I guess this is the time of the year where everyone writes a column about how they are thankful for many things. So...here is mine.

I am thankful...that many short tracks survived the 2009 season despite the negativity going into the season with the economy and everything else. The short tracks persevered and showed that we can continue going and in some cases thrive. They laid back on the simple fact that short tracks provide affordable family fun each week at reasonable prices.

I am thankful...that many race teams figured out a way to get through the entire season, still have fun and have a positive attitude. Yes, some places had lower car counts but it could have been worse. Drivers and teams were racing in divisions that they could afford to race in so they can still enjoy being part of this sport.

I am thankful...of the creativeness many promoters did this past season to make their tracks and series successful. Whether it was lowering their ticket price to attract more fans, cut out the weekly high dollar low car count division, series creating a schedule to where teams didn’t have to travel far and not go quickly from one event to another. They all took into consideration what they had to do in order to get the fans and the cars.

I am thankful...for the fans who continued to support their local tracks and series this past season. There are many areas where you could spend your entertainment dollar and you chose your local track and/or series to spend it with. In return, I think many tracks and series gave you your money’s worth with the great racing action that you saw in person. They also did their part by providing a family friendly and clean facility for you to enjoy each week.

I am thankful...for the promoters and track/series owners who didn’t listen to the negative thoughts that many said this would be a bad season for short tracks. Yes, we did have some victims of the economy, but it could have been worse. A majority of the tracks and series did make it through and already planning for the 2010 season.

And finally...

I am personally thankful for the many opportunities I have been given in this sport, much of it has happened in the last month. I am blessed and I will say that I am very lucky with what I have been able to do in this sport. I have worked with some of the greatest people around.

The opportunities have not only been for myself but for others as well. One that stands out was last month when I asked Hank and Kyle Calmes to bring their car and talk to college students from Skills USA and the Wisconsin Marketing & Management Association (a college division of DECA) along with Steve Einhaus, ASA Midwest Tour Vice-president, came to Green Bay, WI to share what this sport has to offer.

This sport has many things to offer and the beauty of it is that no matter what your talent and specialty is, there is a place for you to be involved in racing. All you have to do is look for it and find your niche to get involved.

And for that...we all should be thankful for this great sport.