So the season is just about to start. My first race for the NASCAR K&N West Series will be this SAT March 3 at Phoenix International Raceway in the Talking Stick Resort ‘50’. We have been very busy at Cassie Gannis Racing. My #01 San Tan Ford, San Tan Quick Lane, Mejerle’s Grill and mancavesite.org car is almost ready to go.

November through January Greg Rayl and crew were busy getting all the engineering and mechanics of the car ready. There was a new engine, carburetor, shocks, and transmission put into the car. The composite body was then finished and painted in a beautiful black and yellow. There were some new safety rules that we also had to take care of. My HANS and seat had to be SFI certified which required them to be sent to North Carolina, prepared and then shipped back. Tomorrow all the stickers will be put on and the car will be ready for PIR. The car will then be taken to PIR by hauler and parked in our K&N spot by Thursday morning.

While all this mechanical stuff is being done, we are always working on sponsorships. You really have to hit the pavement and most of the time it takes numerous meetings to secure a partnership. Work in this area is never done. It is a continuous process.
We also do community service and outreach programs. I personally love this. I enjoy getting out with the fans and speaking about “No Text and Driving”. There is nothing better than meeting fans that share my love of the sport.

The day before we pull into the track the media blitz begins. I have radio appearances, personal appearances, and appearances for my sponsor, TV spots and more. The media doesn’t stop until Sunday when I have national, local TV and radio spots at the track along with providing commentary on the upcoming Sprint Cup race to be run that day.
More important than all the media stuff going on there is much on track stuff to do with the car just to make it to the race. Once we arrive at the track there are some last minute tune-ups until tech. Once the car goes through tech we can no longer do anything to the car. Practice is Friday. Qualifying is Saturday morning. I like to take some time early Saturday to visualize the upcoming race. I have done that since I was in the Super Late Models. I find this mentally prepares my mind for going green. Then the race is Sun evening at 5:30.

Let’s go racing!!!!!!!