Great IndyCar Fan Passes...

[kevin99]

I know this is unusual, but I felt I had to share this.

Back in 1966, a man took his 12 year old son to his first 500. For the next 40 years they continued to attend the GSIR together, along with many other IndyCar races.

After 2006, the Dad, because of declining health, could no longer attend the 500, he avidly watched all the IndyCar races though the past summer. Last night he went to be with the Lord, no longer suffering.

I of course am the son, very grateful for the many years of many qualifying and race days we spent just sitting in those seats in turn one.

He was a great man that will be missed by his family.

The sport has lost a great fan.

[AFColt]

You have my deepest condolences. He sounds like an amazing fan on top of everything else that he was to you and yours. It's so inspiring you have memories for so many years of the 500 & IndyCar together.

[DavidM]

My condolences to you and your family. Those father/son times at the races are priceless.

[GoFastNow]

I only wish I could have shared similar experiences with my own father. Very sorry for your loss.

[Openracer]

My condolences - it must have a great treasure to share those experiences.

[porscheman]

So sorry for your loss. Glad you shared those wonderful times together. I'm sure you treasure the memories. Nothing better ... I've spent the last 16 years sharing great race times with my own son so I know how special those times are.

Porscheman

[The Stickman]

I am very sorry for your loss. But it sounds like you have many great memories. I hope they will ease the pain some.

[Max Revs]

I'm sorry that you lost your father, all those years together at the races had to be satisfying.

Being a Floridian, my dad and I shared a trip to the Daytona 500 each year, but only for 10 years.

Here are some words that I wrote for my own father in 2006, and I will offer them for your father today:


"My father died this summer, and I wanted to find a small checkered flag to put on his grave. You can rest now - you have taken your final checkered flag. You fought hard during the race of life, and you showed courtesy and respect for others during the race. You have earned your final resting place. Rest now, in honored glory.

We both looked forward to going to the races, most of all because it was a day that we would spend together, as father and son. I know that I will forever treasure those times. One race fan passes, having passed under the checkered flag for the very last time. But, there will be another that comes along to take his place, another participant in the race of life."

[Glenn]

Sounds like you had a WONDERFUL Dad, remember the good times.

[CrewChief]

Sorry for your loss Kevin and I know the feeling, my dad's last race was also 2006 before he passed in 2008. And while I've been to every race since it took until the last 2 years of taking my oldest son for it to feel "right" again being there.

[MIS#1fan]

My condolences to you and your family. Remember the good times you had with him and that your dad will still be watching with you--now he has a better seat. Imagine the drivers and fans he will be benchracing with.

[Team Canada]

Ever since my son was 3 (in 2004) I have had the pleasure to take him to races every year with MY dad! It has been a fantastic time for the 3 generations to get involved with the racing, the drivers, etc. I know it will be a tough time when my Dad goes to the track in the sky, but I will be able to look back at the great times we had at the races and watching them together on weekends on TV.
My condolences, Kevin!

[Mario4ever]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Happy that you have such wonderful memories that will live on forever.

[ventman]

Treasure those memories, you are a fortunate son.

[skypigeon]

Treasure those memories, you are a fortunate son.

+1