Chris Wertman RIP

[Jared Jordan]

At first, I thought this was another joke. Stunned doesn't even begin to describe the way I'm feeling right now.

I admired Drooze's competitive spirit from afar and had hoped to meet him someday. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

[Kenny Wigington]

Absolutely shocked. What a loss for his family. David, and Mandie, we are all truly sorry for the hole you feel now. I laughed at him, and with him at some of his stuff, but enjoyed it all. Prayers for his children, from my house, too.

He's likely the best dressed one in the staging lanes there, from the Award in Denver !

RIP Chris !

[Bobby Zlatkin]

David,

I also lost a son eight years ago and nothing could be worse. It changed my life forever.
I wish I could tell you the pain will go away, but it will get better. The most important thing now is for you continue moving ahead in your life and to enjoy Chris through your grandchildren as much as you can. Easier said than done and I was in a funk for quite a while myself. I knew I had to get out of it and that is the main thing that brought me back to drag racing after a many year lay-off. It worked as I've made new friends with similar interests and have found that it's fun to be around people once again.

I see from your post that you've got profound insite that it took me quite a while to recover.
My prayers are with you and if you should need or want to talk please pm me.

[FED 387]

When I first read this post I thought it was a cruel hoax but upon further investigation unfortunately it was true. I met Chris for a brief time last winter and to say at that first meeting that he was a "kinda of a kooky, colorful ,seemed like a scatterbrained " kinda guy would be an understatement. But he definately got your attention and he for sure knew what he was talking about engine/racing wise although he admitted most of his racing had been the 2 wheeled kind not 4 wheel.

He had ideas, ambitions, projects that most of us had never attempted nor would we ever try to attempt . Seems like he was trying to re-invent the wheel or at least make it better. Some of his ideas seemed way out in left field but upon closer observation they really were not that far fetched--Take for example his latest idea of making a turbo 4 cylinder engine competitive not only in Super Comp but also as a Competition Eliminator entry.

I think we all are going to sense a tremendous void regarding future posts on Classracer.com I know I am going to miss his posts. "It just ain't gonna be the same anymore".
To his father ,I too have felt your anguish we lost a baby at 6 months,and believe me "you will never get over it", it will always be in that special place in the back of your mind!

Do not feel ashamed or embarrased to admit it and always think how it was the great times you all had together, the funny as well as sad moments but at least you had those moments. To his Dad -WE all have come to love you and offer our hand out for any help you might need don't be afraid to ask. Racers all stick together and they are probably the best bunch of people you will ever meet. You know Chris loved you.
to his children it is a great loss that will never go away but it will get better just never go away completely---Remember your Dad for the kind of man he was. You know he lived you.
To Mandie, Enjoy the thoughts of the great and not so great times you had together and take comfort in knowing that the racing community shares in your loss too. Our thoughts and prayers be with you, RIP Chris alias Drooze,---Dick & Sue Ullrich Comp 387

[Floyd Staggs]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Truly shocking news.
God Speed!

[Superfan1]

David, may God bless, and comfort you in this time of need. God and your faith will be your strength.

[John Lang]

David, In an earlier post I never mentioned it but my wife and I also lost a son, at age 15 the good Lord thought he needed Brian ,and that is now 27 years ago, and I'm here to tell you ,one never forgets for a day about looseing a child ! Again our prayers to David, and family ! Also our Prayers for to you with your battle !

[CycloneFE]

David,

After meeting you, Chris and Mandie at the Indy divisional, speaking to you and reading all of the posts, I am sure Chris KNEW there was a better way to fight a fire and he was trying it.

God Love him, he is yours now.

Steve

[roseracing]

I don't know what to say. I've typed many different things, but nothing seems to fit right. I, too, am speechless.

There are no words for this. Although I never met him - I feel like I lost a friend.

Godspeed Chris.

Brad