Published!

FULL STORY AS PUBLISHED: http://www.midwestdirt.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=1506

Mike and White Productions Gears Up to Get Fans Up-Close and Personal with Midwest Dirt

By: Jen Brown

Mike Higley and Rodney White are average race fans, but the work they are doing for racers on Midwest dirt is anything but average. Higley and White realized a need and with the right equipment and a passion for dirt racing the two set out to capture racing on dirt from a new angle - on video.

Mike and White Productions is bringing Midwest dirt to your finger tips. The thrill ride provided by their videos is sure to get you through the work week and to your local track the first chance you get.

“Our videos are all over the place and that is what makes it interesting and exciting because you never know what is coming next. If that brings a smile to someone’s face then we have done our job,” said White.

Drivers are the priority for Mike and White Productions. The goal is showcasing racers as superstars, and providing exposure to new markets and fans. The digital promotion will take dirt fans to a new seat at the track - behind the wheel.

“We believe that Joe Saturday Night racer is as special as Dale Jr., or Jeff Gordon,” said Higley.

The duo seeks to capture a night under the lights from a racers point of view. The unique look at dirt racing will bring a new level of excitement as fans wait for the next green flag to drop.

Buckle up and settle in for a great ride around the smooth Midwest dirt in the latest production from Mike and White.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-XHanUbgg

*Thanks to Rodney and Mike for giving me the opportunity to do this story and to Wiggy for posting it on midwestdirt.com*

Thunderhill Speedway

Today has been a rather sad day for me as I just sent the following letter via email to Mike and Joey Henry regarding my future involvement and the current situation at Thunderhill. This was a very hard and well thought out decision and I wish them all the best.

-------------------------------------

Mike and Joey,

After a lot of prayer and consideration I have arrived at the conclusion that it would be best for me to remove myself from the current situation at Thunderhill. You both, as well as Cheryl, have done a lot for me personally and in the racing community over the years and it is very hard to watch what is happening at the track as of late.

In wishful thinking and knowing the potential Thunderhill has, I thought for sure the first week this season was a fluke and everything would be turned around in a timely manner. However, this has not been the case. I know that Thunderhill could be a top-notch place for dirt track racing in the area as it was not so long ago. In order for this to occur changes must be made. I have not seen the effort in having these changes take place.

Not only do I worry for the safety of our drivers, I also have a concern for the staff and fans. The fire crew has left a lot to be desired and their lack of attentiveness and response is unacceptable. The stands need more than a little TLC...with old wood that is shaky at best, it made me nervous to climb to see my dad who had strategically placed him self at a point over the metal structure in hopes that if the boards gave out he'd save himself from a fall. The scoring tower is not only completely unsightly and rotted away, but it is unacceptable and dangerous. You should not put your announcer or scoring staff in such an unsafe place, let alone allow fans to come into the structure to collect 50/50 monies and other prizes. I understand that it is the plan to replace the tower when the weather cooperates, but as things seem to be going, I cannot hold my breath for that while praying I don't fall through the current one at any given moment.

It breaks my heart to walk away from a great family, great friends, and a facility with all the potential in the world. However, I don't know what else to do. I cannot put myself in that situation or watch as our drivers are put in a situation I feel is unsafe. Should a repeat of Grant Junghans 2008 HPT fire occur on the back-stretch or a heart attack and infield crash that required CPR and a life-flight like what occurred back in 2000 or 2001 (I can't remember the exact date for sure) happen again, I'm not confident that the on track staff and fire/safety crew would be able to properly react. Are you...really? In making this decision someone asked me when will it be enough...when does it cross the line...is it when someone you care about is in a ball of flames or they've barrel-rolled down the front-stretch and the fire crew still doesn't respond or is it now before you have to witness such a thing? I hope that situation never occurs, however, we all know that it is a possibility...I can't sit back in a falling tower and watch that...I'm sorry.

