David Poole tributes

“NASCAR racing was David Poole's world and that world is a lesser place without David in it. David's writing and analysis was always accessible to the casual racing fan, but his real talent was as a contrarian, raising the kinds of thought-provoking questions that could engage the people whose lives revolve around the sport. David always told me his trips to the Northern California coast were the ones he looked forward to most every year. Although we never quite sold him on the virtues of road racing, I always figured we needed just one more race here to bring him around. I'm sorry we won't have that chance." Steve Page, president and general manager of Infineon Raceway

"David Poole became one of the most influential voices in NASCAR during his 13 years covering the sport as a journalist and broadcaster. It's a great professional loss for NASCAR and the journalism profession. I have known David since our days as classmates at the University of North Carolina and worked closely with him during my time as media relations manager for R.J. Reynolds. David was well-respected within the NASCAR community. Our prayers go out to his wife, children and grandson." Las Vegas Motor Speedway President Chris Powell

“In one sense, you could call David the ‘Voice of the Fan’ because he exemplified what really was an unparalleled passion for motorsports. But to stop there would be to undersell all he delivered to an international audience. Be it through his writing, his on-air contributions or his live presence at the track, David probably has done as much to educate fans on motorsports than anyone who has set foot on the track. He was an expert in his industry and influenced a generation of motorsports fans. To his family, our most sincere condolences. We’ll carry forward our fondest memories of David, but the Homestead-Miami Speedway media center will be missing a most significant presence during Championship Weekend." Homestead-Miami Speedway President Curtis Gray

"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 worked his ass off for our sport, whether it was in his writing or on his radio show. His life revolved around the sport and we're obviously very saddened by the loss. He will be missed." – Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet

"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

"David was a great person. I loved being on his radio shows because he always found a way to make you laugh during the interview. He always made you feel like you were best buds that had known each other for years. He was a superb writer that always had creative angles to make a story the best it could be. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time. We'll all miss seeing his face in the garage area. It's a sad day for our NASCAR community to lose this incredible writer and dear friend." – Stephen Leicht, driver of the No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express Chevrolet

"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

I am very saddened to hear of David Poole’s passing. My thoughts are with his wife and family, and you – his extended circle of colleagues and friends. 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