As the curtain begins to close on 2019, and the motorsport year fades into history, it's time to start looking to 2020 with steely determination.
I've enjoyed some great success throughout 2019 in both motorsport and Esports Commentary, most notably working alongside commentators such as Tom Brooks and Anthony Jordan for Gran Turismo and Buckmore Park respectively - both situations being way above any expectations I had going into the year and setting up Chazlington as a brand.
Top that off with the chance to be a stage MC at the British Grand Prix for the F1 Esports Stage, and I feel very grateful for the chances that people have given me, to prove myself. I'm hoping for much more of the same next year.
Of course I have to thank Apex Racing TV for giving me my first trial on iRacing back in April 2018, and providing me with so much work throughout my time as a commentator. As of the day I'm writing this article, I've completed over 60 broadcasts, covering 10 different championships, and doing over 120 Hours of commentary with them. I'm sure there's plenty more to come.
It's not all glitz and glam though - finding commentary work can be difficult, and things have tailed off towards the end of the year as the seasons winds down. Getting a role as a commentator - in sim racing or the real world - can be difficult, as once someone is established in an industry like this before you, and taken a role that you may have your eye on, you need to rely on other opportunities to try and stand out or be considered as a first pick over them.
Another element to consider with this is the fact that if you're going to work in an industry like commentary, where you're very likely to cross paths with someone more than once, you don't want to be stepping on any toes or causing any aggro, so how I've gone about getting my work this year has been one of my key areas to focus on.
There's plenty of chances that more surprises could arise in 2020, but I have to make sure that I go out there and chase opportunities - they say good things come to those who wait, but I believe you can achieve a lot more by scoping out your objectives and advancing towards them.
Early in 2020 I'll be heading to Autosport International with the hope of using it as a large-scale networking opportunity, to potentially secure work for the upcoming motorsport season. There are already one or two gigs in the pipeline, but these are to be confirmed further down the line, one way or another.
Via the website you'll be able to keep track of what I'm doing - I'm doing a three-part "round-up" in the New Year - and what I've got coming up. it's going to be an exciting year either way, so let's head into it with a positive mindset. For now, I hope that everyone that has supported me and followed me so far, has enjoyed a very Merry Christmas and I wish you all a Happy New Year.