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As we begin to close out the year, I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.  I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support and friendship over the last ten years.  2006 was a very exciting year for Player Management International, as we put together deals that allowed Paul Tracy and Max Papis to make their NASCAR debuts, while also putting together an Indy 500 deal for Max Papis in about 12-hours.  This year, I have been to France with Max Papis for Le Mans, while also traveling to Australia and Mexico with Paul Tracy.  I attended the Super Bowl and the NCAA Men's basketball Final Four as an encore.    

 

To end the year, my wife, Teresa, and I traveled to Italy to be with Max & Tatiana Papis as they Baptized their son, Marco, on December 3rd.  While in Italy, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Max's dad, Cesare, and had the opportunity to speak with him and get to know him a little bit.  He was a great man.  As most of you know, Max's father passed away on December 9th after a year-long battle with cancer.

 

I have truly enjoyed my relationships with GEICO, Sport Clips and American Crew.  I can honestly say that we go way beyond business and maintain great friendships. 

 

As everyone knows, GEICO has signed a three-year deal with Mike Wallace and we are collectively excited about what the future holds.  The marketing team at GEICO is one of the best that I have ever worked with and there are absolutely no egos involved, which is rare in today's business arena.  After Homestead in November, Mike and I toured all of the GEICO offices across the United States and we were impressed with how the employees embraced Mike's return as the GEICO driver.  Each event was absolutely incredible and I just cannot say enough about the marketing and event support staff on the regional levels because for six years we have been doing autograph signings and every year it gets better.  We won Daytona with Mike Wallace in the car in 2004 and we are excited about Mike's return as the driver for GEICO in 2007 in the # 7 GEICO Chevrolet.  From the top all the way down, this is a first class program with the people to match it.            

 

The CEO of Sport Clips, Gordon Logan, and I have gotten to share some really cool experiences this season.  I would venture to say that we have had more fun this season than most other people in racing.  He not only provided the sponsorship dollars to allow both Paul and Max to make their NASCAR debuts, but he also came through at the last second for Max for the Indianapolis 500.  Gordon and I have had a lot of fun this year watching all of these things come to fruition and being able to be a part of it all.  I think Gordon would have to agree that this has been the coolest year we've had in racing for Sport Clips.  I think he would also agree that there is nothing better, or more moving, than standing on the starting grid for the Indianapolis 500.  Gordon is one of the few executives that frequently attends races and because of that we get to spend a significant amount of time together.  One thing is certain, if all else fails we at least always have fun. 

 

I am looking forward to working with American Crew again in 2007 and helping them to continue building their race program.  John Mulgrew, the President of American Crew, came up with money and partnered with Sport Clips in helping Paul Tracy make his NASCAR debut.  But in American Crew's case, it was also their NASCAR debut.  2007 will be a great year for American Crew and after learning a little bit about NASCAR in 2006, we will be well-armed in 2007. 

 

As far as the athletes I deal with, you know how I feel about you, as well as your families.  I pride myself on customer service and always being available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days out of the year.  Some of us have shared a lot of different experiences and because of that we have grown really close, not just as client relationships, but as friends.  I care about each one of you deeply and when sports is all said and done I know we will all still be friends and spending time together with our families.  That is what means the most to me.... having relationships that endure. 

 

As we move into 2006, my family and I will enjoy the time we have together during this joyous part of the year and, most importantly, we will be thankful for what we have and thankful for each other.  God has truly Blessed each and every one of us, so please keep that in mind during this Christmas season.  Please keep our troops in your Prayers and never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation.

 

Once again, have a great Christmas and a happy, safe New Year and as Teresa, J.D., D.J., Lauren and I move forward into 2007, we will do it with great Hope, Faith and Love. 

 

Warmest Regards,

Doug Barnette, CEO

Player Management International, Inc.