The australian and international skateboard racing scene just seems to keep moving forward in leaps and bounds with no signs of it slowing. With the recently formed IDF (International Downhill Federation) and the ever progressive ASRA at the helm, i strongly believe 2013 will be even bigger and better for us Aussies. Without knowing everything about the newly formed IDF, one thing i do know is that the people and individuals who have come together to form this new and exciting body for skateboard racing happen to be some of the most respected, dedicated and passionate people in the sport. Their commitment to improve the gravity racing scene and lead it into the future is unquestionable and i have total confidence that we will all benefit from their initiative. The domestic scene in australia is also progressing forward. Never before have we seen so many outlaw races stoking out the crew as well as the more regular occurence of legit sanctioned events. Before we can look into 2013 we still have a lot to get through in the last part of 2012. There is Western Australia's first legal race being held at the famous Barbagello raceway, like bathurst its another haunt for v8 supercars and it seems also now downhill skateboard racing. The following weekend is the Yarra Ranges Longboard Festival followed by one of the most competitive outlaws in the land,the Wild Wild West held on December 9th to finish the year off. Looking into 2013 is exciting; new races, new sanctioning bodies, new formats, freerides, Mt Kiera, Bathurst and epic new hills being found allover the country. Somthing else the Aussie scene has in store is the return of its favourite son, still in my mind the Aussie who is most likely to win us a world crown first, the much awaited return of Jacko. He's been playing it smart while still totally immersed in the scene, filming, running events while juggling rehab, winning slalom races with his goals of getting back on top highly evident, something i look forward to is seeing him back onboard and rallying with the crew. Personally another exciting thing in our sport today is the high level of skating: There are so many skaters in the world today totally capable of winning races. I feel this has been proven this year purely by the results. We have seen so many different winners and the sport is proving itself a real guessing game. I believe having different winners has been good for the sport in general, in past years we have seen some dominant performers but i think the tide has turned and its anyone's game! Will there be a next big thing or are there so many next big things. Bring on 2013 and all the radness that is progressive skateboard racing, who or what will blow our minds next year? get EXCITED!!!