Come to the Champs in a few weeks! I think Kevin is coming and I know I'll be there ready to go. I'll also get myself back driving with the Pivothead glasses. Those always made for some cool videos.
As far as running 17.5 Blinky, I really don't mind it. I like racing anything/everything plus the extra track time helps me catch up to all the true "pro" drivers these days. I'm not just racing as I was years ago so any laps, mod or super stock or stock, really help me out a lot.