Re: R.I.P. Bud Whitacre
 

RIP


Bud is was a pleasure to have known you ..Bless the family and friends

Re: R.I.P. Bud Whitacre
 

Eulogy to Bud Whitacre, with video memorial at YouTube

I met Bud on the day I walked into his grocery store to propose that he sponsor my faltering racing operation. I sat before him as just another young man with an impossible dream of racing sprint cars...and my dream was a bit more desperate than most. I had gone broke racing motorcycles, begged/borrowed everything I could to get a sprint car on the track and now--after only 3 weeks of my rookie year of racing was out of tires, out of money, and out of lenders.

I cannot explain why, but after talking to his wife Jeannette, Bud purchased a set of tires to get me back on the track. The next week we won our 1st trophy dash race and launched a transformation in my life. Within a few years we had won a track championship and become a major force in the USAC sprint car series. Although I eventually went on to drive for other racing teams and no longer required Bud's financial backing, he and I were always together. He rightly celebrated every victory, every championship--and later--several "hall of fame" inductions, as he had made them all possible. The day I met Bud Whitacre truly changed my life forever.

Our relationship went far beyond racing. He and Jeannette were an important part of my family. They were among the few attendees to my simple wedding and were as close to my bride, Thomasa, as to me. They shared every birthday, Christmas, and school performance with my children who called them “Grandpa Bud” and “Grandma Jeannette.” We continued to be close long after my racing career had ended. I never stopped relying on Bud’s gentle wisdom to help guide me through life’s occasional challenges.

Bud was not just a racing enthusiast, but also a great mentor. Although he had never driven a race car, he had many lessons to teach about the importance of character, perseverance and integrity. My family and I will miss him dearly, but will thank God that he can at last rejoin his beloved Jeannette after being separated from her for so many years.

Re: R.I.P. Bud Whitacre
 

Steve, Thanks for the excellent tribute. Some very special memories in those highlights.

Re: R.I.P. Bud Whitacre
 

Steve , for all of us who do not know what to say or when to say it --you could not have said it better.

Re: R.I.P. Bud Whitacre
 

:)