日本GP

今日は朝起きて午前中にPCでお仕事をしてから、お昼前に妻と子供を連れて家をでて、お昼にサンドウィッチを食べて帰りにTargetによって日用品をゲット。しかし、子供のおむつやミルク、お尻拭きなど買っても買っても足りない気がするのは気のせいですかね・・・。

Woke up in the morning and got some work done. Went out to lunch with my kid and wife at this sandwich place in Alhambra which is very good, and stopped by at Target on the way home to get some diaper and wipes for the baby. It just seems endless when buying the diapers, wipes, and milk for the baby. I sure hope he won't be needing them soon...

家に戻ってきてからはユックリしながら、NASCAR Buschのレースを見て今夜は妻が友達とお食事に行くので、自分は子供のお守り。夜は富士で行われる日本GPを見てユックリしてる予定です。

Got home, relaxed and whatched the Nascar Busch race. My wife's going to have dinner with her friend tonight so I will have to baby sit my son while I whatch the Fuji F1 GP race tonight on SPEED.

今日はお家でユックリ

今日は久しぶりにお家でユックリする事ができました。午前中は子供と遊んで午後からは溜まっていたお仕事などなど。あっと言う間に一日が終わってしまいました。LAはなんだかずっと曇ってて、夏はもう終わったなって感じです。よく考えたらあと数日で１０月じゃないですか〜・・・。ん〜３０になるまで秒読み・・・。自分が３０になるなんて信じられないっす！？！昔は誕生日がくるのが楽しみだったのに、今は恐ろしいですね〜・・・。（泣）

I got to relax at home today. Spent time playing with my kid in the morning and did some work in the afternoon. The weather was not so good today and it really is end of summer now. I can't believe it will be Oct in 3 days....and speaking of Oct, it's my birthday on the 10th. I really don't have much to look forward to since I'm turning 30 and I still feel like I'm 21...

ようやく帰宅

今日はお昼からLEXUS IS-Fの試乗会。午前中はモントレーの街を試乗した後に、午後はサーキットでの試乗会。アメリカの色んな媒体の記者がコースを走るのに、自分たちはインストラクターとしてテクニックやラインのアドバイス。意外と初心者のようなドライビングをする記者も多いのでちょっとビックリ・・・。自分も実際に乗ってみましたが、車は思っていた以上のパフォーマンスでかなり良いです。詳しい詳細は書けませんが・・・、かな〜り良い車ですよ！！

Today, I was at the track working all day for the LEXUS Media Preview for the new IS-F. The car is excellent. I am not allow to speak too much about the car...but all I can say is that it is awesome!! I was there as an instructor to teach them some tecniques as well as the line around the track. Some of the medias can write a great article....but have really bad skills in terms of driving. However, all the great safety functions on the car kept everyone safe and it was a good day!!

仕事が終わって先ほど家に帰宅。子供は疲れて寝ちゃったみたいで残念・・・。これからお風呂につかって、久しぶりに家での和食。美味しいものを食べるのが楽しみです！！

I just got home after a long driver. I was bummed to see my son at sleep already but I think I will take a long bath and have a peaceful dinner with my wife!!

明日で帰宅

今日は急遽お仕事が入ったので、朝一でコースに到着。今日は１日のプログラムだったので、忙しい１日でした。それより、昨日の夜にテレビを見ていたら、エリオがDancing With the Starsと言う社交ダンスの番組に出演していたのでチェックして見ました。するとやはりラテンの血をひいてるせいか、かなり良いステップで、ダントツトップで予選通過！？！いや〜しかし、エリオがスーツを切ると洋服の青山のCMにでてきそうな雰囲気で少し笑えちゃいますが、ダンスも上手いので少しビックリ。

Since I got a last minute fill in work today, I was at the track all day and it turned out to be a busy day for me. Got back to the hotel, and whatched the Dancing WIth the Stars since Helio was dancing in it. I must say that I am impressed with his dancing skills...but thinking about it, it's no suprise since he must be used to dancing 24hr straight at the Rio Carnival!?!

明日はサーキットでLexus IS-Fの試乗会の仕事です。今日はほんのちょっと車を見てみましたがかなりBMW M3を意識した車で走りがどんな感じなのか乗ってみるのが楽しみです。それ以上に明日の夜にようやくLAに帰宅。たったの１週間ですが、息子がどれだけ成長したか見るのが楽しみ！！

Tomorrow, I will be at the track again working for the Lexus IS-F media preview day. I had a quick glance at the car today and it is a fantastic car that will go head to head with the BMW M3. However, at this point...I am more looking forward to getting home and seeing my baby who I haven't seen for almost a week.

