If you would like to use the JNFL website this year, please take the time to register now.  I would like to get you all in the database before the season starts.  The easiest way for me to do that is have YOU do it.  Once the season begins the ability to register will be taken away and you will have to contact the JNFL Headquarters for addmission to your page.  So to avoid that please REGISTER NOW.  Thanks.

JNFL,

I want to take this time to thank all of you that took part in the test today. You and I know who you are. We learned a lot today and most of it was because you got involved. Please understand that this test was just the beginning of what will be the new way we do things on the web. The league will still be the same old thing we have come to know and love - friends having fun together watching Nascar races. At the same time the JNFL Headquarters, the JNFL Founding Fathers, the Founding Members and many more of you have always wanted more - hopefully the new format of the JNFL website will close the gap on where we want to get. We have tried on a number of occasions to get a database that will work specifically for the purpose of tracking the JNFL and also be user friendly on the web. This has always proven to be a difficult task and that takes nothing away from the incredible talent and effort a lot of JNFL friends and members have put forth. I am very confident that the scores you see at the end of the season are correct. First and foremost this new database that is web friendly will do the same job or I will not use it. What we want is to not only put more control into your hands, but this is also the best way to allow more people to enjoy the fun of being a member in the JNFL. Not necessarily in our home division, but in their own division. So many people are turned away anymore because they are not part of the family. When I say it is just a few of my 120 closest friends I mean it. We all spend so much time together it has become just that - family. Nobody from outside this family is going to walk away with our top prize. I promise that will never change. Down the road I hope to let others be able to have their own divisions to compete against their friends.  If you are use to using the internet to play in the JNFL this is what you can expect in 2007 (the year of the Elliott). First off we will no longer have to deal with e-mailing picks to the JNFL Headquarters. YES! While this is a great way to play, it is a lot of work for me whether you call or e-mail. Now you will have a User Name & password that will open up a private page where you can view your season in full detail and make a pick without fear of picking a driver for the 4th time - this system won't allow it. When you hit 'Save' your pick immediately is entered into the mainframe - I never have to touch it. You can change your pick at will now and not make me mad! Further more when the green flag waves the database will no longer accept your picks. To help with this process the site will have a built in time clock to tell you approxamately how much time you have left to pick. While knowing EXACTLY when a race will start is impossible due to many variables, we will still be able to make a pick at the very last minute (something that makes this league so cool). Should you forget to make a pick the system will automatically enter your Back-up Driver for you.  You also will have access to who everyone else has picked so far this year - but your pick for the upcoming race will remain a secret just like before.  When the race starts all picks will be available for viewing immediately.  On top of all that the site will continue to serve as a vehicle for all players to inform themselves as to who might be the best pick to make. All the information you need to know what is happening on the track will still be at your finger tips.  With these changes we have experienced some growing pains. Makes me wish the off-season was a little longer.  But no matter, we are up to the task of getting the system up and running for the Daytona 500. This may make for some moments of trepadation as the start of the season nears but have no fear, it will work and for the most part is already working. When in doubt you can still call the JNFL Headquarters and make a pick just like always.  We love to hear from you. That is what hanging out with friends is all about.  For now the website still DOES NOT WORK. Many of you have taken some time to get familiar with the site and that is a good thing. Due to on-going changes and the continual uploading of new designs I can assure you thateveryone that registers now will probably have to do it again down the road.  Don't let that stop you from ruising around and watching the site grow over the next few weeks leading up to the Daytona 500. The more input we can get right now will help make it work better for the entire season and for years to come. This is a very exciting time for the JNFL - hopefully we will look back on this very hard work with fond memories for JNFL Banquets to come!

Special thanks to John Ralston, Greg Sheaffer, and Brian for all their behind the scenes work in developing this masterpiece. They are performing a great service for the JNFL and for that they all deserve a great round of applause for what they have done so far. My hat goes off to them, it is a tall order and they have stood up to this challenge with ferocity and passion. Thank God they don't play in the league or we might have our hands full!

While the site is still under construction and officially the JNFL is on vacation, I truly believe that this season will be the best yet. JNFL Packets hopefully will be available in the beginning of February and we will once again all meet at the Indian Valley Inn for the Budweiser Shootout on the 10th to sign-up. I will be making some official announcements pertaining to the rules changes for 2007 and how much the membership will cost as well (probably the same as last year) very soon.  Thanks for letting me pull your ear for a little while, hopefully this will make it very clear where we stand right now and help make for a smooth transition form the old format to the new and improved. This is the backstretch, when we come out of 4 you can bet we will be ready to run wide open for the start at Daytona. Talk to you soon. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hold them back, they are VERY helpful, as we found out today.

Judd

President and Founding Father

Judd's NASCAR Fantasy League

www.JNFL.net