2-16-09

February 16 Weekly Blog

I hope everyone had a great weekend and Valentine’s Day last Saturday! My new husband Dan and I were home for the weekend since there was no race so we worked around the house and just relaxed and watched the movie ‘Stepbrothers’ which was ridiculous but very hilarious! This week we are in Phoenix, Arizona for our 2nd race of the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing season. Our first race of the year in Pomona got us off to a rocky start with only once chance to qualify and practice due to rain. We made it to 2nd round so this weekend we really hope to step it up and make some good passes and go some rounds. We’d actually really love to go 4 rounds on Sunday and win our 2nd race! Every race that we go to we want to win but this weekend has special meaning. My crew chief Dean Antonelli’s mother passed away last week and she was from Arizona and this is where Dean (aka: Guido) grew up. She was a big race fan and we know she will be watching over her son and his team this weekend so we’d love to win this race for her and for Guido as well!

Dan, my cat Simba and I got into Phoenix Thursday afternoon and were out at the track for a little while getting organized and ready for the weekend. One of my crew guys DJ’s birthday was yesterday so at the end of the day my whole team went out to Mexican food to celebrate and also to get a chance to hang out together before our race weekend begins. My parents ended up joining us and it was a really fun night and a great way to start out the weekend. We hope to end the weekend celebrating too! There’d be no greater place to be Sunday night than in the winner’s circle with my awesome team! It’s beautiful and sunny out here in Arizona so rain is not a worry at all. Check out our website for the ESPN2 TV coverage of the event and tune in if you can! Wish us luck! It should be a great race as always so enjoy! Ashley Force Hood

DJ's Birthday!

Phoenix Team Dinner

Simba Plays with Team