FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I wanted to post a note thanking everyone for their notes, cards, Facebook shout-outs etc. since a mid-August illness put me in the pits for a couple of races. I endured a bout of Acute Pancreatitis that put me in the hospital for 15 days. It was a serious case, but the doctors who cared for me and my wife, who is an RN, have taken very good care of me. At recent races people have asked the chaplain on duty about my progress and I’m glad to report that I’m doing much better, gaining strength and endurance each day, and I plan to be back at the track for the Michelin Championships weekend after next at Barber, followed by the WERA GNF, the AMA MOTO-GT and Supersport round at Daytona and the final WERA Regional in Las Vegas at the end of October. Many thanks to everyone for your prayers, good wishes and contacts. I have missed being at the track. Most of all I have missed the people there. You are my friends and my extended family and I’m counting down the days to Barber. Thanks also to Motor Racing Outreach for supporting me as I recover and Chaplain Ray Rizzo who has subbed for me. Several folks have reminded me to take it easy and not push it too hard and I am listening. I am pacing myself so that come October 3-4 I’ll be ready to go. Your care and concern touches me deeply. Blessings! Tim Burleson Lexington, South Carolina MRO Chaplain AMA Pro Racing WERA Nationals