今日はリラックス

今日は７時に起きてワイナリーを持つ友達インストラクターの家を８時に出発。自分は今日は休みだったのでホテルに戻ってユックリして、午後はコンピューターでお仕事。だいぶ、リラックスする事ができました。夕方にスクールから連絡が入って、明日のクラスの仕事ができるかとのリクエストがあったので、迷わずOK。どうせ、ホテルにいてもする事がないので、せっかく居るので仕事をして稼ぐぞって感じです！！ん〜ラグーナ滞在もあと２日・・・、もう一息ですね。

Got up at 7am today and left my friend's place in Portola Valley at 8am. Since my friend had to work today, I just went back to the hotel and relaxed in the morning, and did some work in the afternoon. I got a call from one of the instructor just now to fill in for him for tomorrow's school so I will have to work tomorrow. I guess, it would be better to work and earn some money rather than not do anything all day and spend money. Two more days here and will get to go home...

スクール終了

今日も６時起き・・・。スクール３日目で無事に終了。明日はオヤスミなので、今日は昔から良く知ってるインストラクター友達のトミーの家にお泊まり。サンフランから１時間くらい南に家があり、実家はワイナリ〜。家はメチャ豪邸でビックリ！葡萄畑の中にある家です！！もちろんディナーにCabernet SauvignonとPinot Noirを頂いてメチャ美味！！なんとも羨ましい〜！！セスナ機を所有して美味しいワイン飲んで・・・、自分も頑張らないとってつくづく思っちゃいました！！

Got up at 6am and the last day at school went really well. Since I don't have to work tomorrow, I am staying at my friend's in Portola Valley tonight who also instructs at Skip Barber. His family own a winery here and I was able to drink there Cabernet and Pinot Noir which was fantastic!! The house is gorgeous and I really have to rethink about relocating once my apartment lease is up!!

明日の早朝にラグーナに戻って、明日はホテルでユックリって感じです。なんだか久しぶりのオヤスミを満喫するかな・・・？！？

Anyhow, I will have to return to the track tomorrow and back to real life... I will have day off tomorrow so will try to relax. I'm not good enough to play gold at Pebble Beach yet...so may be I will go practice some...

スクール２日目

今日も６時起きで、スクールは８時からスタート。幸い天気が良かったので、仕事中の気分はグッド。今日もスクールは無事に終わり、忙しい一日でした・・・。が、着いてからまだ３日目なので早くお家に帰りたいな〜・・・。木曜までの滞在でまだ日曜だと思うと先が長いです。

Woke up at 6am again and the 2nd day of school started ay 8am. Fortunately, the weather was really nice today and it was good day at work. The school went well today and I just got back to the hotel. I can't believe it's still Sunday and I have to b here until Thurs.... I am really looking forward to going home.

来週末はいよいよ富士でのF1GP開催ですね〜。最近はIRLのレースも終わってしまい、少し週末のレースが少ないので楽しみが減った感じです。ではでは、これから夕飯を食べてホテルでユックリしま〜す。

Speaking of racing, it will be the Fuji F1GP next week end. It will be interesting to see who does well there first time being there. With less races during the week end...I really don't have nothing to look forward to on TV during the week end now... Well, I should hop in the shower now and get to bed early again.

スクール初日

今日は６時に起きて７時にサーキット入り。スクールは８時にスタート。・・・が、午前中はずっと雨で最悪。駐車場を使ってオートクロスを走行する時は、ずぶ濡れ状態！ん〜これじゃ〜給料と割があわないな〜・・・、なんて思っていたら午後は晴れてくれてラッキー！！今日の仕事も無事に終わりホテルに戻った所です。今回はスクール３日間に中２日空いて来週の木曜日にLagunaでSkipBarber下請けの試乗会があるので、ほぼ１週間の滞在です。ん〜もう家に帰りたい・・・。（泣）

Was up at 6am and went to the track at 7am. The shool started at 8am and it was raining all morning. I thought it was going to clear up had a shorts on which happened to be a bad call. I guess I really earn the money today standing on puddles getting wet. Luckily it cleared up in the afternoon and turned out to be great day. I am back in the hotel now and doing some work. I will have two more days with the school and will have to stay until Thursday for an OEM event. I am already looking forward to go back home...

モントレーに到着

今日は朝起きて午前中にジムでトレーニング。ここ数日またジムに行く時間があまりなかったので、今日はガッツリトレーニング。お昼過ぎに仕事を少ししてから３時過ぎにLagunaに向けて出発。金曜日の夕方に出たので、家を出た瞬間から渋滞・・・。普段は４時間半で着くのに、今日はけっきょく５時間半もかかりました・・・。昨日もず〜っと運転してたのでかなり腰が疲れちゃいました。明日からは３日間スクールの講師です。また早起きが続くのでそろそろ寝ま〜す。

Got up in the AM and went to the gym. I wasn't able to spend time in the gym recently so I had a good work out today before heading up to Monterey. Had lunch at home, and did some work...and left the house at about 3pm. It usually takes 4.5hr to get to Monterey, since it was Fri, the traffic was pretty bad and it took me 5.5hr to get to the hotel. I think I had enough driving last two days...and for next three days, I get to whatch other drive and critcize them!?! Well...since it's going to be an early morning start tomorrow, I better get to sleep!zzzzzzzzz

Infiniti試乗

今日は朝８時からInfinitiのニューモデルの試乗会があったので、家を７時前に出発。渋滞があっても十分の時間を読んで出発したのに、家を出た瞬間から高速道路は以上な渋滞。まったく動かず、普段だったら３０分で着く所が２時間かかってしまい、試乗になんとかギリギリで間に合いました。

Since I had a media preview test drive with Infiniti today, I got up at 6am and drove to Santa Monica to get there before 8am. I left the house just before 7am...and it normally takes only 30min max from my house to get to Santa Monica. For some reason, there must have been an accident or some sort because it literally took me 2hr to get there today!! I bare made it on time for the test drive and I had enough of driving by the time I got there...

