SHOP TALK: Looking Back On 2015 & Giving Thanks

2015 was a roller coaster year for me. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows all worked their way into the 365 lightning-fast days of the past year. 2015 saw the birth of this magazine. After countless people telling me I should share my thoughts and vision with gearheads and enthusiasts like yourself, I took the plunge and began to "think tank" what I could contribute to an already saturated market of car magazines. Since greater minds than mine have sat at a keyboard and wrote about cars and our motorsports lifestyle, it seemed the best thing I could share was my heart and passion for motorsports. In four short months our little 908 Motorsports Magazine has spread to 43 countries and over 21,000 readers. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has shared our link with their friends and helped spread the word about our 908 family.

2016 promises to be an exciting year with interest from many new sponsors. I’m extremely excited to share the upgrades my Pro Street "Big Red" will undergo this winter and spring. I plan to focus on products we use everyday, as well as tools and the latest tips and tricks from pro builders around the globe. As I install and test various parts and products, I will continue to document and share the process – from my shop, to the street, and ultimately on the drag strip. And in the never-ending search for the coolest machines, I will attend as many car shows and cruise nights as possible and share the discoveries with all of you.

My 2015 drag racing season would not have been possible without the help of MSD, Autometer, Hurst Shifters, Rossi GMC, and my friends Scott and Zack who are the only two people that work on my car besides me, my wife and my daughter. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me find peace during the storms of life. When I am working on my car, driving it, or helping someone else with their car, I have a storm-proof force field around me. The trials of life seem to vanish, while my mind rejuvenates itself to answer the bell and enter the fight one more time.

I was so blessed to have shared the complete makeover of my car with my Mom before she passed in November. It warmed her heart to see me excited about drag racing once again, after a 25-plus year retirement. It warmed my heart whenever she came to visit and spent time with me in my shop. In only a way my Mom could word it, she willed her car to her favorite mechanic who always found the time to repair whatever was broken. I am honored to be that mechanic, and looking back wish I would have fixed a few things to break just so she would have spent more time with us. Mom was an amazing lady to say the least. Over the years she helped finance many of my motorcycles, cars, parts and tools, and was certainly an "enabler" for my motorsports addiction. Her legacy will live on in all of my work, and in my quest to help others and make the world a better place one burn out at a time.

The 908 Motorsports Magazine would not be possible without the help of my cousin Gina. She has always believed in my ability to share my heart and put it on paper. Gina has taken my vision and packaged it into the magazine you see today. There are no words to express my gratitude and respect to her.

As iron sharpens iron, surrounding yourself with like-minded, positive people is the key to success. Whether it is your pit crew, friends, staff, or family take the time and thank them for helping you get where you are. I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year and look forward to sharing the exciting things we have planned this year with all of you.

Keep wrenching,

JT