Pit stop with Gauldy – Green Bay

The 2008 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series is now in the books. It was a story book ending to one of the best years in the history of AX. Chad Johnson became the new champion and it was only fitting that he does it in his home state of Wisconsin. It always sucks when something good comes to an end. For me, this was my 4th year on the tour and it was definitely my best and the one I will remember the most. I will remember Glen’s (Producer) addiction to Diet Coke, and becoming somewhat of a trucker after dragging a trailer across the country for the first time. John (Camera man) and his gross but always entertaining stories, and of course his best Ken Stout impressions. “That Boy loves the Rainbow”. I will always remember how bad my flights were this year and how it led to the best cab ride ever from Chicago O’Hare Airport to midway across town. It was pretty awesome.

The best part of the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series that fans do not get to see is the people that work the events. Cheryl, Luan, Cindy, Ron, Sara, Harv, Travis, Pam, B.J. Pete, Andy, Bailey, Derek, Tim, Ashley, Dave, and there are many more. These are people that for me are like Family now. We see one another all the time and it does not get old. Last night was the banquet and we all were able to get are drink on and do some dancing and share the past 5 months of memories in one night of fun. It truly was a beautiful thing to see everyone dress up and let loose.

Now that it is all over it reminds me that all good things must come to an end. It would be so sweet if we could go for another 5 months so I could spend more time with the people that I have grown to love and enjoy seeing all the time. For me, being the immigrant from Canada, it was always in the back of my mind that I may not be accepted in all the situations down here. With all the above mentioned people they made me feel like I have a second home.  I truly am going to miss each and every one of the staff and crew this summer. Thanks for the memories

Now to one more sad part to the end of the year. I got word from Tim Cotter that he will not be back with us for 2009. He told me that he will be switching gears and moving over to his GNCC series next winter and moving on from AX. This will be a huge loss for 2009 and it will be hard for Live Nation to fill those shoes of one of the best ever to hold a microphone. The way he puts is heart and soul in to every word that exits his lips is going to be missed. You will never meet a more entertaining fella. Tim I wish you good luck and I thank you for all you have done for me in my announcing career.

Chad Johnson is the man with the target for next year. The Holy Grail is his to dawn for 2009. Who will step up and charge at him like a bull to steel his plate? I guess only time will tell. See y next year.