新しいInfinitiの車は意外と良くて個人的にはかなり気に入りました!今年Indy500で走ったチームのDreyer&ReinboldもIndianapolisでInfinitiのディーラーを経営してるのでInfnitiにも頑張ってもらわないと！？！それより、今日はず〜っと運転のしっぱなしでかなり疲れました。明日からはほぼ１週間LagunaSecaでお仕事です。なんだか、家でユックリできないな〜って感じのする今日この頃です・・・。

Well the new Infiniti was a great car. I can't mention too much about it now since I have to write an article but I think it will be a good sell. Also the team that I drove for this year(Dreyer & Reinbold) owns an Infiniti dealer in IN so I hope they do well since that may lead to a seat for next year's Indy 500!?! I'm pretty tired from all the driving today... I can't believe that I have to head up to Laguna tomorrow. I wouldn't mind spending some more relaxing time with my family...

車のメンテ＆試乗

今日は早めに起きて、午前中は昨日メンテに出していた自分の車をピックアップして、昼過ぎに今度は妻の車をメンテにだしました。ちょうど同じ時期にメンテのランプがついたので、一気にだしちゃえ〜って感じで行いました。お昼過ぎからは日産のAltima Coupeの試乗をして、夕方に車のディーラーに戻って妻の車をピックアップ。なんだかドタバタして忙しい一日です。明日はInfinitiの新車の試乗のお仕事。ちょっと楽しみです！！

Got up in the morning and went to pick up my car from the dealer for the maintenance. Than I had to drop off my wife's car which was also due and it worked out where we get both done at the same time. While I was waiting for my wife's car to get done, I had to test drive the New Nissan Altima Coupe for a Japanese Media. The car was pretty good and we spent about 1.5hr around Elysian Park. My wife's car was just done by the time I got back to the dealer and it worked out really well. Tomorrow, I will be testing the new Infiniti which I am looking forward to!!

久しぶりのゴルフ

今日は７時前に起きて、ピットの散歩に行き９時半から久しぶりにカメラマンの斎藤ヒロ君＆竹内さんとゴルフをしに行く事になったので、８時に出発。クラブを振るのはけっこう久しぶりだったのでちょっと緊張気味。が、思ったよりも調子は悪くはなく前半のスコアーは５６、後半は５１で自分としてはボチボチ。何回かしょぼいホールはありましたが、スィングも固まってきてもっと定期的にやれば１００を切るのも時間の問題では・・・！？！

Got up at 7am. I was supposed to play gold today with my Buddy Hiro and Mr.Takeuchi since our season has ended... I left the house at 8am. Our tee time was at 9:30am, and we were done by 1:30pm. Alhough I haven't played for a while, I still managed to hit 56 in the front half, and 51 in back. It wasn't too bad but I still have to work on the wedge shot that is just about 100yds.

１時半にはゴルフも終わり、２時には帰宅。家に戻って少し仕事をして、夕方に車をサービスにだしてきました。今週末はLagunaSecaにお仕事で行くので、念のためにロングドライブに備えてオイル交換。明日と明後日も車の試乗があったりで、忙しい１週間になりそうです。

I was home by 2pm and needed to get some work done. Than I took my car to the dealer for a service. I will be driving up to Laguna this week and I don't need the service light blinking through out the drive. It will be an another busy week for me...

疲れ・・・？

今日は妻との結婚記念日。先週末のお仕事で早起きが続いていたので、今朝も７時前には起床。朝起きてピットの散歩をしてから、ソルトレークに言ってる間に仕事が溜まっていたのでメールや色んな作業のキャッチアップ。お昼は家で銀ダラの味噌漬けを食べ、昼過ぎになったらなんだか疲れがたまってるのか、頭がボ〜ッてしてたので少し休憩する事にしました。

Today is my 1yr wedding anniversary with my wife. I got up early since I have been getting up early when I had to work up at Salt Lake. I spent all morning trying to catch up with all my e-mails and some work. Had lunch and for some reason I was feeling really down so I decided to get some rest in the afternoon.

