Apr292009
NASCAR writer and radio commentator David Poole dies of a heart attack at age 50
Filed under Newspapers, Radio by george scione at 3:30 am
NASCAR lost a good guy today. No, not an owner or driver – but a reporter.
(Photo courtesy of NASCAR Public Relations) David Poole, right, talks with Marty Snider, his former co-host on Sirius NASCAR Radio's Morning Drive program, during race weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November of 2006.
Longtime NASCAR writer David Poole died of a heart attack on Tuesday. According to a Charlotte Observer report, the 50-year-old Observer writer and Sirius Satellite Radio commentator had just returned from this past weekend’s race at Talladega Superspeedway and was at his Stanfield, N.C., home when the heart attack occurred.
The report says his daughter called 911 and he was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson e-mailed a statement out at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, gave what I’m sure is the perspective of the majority of drivers:
“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.”
NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France also paid his respects in an e-mailed statement:
“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.”
Sprint, the title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, also released a statement:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of NASCAR beat writer David Poole. Our thoughts go out to his wife, Katy, and his entire family. Our sympathy also goes to everyone in the NASCAR community – David’s extended family.
“It is extremely difficult to put into words the impact David Poole had on our sport. His talents went beyond the ability to craft mere words into a story. David had a gift for debate that drove fans wild, and he was sometimes as entertaining as the action on the track. He was a passionate racing fan and cared deeply for the sport he treasured. His passion was evident in the countless hours he invested from the earliest of wake-up calls for his live SIRIUS show to the latest of nights at the track to meet his deadline for the Charlotte Observer. David was a staple in the sport and always will be remembered as a NASCAR legend. He will be missed.”
Even in New Hampshire, this southerner was well liked.
NHMS executive vice president and general manager Jerry Gappens sent his statement out just after 6 p.m.:
“David had the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of legendary motorsports journalist Tom Higgins. His success came from bringing his own style, direction, unique vision and perspective to his coverage of motorsports. David always spoke his mind and wasn’t afraid to hold people accountable. He was always fair and made us better at what we did. We will miss David’s spirit, generosity, principles, and friendship. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Karen, and his entire family.”
I was lucky enough to have two weekends a year to sit near David in the media center at Loudon. But any time I had a question on the sport, whether it be statistics related or seeking his opinion on something he was always willing to offer up an answer or advice.
He is someone I look up to in this business – a hard worker and a dedicated journalist. More importantly he is a great person.
This is normally a spot to look at interesting developments in the world of the Boston and New England media. Today, it just seems necessary to let those in the northeast that look down at NASCAR and anyone involved in the promotion know that they would do good by their readers to follow in David’s footsteps.
This man knew how to cover a beat. David was more than a NASCAR writer and talking head. He was dedicated to giving the readers the best coverage – complete, accurate and well written.
He could have covered any beat and done the same thing. David had a passion for auto racing, and it showed in his writing. It showed in his demeanor around the track. It was evident anytime you wanted to talk NASCAR.
As I sit in the media center at Loudon the weekend of June 28, I know I won’t be the only one missing David.
I won’t be able to spin around in my seat and joke with him.
I won’t be able to ask him a simple question, or borrow his media guide if I forgot mine at home while rushing out the door for an early morning drive north on 93.
The industry, heck the world on a whole, lost a good one today.
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