Whoever has been reading the Internet as of late or anyone who is a MySpace junkie may already know that I've decided to move on from my position here as Associate Editor. I recently got a job offer that I just couldn't refuse and I am going into another automotive field that offers a little more cushion for the pockets. Now, there is no reason to get sad over this, because you definitely haven't lost another mini-trucker to old cars or imports. Mini-trucks and the mini-truckin' lifestyle are something that is in my blood and always will be. I've been a mini-trucker for more than 13 years and I don't plan on ever going anywhere. I love all of the friends I have made over the years and I plan on making many more in this scene.
First thing that comes to everyone's mind, and just so nobody has to ask: I AM NOT going to any other publication (or doing anything in the automotive journalism field), but rather, I'm heading into a completely different automo-tive direction. It's not mini-truck related, but hey, mini-trucks can't always pay for mini-trucks. With my newfound job opportunities and cash flow, the Pathfinder is now in full swing up at Grant Kustoms and is well on its way to getting the final completion ideas. It won't happen overnight, but now I hope it can be finished sooner rather than later.
This last weekend I just went to my final show as a staffer at MT. Texas Heat Wave was as it always is: hotter than a Mike Lavalee paint job. I was so happy to see the concern and wishes of good hope that I was getting from everyone I came across. I have never had a response at a show such as this and it will make me miss this job that much more.
On a good note, I will still be doing things here and there for MT, and as always, I will do anything I can to help Mike and the MT crew put out a world-class magazine. Together we have built it this last year to be the absolute best Mini Truckin' magazine has ever been and you guys all know Mike won't let that slip one bit. The part that I'm the most excited about is this: Even though I will no longer be there, Mike has asked me to continue to write Asphalt Junkie, so everyone can be up-to-date about what's going on with me and the mini-truckin' scene. This was such good news because of the fact that this is the part of the magazine that I knew I would miss doing the most. It is my thoughts, my views, and nobody will change it unless I'm just completely out of line. (Yeah, I censor myself.) So, even though I won't be out and about as much, I'll still be able to bring you some of my funny, mad, sad, happy, and quirky stories Chad Lucas style, raw and uncut!
Don't ever think that I'll stray too far from the scene, though. I have my Pathfinder to get finished and I have a lot of changes coming in my life. I'm pretty open about my life right now, so you can expect to hear much more in upcoming issues. Don't worry! I'll try not to make it too much like the Diaries of Chad Lucas, but I will try and keep you updated in general. I love everyone who has said or written good comments about this column or my work. The satisfaction you get from doing your work sometimes never takes hold until someone tells you that you've done a good job. Thank you for making this the best experience of my life, and there is always more to come. See ya around the bend.