February 2008 Newsletter

Hello Everyone!

First, let me say that the 2007 AHDRA season has been an incredible one for me. Valerie Thompson Racing had one-win, two runner-ups and three semi finals. The Hacienda Harley-Davidson V-Rod Destroyer ranked third in the nation, Runner-Up in the Western Division and only 7 points away from winning the Championship. The AHDRA presented VTR with the “2007 Best Appearing Team” award. Also throughout 2007, I attended many promotional events on behalf of my sponsors. Such as, dealership events, trade shows, radio interviews, and various charity events. This gives my sponsors in-roads to markets that they do not normally reach.

I would like to fast forward to February 2008 with some exciting news to share with everyone. I am proud to announce VTR’s emergence into the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Class. We have secured a new partnership with “The Real Security Company” featuring their advanced GPS product technology “EYE-ON” as my official Title Sponsor. We are involved in several other negotiations and are looking for associate sponsors, but with this dynamic partnership and our incredible team already in place I am more excited than ever about this season.

The Real Security Company is a worldwide supplier of innovative residential, corporate, military, industrial and automotive-marine theft deterrent and prevention products. These newly developed products protect against the majority of theft and breech situations such as professional thieves, the joy rider, and smash and grab thieves. Through highly advanced GPS technology the EYE-ON Amber T1000 is able to track and provide electronic security for your children, family members and pets. I am looking forward to a long and profitable relationship with such an exciting and progressive company. For more information on my new sponsor, please visit www.therealsecuritycompany.com

I have been having a great time developing my new team. Starting with new team colors, racing leathers, and not to mention a lot of training which, I have already started. My new crew chief; Gary Tonglet has me on a very strict training program. Were making many hot laps and will be ready for Gainesville on the EYE-ON S&S Buell. Check out some testing pictures… http://johnguate.smugmug.com/gallery/4274258#250553213

I want to thank everyone at Hacienda Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, AZ for all your continued support and loyalty during the last two years of my racing career. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that it does not happen alone. First, it takes someone to believe in you and secondly, someone to give you the chance. Rick Hatch “President & CEO of Hacienda Harley-Davidson” has been by my side from the start of my career. Being the first person to pilot the Hacienda Harley-Davidson V-Rod Destroyer has been such a rewarding experience; one that I will never forget.

Moments, Memories and Milestones…

To live our lives the way we all do is so hectic, it leaves little time for anything else. Every racer who spends most of their day sharing the same experiences that I do understands this. I am so glad to have the chance to do what I love…and succeed at it. Everybody that has worked with me understands the small victories are just as important as the large victories…AND now one knows this better then my 2007 Crew Chief Mickey Eddinger. Mickey, I could not have stood tall without your shoulders to stand on…Thanks Mickey for a great season.

I know that moving up to the NHRA will be a lot of hard work but I am sure it will payoff. With only a few years of racing, I have learned that it takes more then just riding talent to be successful. I have found out it takes showing up everyday INSPIRED…EAGER…to face the everyday challenges and responsibilities of WINNING…And knowing you are only as good as THE PEOPLE you SURROUND yourself with.

I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone at the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA). Thank you for your patience and support. I had great time representing the AHDRA throughout 2007 and I hope to see you this year!

To all the fans that were rooting us on, you have no idea how that your support means to me. I love getting your e-mails and I love hearing what each of you have to say at the track. It is so awesome to have supporters like you and would love you all to be a part of my new adventure and continue our relationship both professional and personal.
I could have never done any of this without my 2007 sponsors; Go Daddy.com, Hacienda Harley-Davidson, Mac Tools, The Real Security Company, Red Line Oil, MTC Engineering, D.M.E Racing, Screamin Eagle Designs, Phoenix Biker.com, Bikernet.com and Outlaw Fuel.

There are so many people that helped me get here, and I will never be able to thank them enough. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting 2008 season.

“Keep believing in yourself and everyone else will believe in you as well.”

Valerie Thompson #20