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| | Saturday, July 8 Remembering Kenny Irwin | |||||
| ESPN.com Winston Cup lost another young star Friday when Kenny Irwin was killed during practice for the New England 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Like the auto racing world, ESPN.com users were shocked by the news of Irwin's death. ESPN.com has received thousands of emails in the past 24 hours. Here are some of their memories of Irwin and his all-to-short career: For more fan memories of Irwin, click here. "One of my favorite memories of Kenny was sitting beside him during a driver meeting during opening night at 16th Street Speedway in Indianapolis. As often happens, by the time the drivers meeting was held, a small amount of tension had already developed among some of the teams and officials. As I recall, Kenny apparently decided that a little amusement may help, so he proceeded to ask the track official question after question until it became very clear that he was doing it just to get a reaction from the official and lighten things up a bit for everyone. I know it worked for me. I didn't know Kenny extremely well, but I know that, for obvious reasons, that day I became a much bigger fan of Kenny Irwin Jr. He was a great driver and a good person. He was an awesome competitor with a good sense of humor. I can't help but feel how great a privilege it was to have been a part of the great racing tradition which has become synonymous with Indianapolis, as well as to have had the opportunity to share my love for the sport of racing with truly great individuals like the one we lost today. Without a doubt, Kenny will truly be remembered by all of us who admired, respected, and appreciated the great talent he displayed behind the wheel of a race car. The racing family lost a very special driver today, and all I can say is thanks Kenny, Thanks for all the memories you provided all of us buddy.... We will all miss you. Randy Carter, Indianapolis, Ind. "I will miss his smile. I really looked forward to his interviews after the open wheel event, like a kid who just pulled a off a huge practical joke. This is shocking!" Edd Nimm, Msfld, Wis. "I heard the news and my life stooped. I set a memories page on a memorial site. This is just to much. I was just starting to respect Kenny as a Cup driver. This is a time of great loss to the whole NASCAR world, but the Irwin family and their relations are in a black. My thought's and prayers go out to all." Scott Lynch, Saugus, Calif. "I had the opportunity to meet Kenny this past year at the Coca-Cola stage on Food Lion's Speed Street in Charlotte. From the moment he walked onto the stage I became an instant fan of his. He was so charming and so funny. He was nice and down to earth. I got to go up on the stage and have my picture taken with him and talk to him for a minute or so, and I was even more impressed by him. He was so nice to me and made me feel comfortable and welcome. Many people in his position make you feel like you're bothering them if you ask them for a picture or an autograph, but not Kenny. He talked with me and goofed off a little bit with me. He was so sweet. The Nascar family has definitely lost a great deal with his death. My condolences and prayers go out to Kenny's family, friends, and fans. He was an absolutely wonderful person." With deepest sympathy, Tonya White, Kings Mountain, N.C. "In 1997, I was the PR Director at the Homestead-Motorsports Complex, when Kenny Irwin raced there as a rookie. As part of a program initiated by his team owner, Brad Daugherty, Irwin made an appearance during the race week at an inner-city Miami elementary school. I'll never forget his easy way with the children, and how happy they all were to be around him. I think he had that effect on everyone. He will be missed." Chase Campen, Los Angeles, Calif. "It's been tough on the auto racing fraternity with two young stars (Greg Moore and Gonzalo Rodriquez) dying on the CART circuit last year. The NASCAR has already lost two young stars in Adam Petty and Kenny Irwin. We are struggling between our love for the sport of auto racing but we hate it for taking our heroes away too soon. We can only hope they all are up in heaven enjoying a good race together." Robin Horwitz, Las Vegas, Nev. "It's sad to know that NASCAR lost another one it's 'young guns' today. I was numb for almost two hours when I learned that Kenny had passed today. I cried for almost two weeks after Adam Petty died and still do to this day when I see that video of Adam, Richard and Kyle in Victory Lane at Charlotte in '97. Anyway, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Irwins back in Indianapolis, and I think NASCAR should pull out of New Hampshire for good after this season." Charles H. Probst III, Moreno Valley, Calif. "What a tragedy! Although I never personally met Kenny he was my husbands cousin, we are all in shock. He will be missed everywhere and by everyone, so young and so much ahead for him taken away in one short moment. We've watched as he went from truck racing to NASCAR and was very proud of his courage and success. When it comes to death, Satan is no respecter of age or status, it could be anyone. Kenny you will be missed. NASCAR has lost a future winner, but he will always be a winner in our eyes." Dory Kennedy, Spring Hill, Fla. "Kenny was always my favorite driver. He was the guy that got me into this sport. I'll never forget he got his first pole on my birthday weekend. I never got to meet him and will miss him a ton. Prayers and thoughts to the Irwin family. He died doing what he absolutely loved. I will always love you and miss you Kenny. Rest in peace, you're at a better place now." Katherine Benes, Arlington Hts, Ill. "We have lost a wonderful, talented young man today. He will be missed by many of the friends and fans here in Indianapolis that watched him develop into a great driver. I can't recall how many times I have witnessed Kenny driving splendid races at IRP in midgets and go karts at the Velodrome. He was always exciting. God Speed." Linda Conti, Pitttsboro, Ind. "I played a game of pool against him at Kelley's pub in Indianapolis back in December of 1998. Beat him and he was to good to shake my hand. Very unfortunate situation for everyone. Condolences to his family." Jim Anderson, Joliet Ill. "Although you had only been with our race team less than a year, I had the opportunity to work with you on several different occasions. Each occasion holds a fond memory for me. Your dedication to racing, to your fans, to BellSouth and to the community was inspiring. You had a smile that lit up the room when you walked in and a kind word to all you met. Your last words to me were: "Thank you for all you do." I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for all you did. The angels are rejoicing today and I know that you and Adam are looking down from above. I'll see you when I get there!" Lynn Scott, Boca Raton, Fla. | ALSO SEE Tragedy strikes twice: Irwin dies in Loudon crash | |||||