Hello one and all.
I hope that everyone is wrapping up warm now that the temperatures have decided to drop all of a sudden.

Speaking of plummiting, this last month in motorsport has been a testing time for everyone involved. Whether you're a team manager, driver, a mechanic, technician or even a fan of the sport, the death of a driver is always a tragedy. But to lose someone who is well loved and highly respected, then words really can't explain the emotions you feel inside. Certainly, the deaths of Marco Simoncelli and Dan Wheldon has shocked the world over. It's certainly been the most tragic time for the sport as a whole since the death of Ayrton Senna back in 1994; in terms of an impact a drivers death has around the world.
It also makes you realise just how cruel life can be, especially when something bad happens to a person who doesn't deserve any misfortune or bad luck. The only consilation to these accidents is that Marco and Dan both perished doing something that they both loved. But it doesn't mean that our hearts haven't been ripped out and stamped on because believe me, they have.
Even though it's been nearly three weeks since Dan was killed at Las Vegas, I can still get very emotional, particularly if I watch the exellent TORA tribute video that Simon has put together. You've produced a stunning video mate, well done! It was a great tribute to a man who was not only a great racing driver, but also a very kind and generous human being. The deal at Las Vegas where he would share the $5m prize with a fan if he'd won from the back of the grid showed the character of the man as a whole. There are not many people like Dan out there in todays modern society and he's been a massive loss to motorsport as well as the world. My thoughts are still with his family, his wife and their two young children who will grow up without a father. I hope god will give you strength during this difficult time.

It was certainly a real priviledge to take part in the salute to Dan last Sunday evening. It was a shame that we didn't have the budget to do such a thing for real. But it doesn't matter! It shows what real spirit everyone has to show their respects for possibly the best british racing driver of our generation.
It was also an honour to win both races in the Dan Wheldon cup at Indianapolis in the Ferrari 458 Challenge. Winning such events leaves you with a bitter sweet feeling because of the driver that the race is named after. I remember having the same memories back in 2009 at the last round of the TORA GT's. Because not only did ATR win the race and the championship, it was the first race which was re-named the Henry Surtees Memorial Trophy after Henry's death a few weeks earlier at Brands Hatch.
For the rest of the 458 challenge, I'm gonna honour the late Dan Wheldon still by carrying his name and number on my car, despite changing the livery to what I was planning to use in the series. Here's a couple of pics:







Whilst I'm still feeling downbeat, I thought it would be best if I turn my attentions to the touring car championship. Seeing that I was disqalified from the last round, I would like to congratulate NickyF1 who's inherited the drivers title from me, and further congtratulate M&M for the teams championship.
I think that this season as a whole (before the incidents of Sedona) has been a complete shambles to be honest. And has certainly the most controversial moment of my time here with The Online Racing Association. As a results of various issues both on and off the circuit, it has put me off the touring cars all together. As far as I'm concerned, I'm finished and done with the Touring Car Championship. If honestly is what people want from me, then this is what you're getting. If Chris (GTR Evoluzione) and silentalarm42 want to carry on in the series, that's fine by me and I'll support you guys 100%. I will help to prepare and test the cars for each race meeting as I've done in last seasons TCC.
From now on, my main priority with ATR is going to be in the ISCC and GT series. The touring cars has left a very damp impression for me because of last season. I'll just stick to watching the british touring car championship instead.
I'm not looking for a fight or an arguement, but I wanted to express what happened at the time now that the series has finished. Also, I understand that a lot of the incidents during the series (including my disqualification from Sedona) was my fault, and no matter what you think of my skills, I know that I'm not perfect. I've never claimed to be perfect. And I don't care if you're even a member of such big teams like VVV, WWR, PLOW, SBR, EZT etc. No one is perfect!!

This weekend sees the second round of the 458 challenge hosted at Infineon Raceway. I can't wait. Its a great circuit with lots of variation changes, slow corners and fast chicanes. I'm hoping this track will suit me well once again just like Indianapolis, but I do expect some competiton. Particularly from my great team mate and fellow member of ATR, Mark (Rollin InAn STi). He's always been either matching me or is just a fraction behind myself. Forza Motorsport 4 is suiting Johnny really nicely so he'll be another ATR driver to watch out for. Depending if he'll turn up, but Duncan is another racer to keep an eye out for in the rear view mirror. Very experienced and quick at the same time. All I can say is roll on tomorrow. It's a pitty that our other ATR member (Connor) won't be turning up to this event. But I hope that he'll make a comback for round 3.

As far as plans go for ATR in 2012, it hasn't been finalised as of yet. There's still one or two options to work out, but it's looking very promising for our organisation next year. All the drivers will be represented in all of the major championships including one which I won't be taking part in (The Touring Cars).
In the ISCC, its very likely that ATR will be setting up two LMP1 teams using both Lola's (Mazda and Aston Martin) and will also be collaborating with Mushroom Kingdom Racers for an entry in GT. Choice of car will probably be the Ferrari 458 now that Turn 10 have officially announced it in the new car pack in November. Pitty not all of the GT field is in the car pack, but it's a start.
When the plans have been finalised and agreed with everyone in ATR, then I shall release a statement announcing who will be in which team and driving what.

And one last message before I finish off this drivers blog. But this time on a more possitive mote. I would like to further my congratulations to Duncan and his wife on the birth of their son, Hudson Nico Ray. Lets hope all goes well for you both and for your son to have a safe and bright future ahead of him.

Good luck to everyone participating in the second round of the 458 challenge tomorrow and I'll be looking forward to seeing you all on the track.