Where does the time go? Even though summer seems like a distant memory with all the storms and rain we've had lately, it's now almost Christmas and another year has flown by faster (much faster) than a Pro Stock Truck. Less than two weeks and we'll be into 1999 and less than a month until the first anniversary of the Northern Thunder website.

That this site has lasted for a year seems a bigger miracle than the one in Bethlemen nearly 2000 years ago. I can look back and see several instances where the site was on the verge of disintegrating, but somehow it pulled through. However, it never would have lasted this long, or improved to the point where it is today without all the help and encouragement I've received along the way.

First and foremost on that list is Larry Pfister, who has been my biggest booster and still continues to promote this site through his "Horsepower Heaven 3". Whenever things seemed hopeless, he would give me a kick in the butt when it was needed and tell me to "smarten up and try again". Thanks for everything Larry, without you, I wouldn't be posting this.

The balance of the list of helpers includes everyone who has taken the time and effort to send e-mail messages. Like the invitation reads on Backfire!, "bombs or bouquets" -- tell us what you think, and you have. Even those who haven't written have encouraged me with the Hit Parade totals still climbing on a weekly basis.

Thanks to everyone who has made this all possible. And to everyone, my best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.

In the next few days I'll try to put together a "Year in Review" update and bring you some of the latest news about the Australian drag racing scene, plus the status of the Northern Thunder DOWNUNDER adventure.