My 10 favorite stories I wrote in 2016

This is admittedly an exercise of vanity but this is my blog so sue me.

Anyone who knows me well can vouch for the notion that I’m absolutely in love with what I do for a living. I sincerely believe that I make some degree of difference, be it furthering the national discourse, providing insight or outright entertaining my fellow motorsport friends. With that in mind, I like to go back from time-to-time and select a handful of stories or columns that I’m especially proud of.

This particular list focuses on 2016 and serves as a best of collection.

This was a challenging season to cover as a freelancer. I spent it writing for Autoweek, RACER, USA Today, Popular Speed, About.com and my personal Short Track Scene project — many of these at the same time.

It was also a politically-complicated year with my exile from Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville and the Snowball Derby credential controversy. I pride myself on uncovering topics that are worthy of discussion and debate — something that gets me in trouble occasionally.

But this is the truest definition of the job, is it not?

We’re here to inform our readers, keep those with power honest, and provide a voice for anyone whom feels silenced. In that regard, I’m really proud of what I’ve accomplished this year. I’ve defended my journalistic convictions, provided a national spotlight to short track drivers that wouldn’t get it otherwise and gave everyone in the sport an item or two to think about along the way.

And the season ended with my full-time promotion to Autoweek’s editorial team. Not too bad for a guy that some said was an embarrassment to his profession in October! I’m honest with you guys and I love motorsports with all my heart and soul.

I hope that comes through in my writing. Here are the 10 stories from 2016 that I feel best reflect my personal passion for racing and journalism.
As always, never apologize for living.