Most of the time I'm so busy traveling around shooting events and writing posts, that I forget just how many incredible things I've been able to see while working as a Speedhunter. That's why I love these Photos of the Year posts, not only do you guys get to see the highlights of the year, but WE also get the chance to look back and reflect on a year automotive life from around the world.

OK, let's get on with my second set of 2009's greatest hits…

HKS Factory, Shizuoka-ken Japan. Visiting the HKS factory, and spending some up close and personal time with the CT230R – without a doubt one of the coolest things I've ever done.

All Star Bash, Willow Springs Raceway, Rosamond, California.  It's pretty damn cold here in LA right now, but not quite cold enough to yearn for summer day at Willow Springs…

YMS Cup, Nikko Circuit, Tochigi-ken Japan. From hot desert drifting in California, to rainy season drifting in Japan.

Drift Soukoukai, Tsukuba Circuit, Ibaraki-ken Japan. This is one of those "only in Japan" scenes.

Formula Drift Round Five, Evergreen Speedway, Monroe, Washington. A Drift Emporium G35 slides in front of the main grandstand at Evergreen Speedway.

The Hot Rod Reunion, Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, California. Hillborn injection at the Hot Rod Reunion.

JCCA New Year Meeting, Tokyo Japan. A futuristic Yurikamome train passes above rows of nostalgic cars in Odaiba.

Formula Drift Round Six, Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California. Cavin Wan drifts on a beautiful August afternoon in his Bay Area homeland.

SEMA 2009, Las Vegas, Nevada. A little pro-touring madness from the SEMA Show.

Soukoukai, Tsukuba Circuit, Ibaraki-Japan. A variety of Japanese machinery prepares to take to the Tsukuba 2000 course. A sight that repeats itself daily at Tsukuba.

The Hot Rod Reunion, Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, California. A vintage front-engine rail dragster at speed.

Idlers Games, Tsukuba Circuit, Ibaraki-ken Japan. A close up of Nakai's wheels. This reminds me, I think I'm overdue for my next RWB fix…

Crawford Performance, Oceanside, California. Three of the most famous Subarus in the USA gathered in the garage at Crawford Performance.

Harajuku District, Tokyo, Japan. A completely random sighting of a classic Aston Martin on the streets of Harajuku.

Formula Drift Round Seven, Irwindale Speedway, Irwindale, California. Yasu Kondo reacts to damage taken to his AE86.

Tokyo Auto Salon 2009, Makuhari Messe, Chiba-ken Japan. A laid out Toyota Estima at Tokyo Auto Salon.

Cars and Coffee, Irvine, California. A recent shot taken here in car culture-rich SoCal.

Billetproof 2009, Antioch, California. Everyone needs to go a Billetproof event at least once…

Redline Time Attack, Willow Springs Raceway, Rosamond, California. With this being a mix of shots from Japan and the USA, Paul's badass 5.0 Mustang on TE's fits right in.

YMS Cup, Nikko Circuit, Tochigi-ken Japan. And to close the post, a shot of Team Spirant's 180SX at Nikko Circuit.

Oh what a year it's been.

I'm thinking I'll put together one more batch of yearly highlights, expect it soon.

-Mike Garrett