Things are changing fast in the world of racing. This has never been a sport for those that can't keep up, but even those fast on their feet have been surprised by how much has transpired so quickly!

Car counts are down. Sponsors, if they've still got a budget for motorsports, are demanding better, more concrete numbers. People and companies are worried about the economy and are holding back on making solid commitments. And yet, if I look at the American condition in January, 2009, I think of a line famously sung by rock icons Rush: "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice." Let's call a spade a spade: there is a lot of uncertainty in the racing world right now!

And yet, as a Grand-Am competitor and fan of sports car racing, there is a lot to be happy about. In an environment that's seeing truly marginal entries in some other series, the KONI Sports Car Challenge has over sixty cars registered for Daytona. And there are a bunch of solid entries, all capable of winning in GS and ST. That's good news no matter how you spin it...

Obviously, at Compass360 we've been very fortunate to sign some truly exceptional drivers, and I think we've managed to put together some pairings that can vie for the championship in ST. Being second place in 2008 and 2007, you can imagine we are working hard to do what we can to finally take the top spot. But it won't be easy: even in a challenging economy, we are facing some of our best competitors ever.

And that's what makes it exciting. It's why all of us come back, year after year. It's why Honda continues to support us, and why technical partners like Skunk2 keep stepping up their efforts to keep us at the front of the pack. Because racing IS exciting. It's the true test of performance, of getting the maximum out of man and machine. It's the unknown and the yet-to-be. It keeps us on the edge of our seats, watching with baited breath.

When we show up at Datyona next week, I know we've got great cars. Heck, we've been on the dyno every week for the past two months testing different components! We've got amazing drivers, too. Randy Pobst, Peter Schwartzott, Bo Roach: these guys are proven, veteran racers with tons of touring car experience. And our young guns, who bring their exuberance and passion for the sport: Christian Miller, Matt Pritiko and Travis Walker. When I look at those guys, I see three cars that can win the race, and win the championship. And that's what it's all about.

After a three month break, I am so excited to see our rigs being packed up in preparation for the first race of 2009. Down economy? Humbug! We've got racing to do!

We're looking forward to Daytona next week...

Courtesy of Compass360