We are all pulling for you and want to be there every Saturday night, but we just can't with things the way they are. I say we meaning, myself, fans and drivers that you and I both know have made their way to HPT or Valley or elsewhere to date and anyone else that shares these thoughts, feelings, and hopes.

You have my continued support and I wish you all the best as you move forward this season and want nothing more than for you to make steps needed to keep Thunderhill not only open and operating, but doing so successfully. Please, start showing the racing community signs that there isn't a self-destruction in progress.

Love you guys!
Blessings!
~Jennifer

two per week - two weeks straight

A few weeks ago I found an article on msn.com about some chick who had went on 100 dates in one summer. She wasn't sleeping with any of these men, just going out on dates getting to know new people...and more importantly getting to know herself and what she wanted out of a relationship. I shared this with a co-worker who immediately suggested that I take the same approach to my upcoming summer. Sounded stressful to be honest! I thought that it was a completely crazy idea and that there was no way I could even come close to talking to that many men in one summer. In a later discussion with one of my buddies at the race track...he suggested I take the man's approach to my summer and just f* anything and everything I wanted. Yes I said that I wanted because he made it very clear that I could do just that...pick any man out of a crowd and have my way with him ;) It goes without saying...but...THAT'S NOT ME!!!

So, I have decided to take the basic principle that my friends were speaking from and spend this summer with a carefree attitude and try to meet as many new people as possible and hangout with who I want when I want with no worries. The idea in my head is that in doing this I will get to know a lot about myself...you know, just file away the baggage of this past year and the things before that which have let me put who I really am out of sight. Hopefully I will also meet a lot of really amazing people and possibly make a few lasting friendships. Lastly...this will help me to figure out what I do and don't want out of a relationship and, if I'm lucky, maybe even bring forth someone worthy of something a little more serious than a few dates during a carefree summer.

How's that working for me so far you may ask...
Well, I have met a few awesome people...talked more to some that I already knew... -AND- I have spent time with 2 guys per week for the past 2 weeks! Guess it's going alright so far. Now, who are these fellas you may ask. None of your business I would answer! I will tell you this: Each guy that I am getting attention from or spending time with isn't necessarily boyfriend material...and I'm great with that. Out of the four guys that I have kicked it with since this began I would say only one has potential...and even that is pretty low. Another...well, there are underlying circumstances that don't allow for thoughts of potential. There is this one that's a crazy player...which is cool...hell, look at what I'm doing. Bad thing is, he's in major denial! The final one to be described* has some issues that I'm just not willing or able to attempt to tackle.

*descriptions were not given in timeline order, but rather just the order I thought them up.

How am I going to be able to hang on to one that may be something special you may wonder...
My phone is blowing up on a daily basis...by some individuals that I have or will spend time with and by others that are merely entertainment for that particular moment in time. That coupled with the fact that I am openly speaking up about my intentions and lack there of could make it difficult to keep someone special around. *NEWSFLASH* I'm not an idiot!!! If someone comes into the rotation ;-) that is worthy of being at the top of the TO GET ATTENTION list then by all means...that is exactly where they will go and the others will be weeded out in a more timely fashion.

So - for clarification: I am single and I am going to do what I want, when I want, with who I want and I don't give a damn how you feel about that! If you want to kick it or chat then by all means...let's get to it. If you can't handle the fact that this is my outlook on summer then keep steppin'! If you think you can change this current philosophy of mine...by all means, give it a shot...God willing you might just succeed. But please...don't hold your breathe...you turning blue and passing out may get me to call 911, but it will not get me to makeout with you ;-)

Will this bring out the one or just make for one hell of a ride??? I have no idea, but I can't wait to find out!

*hugs*
~Jen

Gotta love a Friday Night...a dirt track and a Busch Light!!!