夕方には少し復活したので妻と子供とスーパーに行って色々と食材を買って今日はお家でディナーです。近所のスーパーで今日はめでたい日だからステーキにするかって話になりましたが、二人で話をした結果おおきめのステーキ１枚を焼いて二人で分けて食べる事になりました。いや〜歳を感じますね〜！？！２年前までは大きめのステーキでもぺろっと食べれたのに・・・、寂しいもんですね〜。

I was able to recover after some rest and we went the super market to buy some steaks for our dinner to celebrate. We had a lengthy chat on how many steaks we should get and we decided to share a big piece. It's really weird thinking back two years ago...I would have had no problems eating a Porterhouse. But now...I must really be getting old even hesitating to eat a 12oz NY Steak. Anyhow, I should got spend some time with my wife and kid now!

ユックリサンデー

昨日は家に戻って夕飯を食べ終わったら１２時過ぎ。あまりにも疲れたのでバタンキュー状態で爆睡。朝は８時までグッスリねて朝は長めの散歩。さて、仕事をするかなと思ったらPCの調子が不調で何もできず、色々とリセットしたりなどしたら午後になって調子が復活。

It was already past 12am when I got home last night and was done with dinner. Went to sleep right away and got up at 8am. Wanted to sleep in a bit more but ofcourse my kid had to wake me up. I wanted to get some work done in the morning but my PC wasn't working so well and I finally was able to reboot everything and get back to work now.

明日９月１７日は妻との結婚記念日。もう結婚してから１年かと思うと時が立つのはやはり早い。本当はディナーでも食べに行こうかとは行ってたのですが、とりあえず今日のランチを食べに行こうという事になり、今日はBeverlyHillsにあるChaya Brasserieでランチ。その後はかるくRobertson Blvd沿いをプラプラして帰宅。とりあえずユックリできる日曜日でした。

Tomorrow is me and my wife's 1st Anniversary. I can't believe it's been a year since we got married. We thought about going to dinner tomorrow but we decided to go to lunch today instead. I took my wife and kid to Chaya Brasserie in BH. The food was pretty good and we were both happy with their service. Than we shopped around Robertson Blvd for a little while and just came home. It was a relaxing Sunday which just what I needed.

ようやくLAに帰宅

今日は８時にサーキット入り。９時から３０分のレースがあって、レース終了後に担当のドライバーとミーティングをして１０時には仕事終了。フライトが７時前なのでそれまで、なにをしよ〜って思いながら街をフラフラして、今は飛行場で飛行機を待ってる所です。いや〜なんだか、長い４日間だったな・・・。まっ、お仕事だから仕方ないか。何よりも家に帰って自分のベッドで寝て、おいしい和食を食べて息子に会うのが楽しみです！！

Got to the track at 8am this morning and the 30min race started at 9am. After the race, I debriefed with my designated drivers about there future races and I was done with my job by 10am. It's good to be done early but that left me with nothing to do other than touring the city and getting to the airport and waiting for my flight. It seemed like pretty long 4 days but I am so looking forward to getting home. I really missed seeing my kid and can't wait to have some Japanese food. I have been eating too much fast food stuff...and need to get back on prpoer diet menu!!

ソルトレーク３日目

昨日セスナ機で一緒に乗せたくれた友達から朝早く電話があって、今日の朝も一緒に飛びに行くからいこうぜ〜って誘われたので７時に起きて、約１時間のフライトでサーキットの上空を飛行。１０時半までにはサーキットに着いて、１時からの３０分のレースをコーナーから監視して、レースが終わってから各ドライバーにアドバイス。今日は意外と楽な一日でした。明日はいよいよ最終日。レースが１０時頃に終わってしまうのに、飛行機は７時前・・・。ソルトレーク観光でもするかな？！？

I got a call from my friend who let me fly yesterday and he asked me if I wanted to fly again this morning. I didn't hesitate to take the offer and we went flying around the track for couple of hours. We were at the track by 10:30am and the race was on at 1:30pm. Since it's such a long course and the race is only 30min...it turned out to be a real easy day for me. Tomorrow will be the last day and I am really looking forward to get home. Although, the race is done by 10am, my flight is not until 7pm so I will have to find a way to kill some time. May be I will think about touring the city tomorrow.

ソルトレーク２日目

今日は８時からの走行だったので、７時前にはサーキット入り。メチャ眠の状態で気合いで起きてサーキットに行きました。今日は３０分の走行が午前中に一回で３０分の予選セッションが２回あって、仕事が終わったのは７時過ぎ。長い一日でした。仕事が終わってからホテルに戻る前に、友達のインストラクターが自分のセスナ機を乗ってきてるから一緒にフライト行かない〜って誘われたので、迷わずOKして行ってきました！！

Since we had a 30min practice session starting at 8am today...I was at the track before 7am. Obviously way too early for me and it's pretty hard to get up not being motivated when you are not going to drive a race car. Neverthelss, it's work so I got up and made sure I gave good feedbacks. There were two more qualifying session in the afternoon and I was done with work at about 7pm. Pretty long day at the track. After leaving the track, my friend who also instructs at Skip Barber asked me if I was intersted to join flying in his airplane and I was totally up for it!!

