T H A W L E Y 2008 Year in Review

[John Thawley]

2008 just might be one of the last great years in motorsports we see for awhile. Not to launch into a "sky is falling" frenzy, but it is certain, like the auto industry itself, motorsports will face some very challenging times.

The global financial crisis seems to have pushed energy and energy efficiency (or lack of it) to the social, political and economic forefront. In turn, the auto racing "haters" now have real-time fodder to throw and the perfect storm the sport finds itself in leaves little room for cover. We're in it... we're in it deep. And, as attitudes and politics set their sails to popular winds, motorsports will need to find a tact that can withstand the changing tides.

So... with a positive eye on the future, hopefully my 2008 Year in Review (http://www.johnthawley.com/year-in-review-2008) will remind us all of the great times and inspire us to rise up and celebrate with optimism the challenge ahead. Enjoy the look back.

[Chris Clark]

I watched this the other day from Facebook.....

Spectacular stuff JT.

[Dennis Murray]

I watched it last night from your blog. Well done.

What was your production software?

[John Thawley]

I watched this the other day from Facebook.....

Spectacular stuff JT.

Chris, Dennis.... thanks for taking the time to look.

JT

[Dany Flageole]

Really nice, a bit long to watch, but in the end, well balanced, anough time to see the pics, not too many pics.

I liked most shot
found at least a dozen really really great shots
there were also at least 3-4 that struck me as EXCELLENT, I mean like your top 5 of the year

The one that really stand out for me is the low shot of the white/green Mazda, that's my favourite

[Tom Hitzeman]

JT

You're a great teacher and an inspiration. Thanks for the look back and for throwing down the gaunlet for 2009. It's been a long cold winter without much to shoot but hope I can show I've learned a few things from you, Chris and the others.

Regarding the 2009 season and the future of motorsports: Racers constantly adapt to changing rules, sanctioning body politics, etc. They're among the best technological innovators in the world and I'd like to think that politics, environmentalism and the like can't stifle the racer's spirit. It will be interesting to see what this season is like both in the professional and the grassroots series. One positive impact of the economy may be the return of the true "independents" at least in NASCAR. In a recent article on ESPN.com, Terry Blount described the efforts by several out of work drivers and mechanics to start new teams using available cars and team members available for much lower cost due to many teams cutting back. This will add some genuine color back into the sport that's been sorely missing in otherwise boring cookie-cutter spec car racing.

I'm optimistic for a great racing season. Thanks for the great resource and gathering place that is APN.

tom

[Tom Hitzeman]

In a recent article on ESPN.com, Terry Blount described the efforts by several out of work drivers and mechanics to start new teams using available cars and team members available for much lower cost due to many teams cutting back.

Correction: The article was by Ed Hinton on ESPN.com titled "Simpler Happier Times Return to Daytona." (http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=hinton_ed&id=3893125)

[Andrew Thompson]

Wow, just wow.