David, So Long, It’s Been Good to Know Ya
By Bram • Apr 28th, 2009 • Category: Behind The Scenes, From The Backstretch, News, Racer
At Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2006, David Poole (r) talks with Marty Snider, his former co-host on Sirius NASCAR Radio's Morning Drive program. (NASCAR Public Relations)
His love of the sport was all -encompassing, from driver to owner, crew chief and engine builder, roof line to tires, Poole loved the race. He enjoyed the spectacle. He knew the business.
Mostly, David Poole love bring the inside word, his immeasurable gift of insight to his readers. and David Poole’s readers were all his, they listened to the man, because they knew that he knew…he had an uncompromising style that endeared him to the daily readers and listeners. They are truly his folks.
He was and will always be remembered as great presence, a force to be reckoned with, and man of principles and professionalism, and man of humor.
He was also a man of family. His wife, children and a grand-child, to the great racing fraternity. All will miss David greatly.
He loved to tell a story, even as he’d ask questions of any of the participants, he’d relate something he’d seen before, something he’d heard before, and he’s seen and heard it all.
The National Motorsports Press Association four times recognized Poole as its writer of the year.
A man’s legacy can be summed up with ‘ do well and let others say’ and Poole is remembered by the racing community in these quotes:
“The NASCAR community is stunned and saddened by the loss of David Poole. David was as passionate about NASCAR as anyone and had very definitive opinions about the sport. He served the industry, and most importantly the fans, through his reporting and commentary in the Charlotte Observer and Sirius Satellite Radio. Our thoughts and prayers go out to David’s family and friends. He will be missed.” — Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO
“I am shocked and saddened to hear the news that our sport has lost David Poole. My thoughts go out to his family. He was someone who loved our sport and wasn’t afraid to voice his opinion. That’s what made him one of the most respected members of our media. I know I worked twice as hard to make sure I earned his respect. I am proud of what he has done for our sport and I know he will be truly missed by everyone in NASCAR.” — Jimmie Johnson, Driver No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet / NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to David’s family. He was a friend of everybody in the garage area. He could be controversial from time to time but he always wrote and spoke what he believed. He didn’t pull any punches with anybody and that’s what people respected about him. He was good for the sport and will be missed.” – Richard Childress, President and CEO Richard Childress Racing
“David Poole was a professional and his passing is a big loss to our sport. I always had a very good working relationship with David. He always knew when the right time to approach a driver was and when it wasn’t. He was a fair and objective reporter and someone who I had a great deal of respect for. I always appreciated his no nonsense approach. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” – Casey Mears, driver of the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet
“David Poole was as much a fixture in this sport as the actual cars themselves. As someone fortunate enough to make a living doing what I love, I am indebted to David for the exposure he generated for our sport for 13 years, and the direct connection he had with the NASCAR fan base. He was a one-of-a-kind individual and an extremely talented writer. Our condolences go out to David’s family and friends. He will be missed.” — Dale Earnhadt Jr., Team Owner of JR Motorsports; Driver of the No. 88 Chevrolets at Hendrick Motorsports
David was THE authority on NASCAR and I could tell by his columns and the way he covered NASCAR that he had a true and honest passion for our sport and the people in it. He made our sport better by expecting as much out of us as he did himself and, believe me, he was never shy about holding us to his standard.
He made a significant impact on our business and I know that he will be missed. I, for one, will miss seeing him in the media centers, reading his columns and listening to his commentary. — Roger Curtis, President, Michigan International Speedway
“David was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and he was exceptionally passionate about this sport that we all care so deeply for. His voice was unique, his opinions were his own, and his abilities as a writer and journalist were unsurpassed. He had the courage to say what others would not, and he was deeply respected for it. Without driving a car or turning a wrench, David Poole was a racer, and he will be sincerely missed.” — Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports
“David was a fixture in the new millennium of NASCAR. His never-ending vigilance and his passionate beliefs on what was right for the sport is what made him the true professional he was. Like so many behind-the-scenes giants who made their mark on the sport of auto racing and left us too soon, he will be missed.” — Lenny Batycki, Vice President and General Manager, Gateway International Raceway
“I’ve gotten to know (David) Poole really well over the years. He spent a lot of time with the No. 31 team every weekend and would sit and have conversations with us on just about everything. He was fun to agree and debate with. I admired his professionalism and work ethic and he did a great job of reporting our sport to the fans. He’s someone I have a lot of respect for and he will definitely be missed.” – Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet
