Housekeeping: Once, Twice, Three Times A Million

Thirty-four months to the first million reads, twenty months to the second, under thirteen months to the third. Not bad for a site that doesn't offer much beyond a few "get off my lawn" rants and, of course, the tireless excellence of our classic curbside chronicler, Tom Klockau. As I did at the two million mark and the one million milestone, I will answer a few Infrequently Asked Questions after the jump.

Obviously, you're not releasing a book or an EP any time soon... I'm afraid not. With that said, I did contribute three chapters to an anthology about motoring that is currently stuck in some sort of post-production but which will, I hope, eventually become available. They already paid me so it's just a matter of ego at this point.

How are you physically? I tore my rotator cuff this year at a skatepark --- twice. It's been almost five years since I slept through the night. With that said, I feel pretty decent overall. I put almost 800 miles on my road bike this summer according to Strava, usually at a pace between 16 and 17mph. Next year I'm aiming for 1,250. So no complaints other than the fact that I'm not getting any better-looking as I age. At least I have my hair, which at 47 is an accomplishment all by itself.

And your passenger? No surgeries in 2018, a few successes in her career, maiden wins in both an SCCA enduro and a NASA sprint race. She remains considerably younger than I am and not fat, which is both gratifying to me and exceptionally rare in the world of automotive-journalism spouses. Hard to believe we have known each other for more than five years now. Time really does fly when you're having fun.

And the boy? He asked if he could focus on BMX instead of karting this year. I didn't necessarily approve of that choice but it turned out to be the right one. He had five wins in thirteen starts this year, including the last four in a row, and finished third in his class at the Gold Cup Championship for the northeastern quarter of the United States. He'd have likely racked up more but he broke his hand and lost six weeks in the fall. He plays the upright bass in his school band and a Taylor GS Mini Bass for fun. Good kid. I have no complaints.

What about Bark? I think he had a pretty good year and if you watch his Instagram he is certainly out there living the high life. He may have some really good news coming up, and I mean the kind that will have his critics contemplating suicide. We'll see.

What are your racing plans? After ten wins and a regional championship in 2018, I am going to significantly reduce my race program for the upcoming year, limiting myself to 2 SCCA and 3 NASA weekends at the most. Mrs. Baruth, on the other hand, will be vigorously contesting a regional and perhaps national championship with NASA.

Anything else? Not at the moment. I have my fingers crossed for a new career opportunity that may or may not happen. Either way I'm going to spend 2019 the way I spent 2018 --- on two wheels or four, trying to enjoy myself. As always, thanks for reading!