Chris Wertman RIP

[bigshow2966]

My condolences on your loss.

[Mandie]

Originally Posted by Robert Swartz

Late to notice this. God speed Drooze!

Passed a couple emails with him off board. For those that met him, he had to be character. It's people like him that make hobbies the adventures they always are.

I've been reading everyone's responses and I have to comment on this one because of your word choice. He and I talked a lot on the road and in the shop, etc. about everything being an ADVENTURE (like your word choice), not a destination, or an experience even, but ADVENTURE.

I've found in my short life, and especially traveling and working with Chris that most times its really about the twists, turns, hills and valleys and how you navigate them getting to your goal or destination. Most of the time when you've taken the time to enjoy overcoming the setbacks and challenges on the way to the "reward" you don't even care about the reward when you get it because you've enjoyed yourself so much getting there.

[Grant Eldridge]

I've also struggled with how to put words to this awful loss, of course my condolences to David, Mandie, the family and the kids. Chris and David, the ups and downs of their early efforts to race their new car and the circumstance of David's battle with cancer became of widespread interest on classracer. In the early days they had the doubters, those who mindlessly ridicule and tear down others, even mis-spelling his screen name and mocking his fledgling program. Well, he was above all that, set and totally determined to succeed, and rose above the negative naysayers. As others have said, his perseverance and determination were inspirational, and really what we'd all like to be if only we could. He was willing to be open about his hopes and dreams, to reveal failures as well as successes, defeats and victories. We can all learn and reflect on his too short life, he has left many better than when he came, such is the legacy of this unique young man. My prayers are for David, the family and many old as well as new friends he'd made and for thier loss. I hope the race program goes forward, and that will be as he'd have wanted. Although we never met, I've shed a few tears as I've absorbed the heartfelt comments posted by so many others and just wished to add my voice and prayers of support , God Bless and RIP, Chris....

Grant Eldridge

[bdixon]

David my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this very sad time...I had not had the pleasure to meet Drooze but felt i knew his and your passion for life and racing,,,,he will be missed ...keep up the faith in this adventure we call life ...........my prayers again Bryan Dixon stk 5010

[Alex Polewik]

Condolences to the family. Chris and the New Hemi racing family team were definitely a breath of fresh air. If you look under the definition of perseverance, Chris definitely would be in there.

Deepest Sympathy,
Alex Polewik and family.

[Bob Emery]

God speed, Drooze! David, Mandie and family, I just don't know what to say....my heart goes out to you........

RIP, you certainly earned it..

[Steves68Nova]

I too am late in reading this but I want to send my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I have enjoyed his posts because he had a very good sense of humor. RIP Drooze.

Steve Prado
Rudy, AR

[Notch1320]

RIP Chris, You will be missed......

[jmcarter]

Whenever my passion for the sport overrules my excuses for not racing I'll think of Chris. Whenever someone tells me no use in trying and that I can't do it I'll think of Chris. Whenever I get just plain complacent about anything I'll thnk of Chris. Whenever I want to ask a question on this board and feel reluctant about exposing my lack of knowledge instead of wanting to simply know more I'll think of Chris. Lots of us will be thinking about Chris...RIP.

[John Dinkel]

Sorry to here about Chris. Glad that I had a chance to meet him and Mandy.
You will be missed.

John Dinkel