should.  Any person looking from the outside in would think that his job is a killer job…at least that is what I tell him!  No schooling could have prepared him for this position, however the dedication he holds deep inside sure did!

I have been drilling Joe lately about having fun.  When he calls me with an update from the weekend, I always ask – “Did you have fun?”  Most of the time it’s a no and he is frustrated, but not this week. 

Joe arrived in Seattle around 9am…he likes those quick flights on the west coast!  He got to the track and waited for the semi to park.  After about 5 hours of waiting on the truck to get its generator fixed so the back door could come down, he left the bike work in the hands of his mechanic Benny.  Benny has been helping Joe for the last few rounds for the Wonder Warthog Team.  He has done an awesome job for Joe and we greatly appreciate his hard work!

After his track walk and listening to Chapel Service on Saturday, he called to let me know how the track was.  He said it looked like a fun track and the moisture that he was worried about wasn’t going to be much of a threat this week.

His practice was okay, qualifying 33rd overall.  He had a mid pack start in the heat race and wound up 13th.  He started the LCQ in 6th place and was battling on the first lap when he was passed cleanly by Kevin Johnson in a corner.  Kevin made the pass stick, but it screwed up Joe for the following rhythm section that let a few guys get by him.  The following lap, Joe couldn’t get a good run and more guys passed him.  He wound up placing 14th in the LCQ.  If you look at the results, it doesn’t do justice for how good he was riding.

He called me on his way up to the Lites Main Event and out came my question again along with – “Did you feel good about your ride?”.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear him say it was better than before, but not great.  (See what I mean!)  That is a HUGE step for Joe let me tell you!  It seems like he is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

I have been honored to be able to tell the readers our story week in and week out.  I appreciate all you that have emailed me through Competitive Edge to tell Joe good luck and that you are rooting for him.  I let him know that right away as I said before, he is his biggest critic!  We both appreciate all the support as this year has been trying for Joe.

On a side note, we want to send out a prayer for Mike and Jennice Daley.  They are financial supporters of Joe’s and found out some sour news this week.  We pray for them the best and hope that they continue to fight and know that everyone is rooting for them!