I would like to make an announcement.  As a veteran of the sport since starting driving in 1979, a competitor in five different decades over 34 years, this has been a long time coming.  But when you have enough success, you eventually earn the respect of your competition.  For years I had wanted to have a fast enough car that the competition would have us on their minds. And when they’re thinking about us, they’re not thinking about their own.  And what better way to show that you are intimidated, then to have t-shirts made about the people you are most concerned with.
 Let the record show that on Saturday, June 30th, competitor Mark Castiglia debuted t-shirts that forever elevated Team Tapout to legend status.  That is the day that the “Team Wipeout” shirts were unveiled, making it official: WE HAVE ARRIVED.  I have waited for 34 years to arrive in this sport, and I am proud to say that we have done that.  I am humbled.

DISCLAIMER: After a conversation at the speedway, I was told that some people don’t get the satire or sarcasm of this and other columns, and that it comes off as arrogance. Guys - I’m cracking wise here. And needling the guy who bought the shirts.