Oran Park: Russell Ingall 2008 season review

HERE'S TO A GREAT FESTIVE SEASON

With the presents opened and the after-lunch snooze done and dusted, I thought it was time to wish everyone a happy festive season.

There is no doubt that this year was one of the most challenging and one of the most satisfying of my career as I moved back into a Holden, but it was made a little easier with the continued support of my loyal fans.

It was actually nice to sit down on Christmas Day with Julia and the girls and really reflect on what we achieved this year and what we look forward to in 2009.

I have to say one of the most pleasing things about 2008 was my new association with the crew at Supercheap Auto.

The way they go about their business is first class and it is easy to see why they are one of the leading retailers in Australia and New Zealand.

I have been welcomed with open arms into the Supercheap Auto family by management, staff, suppliers and customers.

I am glad we have been able to repay some of their faith in me and the Paul Morris Motorsport operation with some strong results this season, but I believe there is a lot more to come.

The other really pleasant experience this season was dealing with Paul and his mum and dad, Terry and Lurleen, who are real racing fans and enjoy the sport so much.

They also know how to produce a pretty good bottle of wine from their Sirromet winery and TM has ensured that my cellar is well-stocked.

We also launched my personal merchandise range this year and the results were terrific. It always give me a bit of a buzz to see fans in my gear at the track or away from it. (You don't have to guess what was in the girls' Christmas Stocking!)

My website has also grown in leaps and bounds this year and we are looking to introduce a few more exciting elements in 2009, including an extension to the merchandise range - so stay tuned!

The world is certainly a changing place and that will be no different in V8 Supercar land where a lot of teams are going to have to look at the way they go about their business.

To be honest, we have not stopped working at our Norwell base in Queensland to ensure we have every I dotted and T crossed as we head into 2009 full-steam ahead.

You continually have to make changes in this business and that is not something we are scared of at PMM.

It would be great it we could see those results immediately in the opening round at the clipsal 500 in Adelaide - only time will tell.

I know many of you will be traveling over the next few weeks and we encourage you to be safe and patient on the roads.

Please give your vehicle a complete check, including tyres and fluids, and remember that if you need any last-minute items you can get them at your nearest Supercheap Auto store.

One behalf of Julia and the girls we wish you a tremendous festive season, hope Santa delivered everything you wanted and that you have a wonderful New year.

We look forward to seeing you at a track in 2009.

Cheers
Rusty and family

-credit: russellingall.com.au