Aw shucks folks, you're going to make me blush! I'm thrilled about both awards, but only one of them is suitable for beer consumption as Jeff mentioned (although I may need one of those huge, curly straws)! Many thanks to those who have bestowed these honors upon me.
I would like to mention that as far as I came from a wide-eyed, confused newbie, my faithful co-driver Scott advanced right along with me. You can't make the kinds of times we were making without a talented navigator at your side, and he rose to the challenge every time I stepped up the speeds. Even after I rattled him around inside the car during my last, uhm, "learning experience" at Wild West, he immediately said "I'll get back in a car with you any time. I trust you, man!" If that's not believing in someone, I don't know what is.
When I showed up at Tim-O's school before I even had a car, he asked me what my objective was. I told him, "I just don't want to suck". Thanks to his teachings, as well as help from Mark Utecht who even climbed in a car with me way back when (brave, or crazy? You decide!), I at least knew what I was *supposed* to be doing behind the wheel. Many other talented drivers shared their insights with me as well, and took the time to stick their head in the window and make sure we were on-track and OK. To all of those people including the co-drivers who helped bring Scott from a never-been to the level where he can honestly say he has never garnered us one single road point, I want to express a heart felt thank you and say that Scott and I plan on continuing the example you've set for us by helping others out whenever we can.
As for next year, when they finish un-wrinkling my car I'm going to get back in it and keep having fun. I have no desire to chase titles and championships, I just want to drive fast through the woods and continue to challenge myself and enjoy the company of the rest of the outstanding people who make up the rally community. It's a truly unique sport with some truly unique people that I can't do without, and my only regret is that I didn't figure that out sooner.
Thanks again to everyone, and I look forward to seeing you all out in the forests for a long time to come.
-Doug