1. Your last kiss, what does it remind you of? Honestly...high school...but not in a bad way.
2. Who would you want to be tied to for twenty four hours? Um...Chris...not sure I could stand anyone else that long.
3. Today, would you rather go back a week or go forward a week? Forward
4. Are your eyes the same color as your moms or dads? Dad's
5. Has someone told you that they liked/loved you in the past week? Yeah...kind of.
6. Have you ever cried during a movie? Oh yeah...I am my Mother's daughter.
7. What's something you need to do? Put away laundry.
8. To whom did you last give the finger to? My Dad.
9. Do you think before you speak? Not always...that's overrated.
10. Do you write in cursive or print? Kind of a combo.
11. Could you go out in public looking like you do now? Hells no! I'm not leaving the house in a wife beater and boy shorts...nice try!
12. What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? Read a text message.
13. When was the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face? haha...that happens on a daily.
14. Do you think anyone has feelings for you? If I had to put money on it...yeah.
15. This time last year, can you remember who you liked? Ha! What a time in my life...I'll let Nashty clear that one up!
16. What is something that you realized today? Sometimes life just makes you say hmmm.
17. Two days from now this time, where will you be? Hopefully in bed!
18. Could you go a month without cursing? Doubt it!
19. Are you anything like you were at this point last year? NO WAY!!! THANK THE LORD!!!
20. Have you lost contact with someone you wish you didn't? I'd say yes, but I really think people come in and out of our lives for a reason.
21. Do you think you are a good person? For the most part...don't you?
22. Are you a patient person? I'm workin' on it.
23. Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months? That's nothin'
24. When was the last time you cried? I don't remember.
25. If you're being extremely quiet what’s it mean? Either I'm chill or I have a lot of shit on my mind.
26. Have you ever had a really big fight with a best friend? Oh yeah!!!
27. Think a lot before you fall asleep? No...I've cut that out.
28. Have you ever given a random person your number? Probably...wait...NATE! That's you!!!29. What’s going on between you and the last person you kissed? IDK...nothing really...at least at this point.
30. What’s the last thing that made you sad? Nathan...you wanna take this one?
31. Do you wear glasses? Sometimes...like right now.
32. Anywhere you'd rather be right now? Without a doubt!
33. Are you going anywhere for the next summer? Not farther than the dirt track from what I can tell.
34. Waiting for someone to call? NEVER
35. Have you ever kissed anyone whose name starts with a B? Ummm...that's quite the list you want me to breeze thru on a whim.
36. What does the 8th message in your inbox say and who from? Um...."No one told me, but thanks" -Chase Austin
37. Does the last person you shared a bed with mean anything to you? At the moment...no not really. Well, I guess maybe a little...HELL IDK!
38. Have you ever kissed anyone whose name started with a J? Um...these make me think too damn much!
39. Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed? Nope.
40. Does anyone hate you? Prolly.
41. Do you believe every one deserves a second chance? Nope!
42. Have you ever seen your best friend(s) cry? YES! Love you guys!
43. Are you wearing a ring, if so who gave it to you? Not at the moment...but my parents gave me one and Big Sis gave me the other.
44. Did you sleep alone last night? Yes.
45. What were you doing at 8 this morning? Work.
46. Do you have a box where you keep all your really important things? Umm...something like that.
47. What are you most looking forward to tomorrow? That silly giggle I just can't get enough of!
48. Would you rather meet the President or Paris Hilton? The President.
49. Would you ever live with anyone on your top friends? Sure.
50. Did you have a dream last night? Yeah! It was weird...not like Rodney dreaming Amy was a lesbian weird, but strange nonetheless.
51. What pissed you off today? Nothing really.
52. What does your number 1 call you? Um...do I have a number 1?
53. Have you talked to a complete asshole today? Oh yeah...that's a given everyday.
54. Do you have plans for your next birthday? No, that's too far away.
55. Who was the first person you talked to today? My Dad.
56. Do you have any siblings? Yes...JBubbs!
57. Expecting something to change in the next month? Doubtful, but I'm still prayin!
58. You're thinking about someone, aren't you? A couple people...why you ask?!?!?
59. What does your hair look like? A hot mess!
60. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? ALWAYS!
61. How many letters are in your last name? 5
62. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it? Depends.
63. Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? NO WAY!!!
64. What are you planning on doing after this? BED...what I should've done an hour ago!

