2008 is almost over…finally. We have seen some things happen this year that were very unexpected. Big players in the import car industry closed their doors and cancelled their plans/events, the stock market took a dump, and gas prices skyrocketed leaving the average person with less money to spend on food let alone their car to just name a few.
Life hasn’t been easy. My hat goes off to the people and companies that have made it through these hard times. It is survival of the fittest.
As we ring 2009 into existence we all need to think about the companies that remain. A lot of them are struggling just like you and your family. These companies support our car culture that we belong to and we must support them to the fullest.
-Don Napier
Don, you’re absolutely correct. This industry has struggled this year with the economy being the way it is – hell, we’ve all struggled a bit. Yes, we definitely do need to show support to the guys sticking it out and doing their best to make a name for themselves. Its good that you’ve brought this up.
At the same time, I think that this year proved something. It proved how dedicated the enthusiasts are to keep this scene alive. This year, we saw you throw the biggest automotive event we’ve seen on this side of the country. Import Alliance ’08 was amazing, and what is more amazing is that it was entirely motivated by the enthusiasts. This year we saw the downfall of NOPI, but that didn’t stop the enthusiasts from putting together their own event. Grassroots events have continued to draw in more and more participation all this year. Drift events, Autocross, and Drag Racing all seem as busy, if not busier, than before.
So, I think a hats off to the enthusiasts this year that made things happen even though the industry, the economy, and everything else has been so hard this year.
P.S. Its cool to see you writing here, Don, I don’t think they could’ve found a better guy to contribute.
^^^^ Couldn’t agree more. When I got back from Import Alliance man… I was just proud… and I didn’t even have anything to do with the event. But I was just proud of all the guys out there that came out, across multiple state lines, and this was when gas was definitely over 4 bucks/gallon. Just goes to show you… that this is NOT a trend. It may have its more trendy moments… and trendy people might fade in and fade out. But there will always be that core group of us whose attitude never changes.