For many across our great country Memorial Day weekend is the kick off to summer, a time for
picnics and barbeques and the Indy 500 but for others it's much more than that.
Memorial Day is a day to honor our brave military men and women who are no longer with us. With
the National Guard as the primary sponsor of the ADRL this weekend's Quarter-Max Memphis Drags II
at Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, Tennessee should hold special meaning to all in
attendance.
One person who holds this federal holiday close to his heart is Mike Janis Racing's Steve Hermann.
Hermann, the lead crewman on Janis's Aeroquip backed team, grew up an "Army Brat" and knows full
well the sacrifices military men, women and their families make for our country.
"Before he passed my father, Tony Hermann, served the United States Army for 21 years. He retired
just as I entered high school but for my early years I lived on bases in Europe and all across our
country. I've seen the best and worst that families of our service men and women go through day in
and day out as their loved ones protect our freedoms. If nothing else please, on this weekend and
this holiday, take just a minute to remember all those who've served our country and are no longer
with us and by the way if you fly a flag the rule is to fly your flags at half staff on Monday till
noon," said Hermann.
Hermann and the rest of Janis' Aeroquip team took some time before the Memphis Drags to continue
testing their ADRL combination. The team continues to post impressive short times but have yet to
post a complete run that's up to their tough expectations.
"We've had no problem with our 60 foot times, it's been putting a complete run together that's our
issue," said team owner/driver Mike Janis. "While our numbers this season are competitive we know
we've an enormous amount of untapped power we need to get to the track. A perfect example is our
last pass in testing. She ran a .935 60', 2.51 to the 330', and 3.82 at 180, clicking her off at
3.00 seconds into the run. According to our data it would've been a low 3.70 something but we have
yet to make it the full way under power this year. I'm hoping our luck turns around this weekend,"
concluded Janis.
As if being a crew chief of a Pro Extreme car isn't nerve wracking enough try doing it from over
1,000 miles away. The Aeroquip team will be down a man this race as crew chief Mike Janis Jr. will
be home with his wife Melissa as the two are expecting their first child.
"It's to close to our due date for me to be away. I need to be here but I'd be lying if I told you
being away from the race weren't bothering me. We have a game plan and I'll be up to the minute on
all the data from each run as well as listening live on the net. Tell Brian Olson to give me a
shout out," said Janis.
The ADRL Memphis Drags II will be held on May 22 and 23 at Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington,
Tennessee. To follow the action log on to the ADRL live site at http:www.adrl.us
