Recliner Reaction Update

Hello everyone and Happy Featherlite Fall Jamboree week for those who observe :)! 

I will try and not make this a novel but no promises if I get rolling.  This is the first time I've opened the laptop longer than an hour since the USMTS was at Off-Road back in June.  

First and foremost, I want to thank the DirtInfo Guys for letting me provide my Recliner Reactions this year.  There was no pressure, basically a blank paper and I was the Bob Ross of what it would look like.  My goal was to have a positive race report along with "happy little stats" and things outside of what people normally read.  (Ed. Note: I am forever grateful and thankful for all of Brad's contributions to DirtInfo, both seen and unseen. Every good team needs a Glue Guy, and Brad is definitely our Glue Guy. Thank you Brad, for everything!)

Back in October of 2024, I had to have surgery for 2 tears in my rotator cuff, a torn right bicep, and a torn shoulder labrum. March rolled around and something happened at physical therapy that upset my arm, shoulder and put me back several months.  MRI showed what I was afraid of and from March to June I was still trying to do these basically one arm because of the pain in my right arm and shoulder.  That's when I had to shut things down until I had another procedure done for my arm and shoulder. 

In July I had this procedure done, restarted therapy and finally going in the right direction.  It's felt good enough to where I can confidently catch up on stats and look for a new job without worrying about more setbacks.  My old job decided to let me go in December, but I'll be the better person and leave it at that.  I’m a believer in there's always another opportunity and someone willing to see what I can offer their company. 

Recliner Reactions has kept my spirits up.  Along with keeping a positive mindset despite the setbacks and multiple challenges I've had to overcome again. Back in 2021 I had a surgery that took several months of recovery and physical therapy.  One thing about me is I don't give up, and I wasn't going to give up on this. 

I wanted to say thank you to the drivers, teams, and fans that Josh (DirtInfo) met during his pit walks to the races when USMTS was in his area. He has mentioned that several teams have enjoyed these during the season.  You know who you are and again thank you for the nice comments or even just throwing up a "Like" on the DirtInfo Podcast Facebook page after I posted a recap. Maybe I'll visit those teams at the Jamboree (hint hint). 

With all that being said, my goal this week is to be at least one of the Fall Jamboree events at Deer Creek Speedway.  I've only missed a couple of Jamboree's outside of Mother Nature interruptions. It's one thing to watch on RacinDirt, but just like any crown jewel race, you need to attend one in person.  I spent many years camping at Deer Creek to get the full experience.  Between the morning all you can eat breakfasts, getting to know your neighbors in the campground, the post-race activities, and visiting with teams during the day, there was always plenty to do.  Along with one of the best announcing teams in the area. 

I'd love to be at all 3 this year, but after a year and a half of physical therapy bills and multiple trips to the University of Iowa Sports Health Clinic, I've got enough "lunch money" for one or two visits to Deer Creek.  Enough to say I busted my butt to reach my goal of being back at the Fall Jamboree. 

Thanks again to everyone who has enjoyed these.  I'll restart things up again at the Jamboree with "Backstretch Reactions" when I'm at the track.  Depending on when I start a new career, I'll try and finish out the season with the normal rundown of things. 

See you at the track soon,
Brad  

More importantly, I'm back, so how about a points update while I was on the shelf.  There's been a few changes :)  

**SUMMIT USMTS National Championship presented by RacinDirt Points Standings

 *Denotes Grant Junghans Rookie of the Year Contenders

** Not the official USMTS points.  I'll take results from MRP, USMTS rulebook, post race press release and calculate from those for my standings. 

++ Rodney was scored at Boothill's second race for getting the most laps led giving him 103 instead of 101 (100 points for 1st place, 1 extra point for leading a lap per the USMTS rulebook).  Jason Hughes led the most laps ( Jason led 34 laps while Rodney led the last 16) thus Jason should've had the 2 bonus points for leading the most laps.

Next Race: 27th Annual Featherlite Fall Jamboree
Wednesday-Saturday (Wednesday is normally practice night)
Deer Creek Speedway
Spring Valley, Minnesota 

Expected classes to be in attendance:
USMTS Modifieds
USRA B-Mods
USRA Hobby Stocks
USRA Stock Cars

This year will be different in terms of nightly programs.  Follow along on the Deer Creek Speedway Facebook.  They've done a great job posting what's going on each day.

Honorable Mention:  SMS Physical Therapy and University Of Iowa Health Care Sports Medicine. 

As I've done in the past, I try to recognize someone or a team.  This one was pretty easy.  Both have been a part of my life for the past 4 years.  Between my hip and shoulder surgeries, pre- and post-surgery appointments, and physical therapy sessions, everyone has been nothing short of amazing.  No matter what, their positive attitudes and spirits keep me going.  It wasn't out of the ordinary to be at therapy 2-3 times a week.  They were just as excited when I finally reached my goals with my hip.  As close as we are now with the shoulder and arm, we'll all be happy getting the checker flag.  

It's been a struggle but I'm thankful for the staff at therapy along with the 2-3 doctors that have worked with me down in Iowa City/North Liberty.  Just like in racing, it takes a team effort to get their patient to reach their goals.  My doctors won't be satisfied until they knows I'm pain free and able to do what I did before my injuries.      

Follow Along: DirtInfo | Dirt Racing Analysis & Opinions  My writings can be found here.  As they say, things are "in the works" for some other projects.  Right now, I'll recap all the USMTS events, either in person, or thanks to the fine folks at RacinDirt | USMTS, Dirt Modifieds & Live Racing Streams.  The nights I'm at the track and in the pits,  I'll have a race recap similar to my Mason City USMTS fair race article. A modified version of the Recliner Reactions those nights will still be available. 

DirtInfo - YouTube I have a voice and face for writing so you won't see me here :).  A weekly podcast my discord friends put on with a buffet of racing topics, series, schedules and other topics of interest.  I will toss them a USMTS nugget or two when asked. More importantly, they'll always leave you with "One for the Road'.