They say that the coming of a new year gives us all a fresh slate to work from; a new beginning that allows us a mental reset of our lives. This is a bit deceiving, as we need not wait until the end of the year to modify our actions, but it does provide an opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months. As far as time keeping goes, a year is a pretty significant measurement. We typically evaluate our successes and failures based on what we accomplish within a years time, and give ourselves goals for the new year with the intention of having achieved them in yet another year-long period. We continue this forecast of achievement year after year, basically for our entire lives. For that reason alone it’s a significant occasion.
I’m no different. I buy into the conventional tradition of making ‘New Years resolutions’ because, well, no matter what you want to call them, it’s important to set goals for ourselves. How can you realize success unless you set a benchmark for it? It wasn’t until a few years ago, however, that I started taking myself seriously in this regard and actually started measuring the progress of my resolutions. There’s a direct correlation between self-audits and achieving goals. I’m in a much better place today than I was 3 or 4 years ago because of this realization.
Last year, I had set some goals for myself, but none of which had anything to do with the website. The majority of them were financial benchmarks I felt I needed to hit, and a couple were career oriented, but the one that stood out most to me was finishing my car. Well, not actually finishing, but getting it to the point where I could shake it down. I’m happy to report that all boxes for 2017 have been checked as of today, and I couldn’t be happier. With that being said, I feel like I didn’t do enough justice to the website. Viewership was up a little, but we didn’t experience the growth that we usually see year over year and the majority of that was due to a change in my priorities for 2017. I can only do so much with the time I’m given, and in order to maintain the balance in my life that I defend so brazenly, I had to take a step back from working on the site. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, as it gave me time to yet again evaluate the direction this project is headed.
You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you all this. Well, it’s because my goals for this coming year are centered around growing the website – and what better way to hold myself accountable than to publicize them. Last week I solidified my travel schedule for this years Attack season, and to say it’s aggressive for a guy with full-time management position would be an understatement. With a goal of 6 different circuits in under 3 months, this could be the busiest season I’ll have seen. Although I’m excited, and a bit anxious, it’s important to remember the foundation that we’ve built over the past year. I’ve met so many new people, and have built upon existing friendships to make them stronger, that at this point the cars are just a by-product of the people to me. A lot of these friendships will make appearances next year in one way or another, and I’m excited about that more than anything.
Time permitting I’d love to pick out my favorites from last year and explain why, but I suppose that’s what I have a website for. There’s still 3 days left in this year and I intend to make good use of them. I’d like to reach out and see what everyone reading would like to see for next year; be it a certain event, a specific car, or types of cars, more in depth technical information, etc. I have a pretty good idea of what’s in store, but am always open to suggestions.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
I’ve told myself next year will be one of NDF’s biggest yet, and I can’t wait to get started. Thank you all for your support throughout 2017, and I wish you all a happy new year.
-Sean
I’d like to see more of the details and work done on your civic track car. I dig the time attack stuff from Japan, so keep that coming.
I’ll try to keep up with the progress of the build more often. Now that I’m working on it less it should be a bit easier
Thank you for continuing to give us things to see and read, look forward to the years to come 🙂
Always have loved the Japan Attack coverage, but would love to see you branch out stateside as well, as I feel like time attack is gaining that momentum and growth that so many have wanted for such a long time.
The coverage that is out now isn’t that in-depth, nor does a good job at highlighting teams, cars, tracks, events, etc. and I feel that your style that you write in and the way you take in your surroundings at events, would be a much needed step in the right direction for US event coverage.
I know your schedule is limited, but I think a lot of us US based teams, drivers, etc would love to see you out at our events too!
Hi Markos,
I’d like that as well, time permitting of course!
I would like to see more technical information about the cars and also see the store stocked if possible. Every time I go to buy something, it’s unfortunately sold out.
I’ll be working on having the store open more consistently this year.
Orange Ball Tuning Garage DC5 Type R ought to have a full feature. It’s undergoing an entire ground up rebuild.
circuit for sure if you can find sum z34 id love to see some japan iterations.
Would most definitely like to see that SW20 that I always see on the site! I’ve been looking for information for years and no one had been able to give it. It’s a under rated chassis and one that deserves some love for sure.
I would also like to thank you for the contents on your page! Have a happy new year and I look forward to 2018!
Which SW20 would that be?
Thank you for continuing the updates! I’m sure the balance swings both ways. I’d love to see some Porsche items if you come across anything in Japan, and have the time. As the owner of an ex-Japan based Porsche I’m always curious as to how they approach tuning these things, and there is a whole group of irreverent, wild and carefree builds over there (M’s Machine Works Cayman GT3 for example). Surely some of them are into time attack!
Thank you for the updates and giving us this amazing website.
I myself would love to see some more underated/ our of the picture cars. Kei cars, budget cars etc.
Anyways, best of wishes for the new year and I’ll be visiting more often and I’m gonna try and get some merch this year.
If you see any interesting BRZs or 86s, I would love to see them! I am currently building my ZN6 for time attack, and would love to see what people are doing with the platform overseas.
I have really enjoyed your site for 2-3 years now. Keep doing what your doing and if at all possible just do more of it 🙂 As for myself anything Honda, more directly any DA9 that you could grab a picture of would be much appreciated. I know they almost don’t exist but I still love them. Thank You
I’ll do my best, thanks!