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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. We are finally ready to launch the 2009 AHDRA Screamin' Eagle Championship Series. I am sorry for the delay, but circumstances have dictated that we do it this way. There have been some unanswered questions and there still are a few, but we have firmed up most everything that impacts our 2009 racing season. We have done some major reorganizing. These steps are necessary to adjust our position properly in the present and predicted economic environment. We have a firm, albeit abbreviated, schedule. These are events where we have been historically well supported and attended. These are some of the best racetracks in the country and afford us the best facilities, track prep, safety and staff to successfully conduct our races.

We have made adjustments to almost everything. We will have a smaller full time staff. Pre-registration now affords you a 10% discount instead of the $20.00 across the board. The overall posted purse has been reduced by about 10%. We have reduced spectator gate prices in an effort to make our tickets more affordable. We have also reduced membership prices and simplified that procedure.

This is a tough season for sponsorship. Several of our supporters have hit hard economic times and won't be able to sponsor the races while they keep things going on the home front. Without exception, every one of those folks expressed their desire to continue their support in the future, and we will welcome them back anytime. Please continue to support these companies like Kresto, Pingel Enterprises, Mac Tools, Progressive Insurance and Metzeler Tire. They along with others have been great supporters and we look forward to them coming back.

Harley-Davidson's Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts, Rush Racing Products, S&S Cycle and others remain as our flagship sponsors for 2009. Our contingency program for 2009 is still in the works, but we fully expect most of the great growth and integrity of that program to remain for the upcoming season.

SPEED Magazine will be going to an online format. This is a major savings for AHDRA and will also allow for dirt-cheap advertising rates and availability to thousands of new readers. This new method allows for some neat features and doesn't limit content. With our website receiving millions of hits per month and thousands of visitors per day we will be able to quantify the true readership and value of advertising in SPEED

Bottom line is we have an exciting year of racing coming up and I believe we have positioned ourselves for the best of all concerned. This is a year to pull together. Splinter groups and negativity will not be tolerated. I intend to have some fun, work hard and maintain the integrity of this organization. As always, but even more important now, it takes all of us to make this work. I hope you are on board with me.

Craig Tharpe