Cooper. In Honor of National Dog Day.

I grew up with cats, and never thought that I would ever own a dog. When I first started dating my now husband, Valentin, I wasn’t totally excited that he had a dog… though, somehow I fell in love with that puppy just about as quickly as I fell in love with Valentin. I could not imagine my life without a Cooper now.

“Mini” Cooper

Cooper is our not-so little Goldendoodle, who is fluffy, adorable, and has an abundance of love to share. Valentin got Cooper with his at-the-time girlfriend, and the story goes that Cooper was the only car name that she would approve for the fluffy pup. I spent two years racing in MINI Coopers, and pre-kiddo a MINI was my daily driver. Cooper turned out to be the perfect name for our puppy – it fits perfectly into our world.

Cooper and Val

MINI Cooper and Big Cooper

Coops is the greatest garage buddy out there. During the winter here in Phoenix, we tie him up in the driveway and he can supervise the car projects. In the summer, we keep him inside were it’s a tad cooler, but we use a baby-gate at the garage door so he can still be a part of the project. Cooper is always sad when we have to move him inside when we are grinding metal or welding. Cooper has been known to jump inside the car with us when we are working inside the M3. He just wants to be a part of everything!

Cooper the co-driver

Cage approved by Cooper

Cooper is the perfect track dog, he loves hanging around underneath the easy up tent with his favorite toys, some shade, and lots of people around to give him head scratches. At first, I worried how he would handle the noise, but it doesn’t even phase him. He is even a good sport in the back of the truck during the long tows to the track. It’s going to be a challenge to see if Cooper or our infant Aleksander will be better behaved on road trips. Sorry Aleks, but I am thinking Cooper might take the prize on this one. He’s a champ!

Fingers Crossed Racing Team with mascot, Cooper.

Cooper is so much a part of our race team and our family, and I couldn’t imagine our lives without him. I have joked that I would make Cooper a Facebook page, but I’m afraid that he would have more friends than us! It amazes me how much Cooper has added to our race team and our lives. Dogs don’t trend with human drama. Cooper is always by our side and smiling – no matter how stressed we may get in the garage. He is our trusty friend who is just happy as long as he is with us. Cooper has taught me a lot about the things that really matter.

Happy National Dog Day Cooper!

Cooper Riding in the Audi

Savannah Ivanitski

Savannah started karting at the age of 11 but her love for racing began much earlier than that. Being born into a racing family, speed was always in her blood. Spending many of her days at the racetrack, Savannah got tired of just watching and saved up enough money to buy her own kart- what started out a hobby, soon turned into a deep passion and a burning desire to be on the track. Savannah began karting with the SCCA’s Formula Junior Program and participated in SCCA Solo Nationals in 2008 and 2009. Following a childhood dream, in 2010, Savannah became the youngest driver to finish the world famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Savannah was awarded the Rookie of the Year award and finished third in the Time Attack 2WD class. Early in the 2011 season, Savannah earned her national competition license. By the time she turned 18, Savannah had two Pikes Peak International Hill Climb finishes. Savannah’s other experiences include ice racing with Colorado’s Our Gang Ice Racing, participation with National Auto Sports Association, and SCCA Rally Cross Nationals. When Savannah isn’t racing, she enjoys traveling, writing, being with friends, and is a major movie buff. Savannah is a very dedicated student. She graduated a semester early from High School in December of 2010, and is a full time student at Arizona State University's WP Carey School of Business. Savannah also works part time at a marketing agency. She works out of a regular basis to keep at her physical best.