Commentary: Welcome to 2023
As I have said over the years, I do not make resolutions. Only goals. Most of the goals can be achieved realistically. Others become pipe dreams rather quickly.
The new year is here.
It is time for renewal. A reboot from the previous year. A fresh set of eyes upon the possibilities for the upcoming twelve months.
As I have said over the years, I do not make resolutions. Only goals. Most of the goals can be achieved realistically. Others become pipe dreams rather quickly.
Last year saw a change in goals. Mostly driven a change in circumstance. A new set of goals were put forth – and achieved. The only thing I see from last year’s amended goals is to maintain them and “stay the course.”
What about this year’s goals?
Based on planning and preparation from last year, I have a few goals to spell out…
RETURN TO THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW: This is a big one for me. It will also be George Torline’s first as a credentialed member of the automotive media. The both of us have discussed what we want to do at McCormick Place in February, along with the necessary logistics to achieve all of this. One thing that is on our agenda is to present #VOTY2022 to Ford for the F-150 Lightning. The last time I was there was in 2020 – right before the world completely shut down. It’s been too long, Chicago. Are we ready to do this?
ANOTHER RETURN TO THE MIDWEST AUTOMOTIVE MEDIA ASSOCIATION RALLY: The last time I was at Road America, it was part of a shuffling of the media association’s schedule in 2021 to get us back together during another swing of the pandemic. Since George represented us last year at the MAMA Rally, he is imploring me to come along this year. For me, it is not about the vehicles and the experiences. It is about the people. That is what makes events such as this worth attending. See you in May?
WORK WITH MORE “HEADLINE” VEHICLES: One thing is certain: One’s headline vehicle may not be ours. Yet, we do have our sights on a few upcoming vehicles that we plan to work with. The chatter on the 2023 Toyota Prius point to how much different and improved one of the original hybrid vehicles have become. The 2023 Toyota Crown is a return to the brand’s original car sold in this country some 65 years ago. When the 2023 Acura Integra finally shows up – things will get real emotional. OK, maybe not, but you get the idea…
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES: There are a few ideas in the works. Most of which are rooted in my “day job.” Whenever I do any travel, a Travelogue will follow. At this time, I am unable to divulge where I am going and when. They are in the works as we speak.
KEEP ON TELLING STORIES: The Historiography column is a way for me to dig deep into my memory bank and tell the stories of the past. While the My Favorites column is more of an indulgent look at what inspires me in the automotive space. On the Dial is a wide-ranging column that starts with the radio and expands to everything that comes from that screen in your vehicle. Along with the occasional commentary, these columns will still be around this year. Historiography and My Favorites appear monthly, while On the Dial and other columns will appear on an as-needed basis.
NEW IDEAS? Last year, we profiled a reader’s Tesla Model 3 to discover what the hype is all about. It was a good experience for us that we want to do more. The chance to spotlight enthusiast’s vehicles first hand is something I often thought about and have been proven successful. Could we do more this year? It would be a goal to at least get one published on here.
VIDEO AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Our YouTube channel continues to steadily grow. Between the Shorts and full-length videos, we hope to continue adding to that channel to gain more viewers and subscribers. Our social media also needs to continue going strong. More engagement and followers will help. Certainly the uptick last year helps, but we still need to grow – period.
RANDY’S HEALTH: I’m saving the most important goal for last. After last year’s round of hospitalizations, surgery, and so forth, my goal is to avoid the hospital in 2023. By doing so, I need to stay healthy and ensure that I have the ability to accomplish my work without any concerns. If that means sitting down when I am not at my best, all I ask is to allow me to do so.
George and I will be putting in the work for V&R in 2023. We hope you join us in delivering our best work to your screen very soon!
Cover photo by Richard Herod III. All other photos by Randy Stern and George Torline