Editor's Letter
That Great Japanese Feeling
Despite what you probably read or heard about this year's Tokyo Auto Salon being "weak", it really wasn't. Try to put some things into perspective: yes, the "economy took its biggest crap on the auto and tuning industries this year" and sure, as Tetsu eluded to, some people just aren't building cars in Japan like they used to. But you know what? The scene is going to adapt, just like it is here in the US, and it's going to be people like you and me (and those in Japan), the people who do it for the love of making cars go fast and look good, who are going to continue to push and evolve our passion into new directions. Yeah, TAS wasn't as great of a showing as it has been in years past, but every time I go, I come back with a sense of renewal. I feel like I want to get right back into doing something, anything with my car, because the enthusiasts inspire me at every turn when I'm there. Clearly, there are the people who stop modifying cars because it's simply not their thing anymore and there are the rest of us, the type who go decades strong, regardless of how "uncool" tuning cars might have become to the mainstream or because a weakened economy says you should be putting your money elsewhere (of course, make sure you save a little!). Look at all the retro builds going on. Does that mean the old school is our new school? Maybe they're part of it. This scene ain't dead yet. All we need is a quick breather and a little recharge, but we're going to hit it harder than ever, whether you like it or not.
Back By Popular Demand: The Tas Goodie Bag
Last year we gave out what was possibly the coolest thing we could think of if you couldn't be at the Tokyo Auto Salon: the TAS goodie bag. At first it was a bag stuffed with brochures, then it snowballed into all the things we had laying around the office that was "JDM", and finally, we threw in a set of Volk Wheels... for a 1/24 scale model car. The giveaway drew such huge response that we felt inclined to do it again this year and just like last time, you'll never know what exactly you're going to get. For sure you're getting all the brochures we could stuff into a single plastic bag (it's a lot, trust us) but could there be more? Oh, what fun it is to keep you in suspense; we love it. The premise is simple. Be on the lookout for our blog post on www.superstreetonline.com - make sure you register because it's the only way you'll be able to comment (some of you have done this for past contests and we thank you for paying attention). Leave this phrase as a comment:
TAS GOODIES. Next, find the Facebook post for this contest (we're eliminating Twitter this time) and leave the same comment in that post; do not make a new post or you'll be disqualified, and of course, be sure to list your SuperStreetOnline user name so we know it's you. Only ONE winner will be picked at random but bribes are accepted and often encouraged. There may not be a set of wheels to give out this time but chance has a funny way of showing up with a winner.
Wow, This Is Really Cool!
Just as we were about to put the finishing touches on this issue, I received a package from Robbie Ress from Richmond, Texas and inside he placed a really well drawn rendition of the widebody ASM S2000, much better than the usual "here are photos of my kid on the crapper reading Super Street" (as cute as your kids are, we've already run our fair share of those; may we request photos of your hot girlfriend, wife or girl friend reading our magazine instead?) and he couldn't have been sent it in at a better time than this, right when we're featuring ASM's street version S2000 time attack car in this very issue! So, thanks Robbie, your talents have paid off!
Jonathan Wong
jdmwong@superstreetonline.com