October 23, Long Beach, NY--- When we started the Long Island Motorsports News website back at the beginning of 2002, it was basically to have fun, and consolidate much of the racing information into one condensed place where press releases, columns, and racing schedules may be found. In the process, I have made many friends, lost a few wonderful friends, and gained immeasurably something inside.

    This past August 8th, I was sitting around ready to update this site, and came to the realization that it just wasn't fun anymore; instead, it became a job. After consulting with my wife Lori, Editor in Chief Walter Johnston, and Photo Editor Mike Mercurio, I realized that this would be the perfect time to just 'hang it up'. Before doing that, I decided that I'd just sit on the side for a bit, and see if I would have a change of heart. However, after 2 1/2 months, I have pretty much decided that my initial decision was the correct one. Realize that running a successful site takes a tremendous amount of time and effort--- time that can be spent with my family.

     The front page of the website will stay up, as there is a chance that another person that we've spoken to will take over the site. Should that happen, we would obviously want them to have a viable website. In fact, I told that person that I would be happy to help out for a time while they get this site up and running in a style they would like to turn it into. Hopefully, they will, as I'm somewhat proud of what I've accomplished over the time I've been in control here.

     There is a whole lot of people who I need to thank. First and foremost is my wife Lori, who has put up with me for an entire decade of running this site, as well as being a columnist for much longer than that. Walter Johnston (WJ), who keeps me on my toes, and never lets me forget when I screw up the spelling of a word or the punctuation of a sentence... Of course, revenge is sweet when I look at his site and can find a mistake of his before he can pick it up! I had asked WJ to take over as Editor in Chief after my very good friend Dean Mercier passed away a few years ago. Our Photo Editor was Mike Mercurio, who I consider to be the best racing photographer in the industry--- BAR NONE!

     Next I want to go on to the independent writers, who shared much of their talent through the years. Some of them went on after gaining experience with Long Island Motorsports News to have successful jobs as beat reporters throughout the northeast. The enthusiasm for their writing made this a much better site.

     Finally, I want to thank the Public Relations people. They are the lifeblood of any website, providing us with the best, and most up-to-date information from their tracks/series that you can get. Sure, the info is slanted in favor of the track/series they're working for, as it should be in their positions. Still, it can be a very tough, challenging job, and most handle it as professionally as it can be.

     This past year, if you saw a track's or series' releases up on this site, you know it came from a professional. Those tracks that couldn't send results or points to us in a timely manner had their track or series dropped from this website--- usually after a conversation why we were getting frustrated with them to begin with. Some made the necessary changes; other that didn't had their coverage dropped. To be honest about it,  I just ran out of patience.

     Finally, I want to thank the track promoters that welcomed me into their facilities, offices, and picked up the phone when I called. So many were an absolute joy to work with. Their policies of "I don't care what you say about me as long as you spell my track's name right" resonates with any responsible writer. It's terrific when I pick up the phone when it rings, and a promoter thanks me (or takes me to task) over something I printed on the site.

    Other than mentioning WJ's and Mike's name, I'm not mentioning anyone else's name as far as writers PR people, or promoters, as there are just too many. And should I inadvertently leave one name out, it would obviously hurt and do a disservice to the forgotten person.

     I've been asked if I lost my passion for racing? The simple answer is no; I've lost my passion for being at a track every week, having to cover an event whether I want to be there or not. I guess you can say I'm burnt out after doing this daily for ten years. Am I going away? Nope, I may write an occasional column for another site or two. However, it will be more of a labor of love, than a duty that I have to provide week in and week out.

     That being said, I gotta tell 'ya that I've had a ball, whether I've been writing, going to a reunion, being a track announcer, doing motorsports marketing, or having my name in one of the Chicken Soup For The Soul books.

     So finally, that concludes my time here at Long Island Motorsports News. So thank you so much for your encouragement over the years, and so long. As Ricky Miller would say, "I'm outta here..."

     Mike Fields
     Publisher