セスナ機に乗るのは始めてでかなりワクワク！意外とあっと言う間に飛び立って身軽の動きでいいじゃんって感じです。が〜飛行速度はあまり早くないので長時間乗るのは辛そう・・・。離陸して落ち着いたらとつぜん、操縦してもいいよ〜って友達が言うので迷わずスティックを握って操縦開始。思ってた以上に難しいのでビックリ。色々と飛行免許の取得の話を聞いたら自分もゲットしたいな〜って思ってきちゃいました。ん〜その前に自分の飛行機が買える様に頑張って稼がないと・・・。（泣）

It was my first time in a small plane and I was really excited abou the flight. The plane is a lot more compact than I thought but it took off the ground really quickly. However, I'm not sure if I can handle more than 2-3hr on flight. Once up on air, my friend let me fly his plane and that was a real good experience for me! It was a lot harder than I have imagined and I certainly have more respect for the pilots now!! After all the talks on how to get an aviation license... I think I may consider getting one but first I must make more money...

ソルトレーク初日

さっきサーキットから戻りました。今日はメッチャ疲れました。昨日ホテルに着いたのは夜中の１時半で今日は８時からサーキット入り。５０分のセッションが２回あって、その合間にドライバーとディブリーフィング。長い一日でした。しかし、今回は始めて訪れるMiller Motorsportspark。３年前くらいにできたサーキットでアメリカにしたら施設も奇麗でサーキットも長くてめちゃくちゃ面白そうです！！いや〜自分もレースがしたかった〜〜！！場所が場所なので観客をよぶのは難しそうですが、ここでIRLのレースをやったら走り的には面白いのでは・・・！？！

Just got back from the track. It was a long day and I am pretty tired. My flight was delayed last night and I got to the hotel about 1:30am. I had to be up by 7am to get to the track and I don't mind getting some sleep tonight. The day was mellow with two 50min sessions and some debriefing with the drivers. It's my first time here at Miller Motorsportpark and am really impressed with the track as well as the facitility! It will be really cool if they can host an IRL race here, but I guess it will be hard to gather the crowds to come to the race. Nevertheless, I would love to have an oppurtunity to drive on this track!!

それより、昨日の夜に安倍総理大臣が辞任をしたのがビックリ！？！ある意味きたいしてたのに・・・。なんだか、ヤジを飛ばしたり、すぐに諦めて辞任をしてしまう日本の政治にはあきれる一方。ま〜良い悪いは別としても、クリントンの様に開き直る図太さ＆ひっこさが政治家には必要なのでは？！？

On another note, I was really suprised to see the news about Japan's Prime Minister resigning. I am very dissapointed with the politicians in Japan and I think that country almost needs a dictator who have the gutts to speak out to the public. It will be intersting to see how the future will hold in Japan...

ソルトレークシティー

今日は朝一で電話で来季に向けてのミーティング。１０時には終わり、朝食を食べてからジムで２時間のトレーニング。お昼過ぎに妻と子供を連れて昼食をとり、帰りにスーパーによって帰宅。今日は８時のフライトでそるとレークシティーに行くので今は荷造り中。今週末はSkipBarber National Seriesの仕事で土曜までソルトレークに居ます。ソルトレークと言えば、冬季オリンピック。と言ってもトリノの前のオリンピックって考えるともう５〜６年も前の事・・・。ん〜時間が経つのはメチャ早ですね〜！？！

Had a early morning conference call today so I was up early. I was done with the call by 10am and had breakfast and went to the gym for 2hr work out. Than I took my wife and baby to lunch and stopped at the grocery store on the way home to stock up the food while I was gone. I am catching a 8pm flight tonight to go to Salt Lake City instructing for Skip Barber National Series Race week end. Speaking of Salt Lake City, it's my first time there and I am really looking forward to the trip. I really don't know much about the city except it held the winter olympics 5 or 6 years ago...Hopefully I can find some spare time to tour the city.

家が静か・・・。

今日はお昼過ぎのフライトで従兄弟が日本に戻ったので、１２時に空港まで送りに行ってきました。もう夏休みが終わったからだいぶ空いてるかなと思ったのも束の間で意外と混んでる挙げ句の果てに9/11の前日と言う事で警備もかなり警戒しててメチャ混みでした。従兄弟はなんとか飛行機に乗って日本に戻りました。

Tool my cousin to LAX since he was flying home today. I thought the plane would be empty after the summer holiday was over but I guessed it wrong. Being day before 9/11 didn't help the situation since the security seemed to tighten and the line was a lot worse than I thought. My cousing was able to get on the plane with a lot of time to spare and he seemed really happy with this trip!

空港の帰りに息子用のプレイングケージを買い、帰宅して夕方はジムでランニング。１週間程ジムを休んでたせいか身体がにぶってる気がして運動をしたらスッキリ。従兄弟が帰って、なんだかお家が静かで寂しいね〜って妻としきりに話してます。従兄弟が息子の相手をして遊んでくれたり、息子＆ピットも寂しがってます。またの来客が楽しみです。

After the airport, we stopped by Babies R'us to get a playing cage for my son since my wife has been asking me for ages...I guess it helps her when I'm away working and needs couple of minutes with out keeping an eye on him. Right when we got home, I went straight to the gym for a work out. I wasn't able to train for a while and it felt very good being back in the gym and sweating out! I was just talking with my wife and we are very suprised how quite the house is with out my cousin. He spent a lot of time with my baby playing and I'm sure my son will miss him...but I guess Pit is the one who will miss him the most becuase he was sleeping with him everynight!?!

