Pictures explain only a part of such an incredible event. Yes, we can show cars, the systems, the people... but the images leave out the many stories of hardship and the friendships that are behind this great sport. Over my six-year involvement with the Finals as an install judge I have witnessed an incredible change. The attitude in the sport has been transformed dramatically. When I first started judging, competitors always kept their cars under lock and key, not wanting the competition to see anything in the system. This secretive attitude even kept a lot of competitors from speaking to one another. The last couple of years people have started to open up. This year I watched competitors helping each other out with everything imaginable, from tuning to cleaning. They listened, critiqued, laughed and joked with one another. This was seen at all levels, from the first year novice to the seasoned veteran. There was an expert competitor that was injured the day before the Finals and everyone was unsure if he would make the show. When the other expert competitors found out about this, there were offers to drive and pick up the truck, or whatever they could do. This kind of spirit was not common in the past. I can honestly say as a past competitor and a judge this was refreshing to witness. And this was the first year when the general mood of the show could be characterized as truly "fun". This new attitude (to have fun and help others) can only make this sport grow. I would like to thank and congratulate all the competitors that made this the best Finals ever.