If you take a goooooooooooodddd llloook at my face...you'll see my smmmmiiiiiiilllllle looks outta place!

• Are you the shortest of all your friends? Not a chance.
• You're trapped in a room with your last ex for one day, what do you do? Are we talkin' Nick or Co? Does Nick count as an ex...um...if it were Nick I say Lord only knows...if we're talkin' Co...probably a lot of talking and a lot of lookin' at the walls.
• When was the last time you cried? Don't remember.
• Do you miss anyone? Nah, not really.
• Who was the last person you got into an argument with? Guess that'd be Marcus.
• Do you think you can last in a relationship for 3 months? Easy breezy.
• Whats your favorite season? SPRING
• Where do you want to move to when you're older? North Carolina or the Rocky Mountains.
• What are you listening to right now? A highschool softball game.
• Are you expecting a child? Negative.
• Are you waiting for anything in particular? A chance.
• Who was the last person to really piss you off? The Verizon people!
• What time did you go to sleep last night? Early...like 10:30
• What hurts? My side...I musta bumped into something.
• Are you hungry? Nope...I had Buffalo Bob's for supper. I'm good for a couple days!
• What cant you live without? Drama so it seems...damn it!
• Are you married? Not yet.
• Do you like melons? As in my tatas or fruit?!?!? YEPPERS!
• Do you laugh a lot? No doubt!
• What was the highlight of yesterday morning? Um...I don't remember, but I'm sure between Dawn and I we did something worth laughin' about!
• What do you do when you need to relax? Take a shower.
• What was the last thing you purchased? Gasoline.
• Is there someone that knows everything or mostly everything about you? Not really.
• Have you memorized your social security number? Absolutely.
• How many hours did you sleep last night? Um...7
• What are your plans for this weekend? We're goin' racin' baby!
• Do you think you'll be a good mother/father? Sure hope so!
• Marriage in your future? It's a possibility.
• If your best friend liked your last ex, what would you do? Tell her she was a moron!
• Want to have kids before you're 30? Yes! If I don't I'll be on a baby daddy hunt...any volunteers?
• Have you kissed more than 10 people this year? Wow...I think I need a second to count...ummm I don't think so...maybe about half that! HA!
• Do you like meeting new people? Of course!
• What are you doing right now? Sittin' on the bed.
• Do you believe exes can be just friends? I do. Love you Christopher.
• Did you ever waste too much time on a certain girl/boy? Story of my life!
• Are you starting to realize anything? All sorts of things.
• If someone liked you right now, would you want them to tell you? Without a doubt! Someone wants said, "It's better to tell someone how you feel and be rejected, than to wait until it's too late just to find out they felt the same way." Thanks B...I'll believe that forever!
• Has a girl/boy ever called you babe/baby? Daily.
• Do you believe a girl should ever make the first move? Yep! See two above!
• Have you ever seen the last person you texted naked? Yes!
• Last time you were really happy? I'm happy now.
• Last person to call you beautiful? Does cute or attractive count? They know who they are...but no business goin' out today folks!
• What color is your room? White.
• Where are your parents right now? Bed
• Whats on your bedroom floor? Nothing much.
• When was the last time you kissed someone? Sunday.
• How many piercings do you have? Just the ears.
• Are you a jealous person? Not usually.
• Do you wear the hood on your hoodie? Sometimes.
• Where is the person you have feelings for right now? Somewhere missing me that's for sure.
• Do you want any tattoos? Yep...too bad I'm a chicken shit!
• When is the last time you were in a photo-booth taking pictures with friends? Oh Lord, prolly Jr. High.
• When is your birthday? Jan. 26...got that B...Jan. 26
• What color are your eyes? Blue
• Who do you hate currently? No one.
• Have you ever just added someone just cause you thought they were cute? Guilty.
• Who last texted you? Wait...do I really want to say that...because that means I'm telling you someone I've seen naked. Wow! Nick.
• What's your current frustration? Nada.
• Is the last person you kissed mad at you? Not that I know of.
• Do you like anyone? I do...problem is...nevermind.
• Has anyone seen you in your underwear this past month? I'm sure...the window's are always open...ha!
• Are you in a relationship? NO WAY!!!
• Are you in a good mood? Yeah Buddy!
• What movie's in your DVD player? Not one.
• Do you like to cuddle? Sometimes.
• Would you ever go skydiving? It'd be a bucket list item, but again...I'm a chicken shit.
• Are you good liar? Nope, but I'm workin' on it.
• What was the last reason you screamed? My brother was attacking me!
• Do you believe the last person you kiss care's for you? Um...really, I have no clue.
• Do you want kids? Yep.
• Do you have any nicknames? Jen...and my dad calls me Brownie or Punky.
• What are you listening to? I already answered that.
• Will you be in a relationship next month? Doubtful...it's race season!
• Were you mad when you woke up this morning? Uh, no.
• What is your favorite color crayon? Blue.
• What is the dominating genre of music on your music player? A mix between hip-hop and country.
• If your favorite restaurant ended up having roaches, would you eat there? Not a chance!
• Are you more of an optimist or pessimist? Usually optimist.
• When did you last make brownies? Um it's been a few weeks.
• Is there anything that you think is impossible to say or do? No...I may have my moments...but no.
• Do you think there are circumstances when it's okay to wait for someone? Not really.
• When you meet someone you like, do you fall in love fast? I care fast, but I don't fall in love quickly no.
• In your opinion, what is the prettiest name for a girl? Claire.