祝ダリオ

今日はIRLの最終戦。午前中から従兄弟の買い物でサンタモニカに出かけていましたが、レースが終わる直前に帰宅。最後はドラマティックなフィニッシュでダリオの優勝！アメリカに来てからようやくチャンピオン獲得って感じでダリオもかなり喜んでましたね！！それより、デビューで８位でゴールした弟分の英紀はよく頑張った。レース中にファステストラップも出して、来季はレースクラフトをもう少し経験したらさらに良い結果が出ると思います。彼にはぜひ来季頑張って欲しいですね〜！！

I just got done whatching the season finale at Chicago. It was a great race with a dramatic ending! Congrats to Dario, it was well deserved and I'm sure him and his wife's a re really happy with the result. I was also impressed with my buddy Hideki's debut race. He did excellent during the race and may be with more experience with the race craft...he could be a finsihing in the top 5.

気がついたらIRLのシーズンも終了。本当に１シーズンあっと言う間ですね〜。チームも来季に向けての交渉でこれからがたがた動きがありそうです。来週末はソルトレークシティーのサーキットに行ってSkipBarberのレースのインストラクターをしなくてはいけませんが、同時に交渉の連絡の取り合いとかで忙しくなりそうです。

I can't believe the IRL season is over already... Now we've all gotta work on next season. I will be at Salt Lake City next week end for the Skip Barber Race Series, but will have to get the negotiations forward with my sponsors and teams...

なかなかない。

このあいだ家でご飯を食べた時にカメラマンの斎藤ヒロ君に、焼酎を買ってきてと頼んだら買ってきてもらったのは“なかなか・・・ない”。焼酎の“中々”と言えば有名ですが、あれ・・・、“中々”ってこんな“吉四六”みたいなボトルしてたっけ〜ってよく見たら“なかなかない”と書いてあって爆笑。最近ちょっと受けた事だったので、ダイアリーに書いちゃいました。（笑）

Had dinner at my house with my photographer friend Hiro. I asked him to get me some Soju at the store and he ended up getting a Soju called "Nakanaka-nai". There is a real famous soju calle "Nakanaka" and I thought it was "Nakanaka" until I took a real close look and found out that it was "Nakanaka-nai". "Nakanaka-nai" means...hard to find in Japanese. I'm not sure about that if you can find them in Torrance,CA but it still was a good soju.

今日も従兄弟のツアーコンダクターとしてLAの街を色々と動き回り、さっき帰ってきた所です。戻ってシカゴの予選結果を見たら弟分の武藤英紀が予選１３位。チームメートを上回ってるので大した物です。レースの結果が重要ですが、とにかく完走を目指して頑張って欲しい物です。明日の最終戦は本当に楽しみ！！しかし、ダリオがNASCAR移籍の話が勃発したり、Jacques VillenueveがToyotaでNASCAR参戦の方向の話がでたり、来季のNASCARもだいぶ面白くなりそうです。

It was another day as a tour conductor for my cousin. We went shopping all around the town. Just came home and looked at the IRL qualifying result and was happy to see my buddy Hideki doing well. Of course the race is the most important part and I hope he finishes well tomorrow. It is important for him to understand that to finish firts, firt you must finish. You can gain so much experience and confindece by finishing the race and I think that would be his goal for tomorrow's race. Speaking of racing, NASCAR seems to be the hot place to be now with Dario rumoured to be negotiating with Ganassi for the Cup ride as well as Jacques Villenueve talking to do some races this year to prepare him for next season.

アウトレット

今日は来週の月曜に従兄弟が日本に戻ってしまうので、その前にパームスプリングスの側にあるアウトレットに行ってきました。家から約１時間半くらいの所にありますが、午前中に出発して途中で給油をしてランチを食べてから、１時前にアウトレットに到着。従兄弟は色々と気に入った物があったみたいですが、自分は節約モードに入ってるので“見てるダケ〜！”状態・・・。が・・・、妻がどうしても欲しいと言う靴を発見してしまい、最近は色々と頑張ってくれてるので購入。とりあえず、それで当分の間は上機嫌になってくれる事を祈るのみ！？！帰りはさすがに金曜日の夕方だったので渋滞。戻るのに２時間半もかかり、息子も車の中に座りっぱで少しご機嫌斜め。今日はファミリーサービスデーって感じでした。

Since my cousing is going back to Japan next monday, we decided to go to the Desert Hills Outlet in Cabazon. It took us about 1.5hr to get there and we stopped for fuel and lunch on the way. My cousing was able to find things that he wanted but I had no plans on buying anything so it really wasn't an exciting day for me. However, my wife managed to find a shoes that she really wanted and after couple of minutes of negotiations....I had to give it up and buy the shoes for her. Lately she has been working hard when I'm away and I think she deserved this one!?! The trip home was really bad with traffic. My baby was getting angry sitting on the safety seat for 2+hours and I'm just happy to be home now...

