Live from Reading, Pennsylvania - NHRA Keystone Nationals

[Jack Matyas]

Hello gang - After a hard day of testing and racing yesterday at Atco Raceway in New Jersey a great many teams headed over to Maple Grove Park to get into line for this weeks event .This years winner for the first in line was a surprise as I had my money bet on Bob and Penny Bender but the 'moose crew racing' gang were there first and my pick only made it to row two .By 9am this morning there were already three rows waiting to enter Wednesday .

After parking this morning I couldn't help but noticing how terrific the place looked - Lex Dudas ( VP at the Grove) and his crack staff have the place standing tall - you'd swear they are going to run the Derby here in a few days .If they gave an award for 'Best Appearing Track' the Grove would win hands down .OK, you got me as I'm a little biased because its my home track but it really does look fab.

Now lets talk about the weather - all last week they ( the weather people) said we'd have rain this coming week on Thursday and Friday but have now backed off and its to be 70's and Sunny ...........yippee bigtime ! ! ! Personally I think the Popes' visit has something to do with it .

For those of you wondering I've left ( gotta pay for this racing thing ) but I'll be back in a couple of days - maybe the boss will take over ( BTW, he beat me yesterday @ Atco in a double breakout deal- it was a made for TV race - two big wheelstands -old vs new - Ford vs Chevy- it had it all ) - hopefully he'll snap some pics .

Enjoy the pics .......