Trouble

I'm not sure why I'm having so much trouble with what I have written today. It came from my heart...it was what I was feeling at the time. Although, it didn't come out how I planned and it wasn't what I was going for...they were still my words. I initially clarified the post with an additional posting...then I removed the posts. I guess I was worried about offending someone or hearting someones feelings. I've been back and forth about this all day long. Then I went and took a shower...that's where I think the best...and spend some time clearing my head and listening to my heart...you know, letting God talk to me.

I came to the conclusion that these are my words...every last one of them. Whatever I typed came from the heart. If it is perceived different than intended then so be it. Those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter. Those who know me will understand...and those who know me and don't understand will ask. Everyone else...well...do I really care?

I'm done with this for reals...I would be more than happy to hold further discussions with anyone...but I'm not having them with my own worst enemy (my mind) any longer!

CLARIFICATION

Just to clarify. I think there may have been some confusion with my last post "BAGGAGE". I do not know nor have I ever considered Chase Austin a part-time friend nor do I consider Nate Harris a part-time friend. I also do not consider either of these men to be baggage or the cause of baggage in my life. The friendships that I have with each of them are unique and real. The happenings that I shared with each of them are personal and no one's business...but please realize that I cherish their friendships and value them each individually. The connection between the baggage and seeing the article in the LJWorld were not a direct reflection on Chase. They are simply a segway to the fact that friendships are tricky, each is unique, and each means a lot to a person. Sometimes we question those friendships or the intentions of our friends. For me the questioning comes from baggage. I have been hurt by a lot of people...friends and significant others. It is very hard for me to not be sensitive, emotional, and concerned when it comes to my friendships. I have a constant fear of being hurt...that folks is the baggage.

If you read this differently I apologize. If anyone is offended or confused, please let me know.

Chase, Nate, and Nick...if you don't understand or would prefer...I would be more than happy to remove the posts from today and talk with any of you about my thought process here and always.

*muah*Jen