あっと言う間の１週間

今日は午前中に家から１時間の所にアーバインと言う街にいき、先週末のフォンタナのレースで招待して頂いたInterush社の方々と来季の事についてミーティング。色々と前向けなお話ができて、今後の動向が楽しみです！！お昼はトーランスでランチをして、３時には帰宅。家に戻って早速いろいろt仕事をしていたらあっと言う間に夕方。気がついたらもう明日は金曜日じゃないですか？１週間が経つのがメチャ早すぎてビックリ！？！

Had a meeting in Irvine today with the guys from Interush who invited me to see the race in California Speedway this past week end. We talked about the possibilities for next season and I really think we were able to have productive meeting. Than I had lunch in Torrance and when I got home, it was almost 3pm. I got straight to work and I couldn't believe the day was over so fast. More so, I can't believe it's Fri tomorrow. When I was young I really used think "Than god it's Fri" but now it's more like "Holly CXXp it's already Fri?!?".

夏も終わり・・・。

昨日まではメチャ暑だったLAも今日は普通の温度に下がり、だいぶ凄しやすい気候に戻りました。今日も来季の話に関して、色々と電話でドタバタミーティング。もう今週末でIndyも最終戦なので、来季に向けての交渉も急ピッチに進めないと。シーズンが終わると、最初の２週間はほとんどのチームが休みに入ったり、まだ時間があるからって余裕をこいてしまうので、連絡が取り合えなくなる事が良くあるんですよ。だから、大事な話はシーズンが終わる前に進めないとって感じです。ま〜まだ具体化してる物はありませんが、一日でも早く決めれるように頑張ります！！

After the craze heat storm that we had last couple of days, it ended up being a real nice day today. I guess it's end of summer now. For me it was a busy day on the phone all morning trying to sort things out for next year. As you know, it's always chicken first or egg first but gotta keep moving! The IRL season is going to end this week and it is important to get as much info for next year by this week because the IRL teams goes quite for couple of weeks once the season ends. There are several prospects that have high chances of happening next year and I am really looking forward to making this deal happen so we can be 100% prepared comes race time. It's still a long way to go, but now is the right time to start!! I hope I can have things lined up by Christmas time.

吉野家

今日は午前中にジムでトレーニング。トレーニングが終わってから従兄弟とやたら、吉牛が食いたいな〜って話になって家の近所にある吉野家で牛丼を買い持ち帰って家で味噌汁を作ってごリ食い！！いや〜久しぶりに食べる吉牛は美味しいですね〜。お腹がすいてたからって噂もありますが・・・！？！

Went to the gym in the morning with my cousing and as soon as we were done training...we were starving and decided we wanted to have Yoshinoya's beef bowl for lunch. Luckily there is a Yoshinoya just a block away from my house so we walked over there and did Beef Bowl take out while my wife made miso soup. I wouldn't eat that everyday but it is actually pretty good if you eat them once in a while. My cousin actually said it tastes better than the one in Japan. Needless to say, they haven't served beef bowl at Yoshinoya in Japan because of the BSE at one point.

午後はリトル東京にあるショップをちょこちょこ周り、家に戻ってからスムージーを作って現在はビデオ屋でレンタルしてきたSmapXSmap見てます。ここ数日はLAも連日を超える猛暑で家に居るのがいちばんです。

After lunch, we went to Little Tokyo to look around the shops...nothing interesting so we came home and made a smoothie that was pretty good. It's been really hot in LA and my baby doesn't like the heat I guess so we've been trying to keep him cool as much as we can.

今日は休日

今日はLaborDayで休日だったので午前中は家でユックリ。本当は従兄弟と家のジムに行ったのですが、メチャ混んでたのでそのまま帰宅。お昼には最近はまってるFatBurgerでランチ。日本にできたら人気がでると思うのにな〜・・・。その後は従兄弟の買い物でBeverlyCenterに行ってショッピング。休日なのでやなり、メチャ混み。混んでる所が嫌いな自分からすると、せっかく休日がぜんぜんリラックスできないな〜。ストレス発散の為に夕方は打ちっぱに行って、これから夕飯です！！

Since it was Labor Day today...had a pretty quite morning. I went to the gym with my cousing but the place was so packed that we came straigh back and went to Fat Burger for lunch. My cousin definately enjoyed the burgers there and I really think they can be a hit in Japan!! Than I had to take him and my wife and baby to Beverly Center to get more souvenirs. The mall was packed and with the heat...I think the best thing was to stay home in the AC. Late in the afternoon, I went to the driving range to get some stress relief.

