One of the greats is gone.

[charlie westcott]

I dont want to be the guy that uses a tragedy as an excuse to talk to a crowd, but I wanted to say a couple things about a man that directly affected my life in a way that only my Dad did otherwise.

Dan Jesel was a man that I looked up to, considered a friend, advisor, sounding board, confidant, and a role model. When he would call me, the first word after "hello" was "Jesel" as if to announce himself. We would sometimes talk about a project, politics, racing, customers, whatever. He was a private guy, that wasnt looking for recognition, or accolades, he just had a target, and whatever that was this time, he would do anything to win. A true racer/problem solver.

We went to his shop in about 05. I got to see what its like to be a legit racing business, and have tried to follow that example. He showed me what was the best, and I have never forgot, or stopped trying to get there.

Another racer once said "If you're a bad ***, you dont need to tell anyone"

People that are actually leaders, dont need a badge, you follow them because you can sense that they are someone you should. Something that is good advice that I learned from working with my dad at a young age, and is there with every succesful business is do what you say you are going to do, and do it well. Nobody wants to hear excuses.

I Thanked Dan this summer for everything he has done for me, I also sent him a text the other night, that I am now sure that he didnt get. I am only using this platform so I can let everyone else know that I was proud to know this great man, and I wouldnt be who I am without meeting him.

cw