Live from Atco,NJ - NHRA National Open Series

[Jack Matyas]

Hi kids - Lets just start this off right - this four race series wouldn't be happening if it were not for PC Richard and Son Company stepping up with sponsorship - so let me be the first - thank you Gary Richard .I know I'm not alone when I say I'm glad you're a real car guy and a NHRA supporter .If you should run into Gary or any of the PC Richard guys this weekend let 'em know how you feel - I'm sure they'd be glad to hear it .

Next we'll talk a little about drama .Those of you who are close to me know that I can't go to a race without a little .Sometimes more than a little .I would have already been parked at Atco without this weeks little challenges .Yes , I'm not there but hope to be in a few hours or so .

This all started Monday when while starting to load the motorhome I noticed the right rear tire was not in its normal position and with some further inspection it looked dim - flat and the rim seal was broken .No problem I thought - I've got Triple A RV Plus - so I phoned them up and they said a truck would be out to tow me in an hour .That hour turned into three then five .I told them originally I didn't need a tow but only a tire change but they wouldn't listen .Thirty-three hours later they finally listened and sent a truck tire company out to help me .Good idea but to know avail as the tire was cut on the inside sidewall .They patched it enough to hold air and drive it to a shop.My hunt for a new tire went nowhere until I called Alex Cortezza - owner of Alex's Tires in Stockertown , PA .Oh yeah - did I mention it was that Alex Cortezza - the Drag-Pak owner who's son went rounds at the recent Gators with it .Did I also mention that Alex and I raced at Mt.View Speedway back in the sixties .Anyway Alex and company had the fresh rubber mounted and me back to loading up in no time flat ( plenty of pun intended ) - thanks again Alex .

Anyway I'll be trying tomorrow to bring you the best from Atco's test n tune ( and Tech ) which will run all day ..........................