Fontana写真

今日は日曜日なので家でリラックス。本当はフォンタナに行って、NEXTEL Cupのレースも見に行きたかったのですが、メチャ混みになりそう＆家族サービスもしなくてはいかないなと言う事でお昼に妻と息子と従兄弟を連れてパサデナ方面でランチ。Targetによって日用品をゲットして帰宅。デトロイトのレースをテレビ観戦したらあっと言う間に夕方。明日はLaborDayでお休みなので明日もユックリできそう。が、ここ２日間はジムに行く時間がなかったので、明日はミッチリトレーニングしてこないと！！

そうそう、自分のデジカメで撮った写真をアップしま〜す。

今回はInterush Racingの招待でレース観戦。
I was invited by the Interush Racingto whatch the race.

Interush Racingの車
Interush Racing Busch Car

近い将来NASCARの車も乗ってみたいですね〜。
I hope I will have a chance to drive these car one of these days!

今回の冠スポンサーはシャープ・アクオス。日に日に日系企業のスポンサーがNASCARのパドックに増えてます！
The title sponsor for this week end's race was Sharp Aquos. I see more and more Japansese sponsor's involvement in the NASCAR paddock!

たまたまNASCARの件で色々と以前に話をした事のある人と会い立ち話。
I ran into the guy I have talked to who put the Smith & Wesson deal for Stanton this week end.

California Speedway

昨日は深夜に家に戻ったので今日の午前中は家でユックリ。お昼過ぎに家を出てフォンタナに向かいました。フォンタナに着いたらメチャ暑くてビックリ！！今回はInterush RacingのStanton Barrett選手の招待でNASCAR Buschシリーズのレースを観戦。Stantonは有名なスタントマンで、色んなハリウッド映画のスタントをこなしてきたり、ボブスレッドのレースに参戦したりで面白いキャラクターです。いや〜しかし、何よりもけっこうイケメンの所が羨ましい・・・！？！（笑）

Since I got home late last night...slept in this morning, or at least I tried to before my baby started to ask to play. I headed out to Fontana right after lunch and was really suprised how hot it was out there!! I was invited to see the race from Interush Racing driver Stanton Barrett. Stanton is a quite a character with bobsledding and stunt driver background!! He definately is a multi-talented driver!!

レースは夜７時にスタート！日中に比べてだいぶ涼しくなってたので、なんとか乾涸びなくてすみました！？！（笑）スタントンも無事にレース完走！！レースの内容はクラッシュフェスティバルみたいで、多重クラッシュが続出。でも、内容はけっこう面白かったです。写真もちょこっと撮ってきたので明日にでもアップします！！

The race started at 7pm and it has already started to cool off that time so the heat wasn't too bad whatching the race. It certainly was a crash fest...but was a good race to see. Stanton was able to finish the race and overall it was a good day. Just got back home, and I think I will need some rest tonight. I took some photo's from the week end so I will try to up those soon!!

日帰りでデトロイト

いや〜今日は長い一にでした。さっきデトロイトから帰宅した所です。昨晩は１０時のフライトで出発。今回は経費削減の為に、普段使ってるユナイテッド航空を使わず、ディスカウント・エアラインのSpirit航空を挑戦！？！いや〜このエアラインは微妙でした。まっ、この値段だったら文句は言えないなって言う反面、ドリンクはお水の他は有料だし・・・、今回は手ぶらだったから良かったものの、荷物をチェックインする場合は＄１０のチャージがあるみたいだし。ん〜２度とこの航空会社を使う事はないだろうな。

It was a real long day for me and just got back from Detroit. I caught a red-eye flight last night and to save some cost, I used Spirit Air instead of United who I usually fly with. The price for the trip was cheap so may be I can’t complain, but the service was not all that great!?! I couldn’t believe that you had to pay for drinks except for water, as well as $10 per checked bags. Luckily it was a short trip for me and I had nothing to check in but I pretty much have no intention on using this airline again and I would probably stick to racking up miles with UA.

デトロイトに着いたのは現地時間の５時半・・・、って言ってもLA時間の２時半。メチャメチャ眠いのを我慢してサーキットの直行。８時にはサーキット入りして、早速いろいろとミーティング。午前中にはロジャー・ペンスケ氏と少し話をすることができて、午後はALMSのチームとも立ち話。出る前にDreyer&Reinoldとも長いミーティングをして飛行場に向けて出発。かなりドタバタでしたが、そこそこ内容のあるミーティングができたと思います。

I landed in Detroit at about 5:30am…which still was 2:30am LA time so I was really sleepy. I went to the track straight from the airport and started to talk with several team owners right from 8am. I was able to talk briefly with Mr.Roger Penske who I really admire and also made several contacts in ALMS paddock. Than had a lengthy meeting with Dreyer & Reinbold for possible scenarios for next year and left the track at 5pm to head back to the airport. Real quick trip but was able to get a lot done I think!!

明日はお昼からフォンタナでBuschのレース観戦です。忙しいけど、フォンタナも楽しみです。

Well, I am going to Fontana tomorrow to see the Busch race. I’m really looking forward to that and more so…getting some sleep on my bed!!