[Bluteam]

I received this notice this morning about a former 1/4 midget driver out of Maryland - he was 11 years old and this happened in a micro.

It is unfortunate that I need to send this mail, but DQMRC just lost
one of it's drivers this past weekend. Gregory Schoonover from
Maryland, was driving his new sprint car at his home this past
Saturday and was killed in a tragic crash. I have provided
information below so that if needed you can pass on to your members
that may have crossed his path over last couple of years.
Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.


It is indeed sad how fast things can go from glee, to life changing moments in the blink of an eye. My heart goes out to the Schoonover Family in this most difficult time.

This weekend we started my sons sprint car at the family home. We live on a private road, yet it still has a few driveways and people coming out to see what is going on whenever they see a race car coming down the street.

As most everyone who is around sprint cars already knows, the task of firing off a sprint car motor is not as easy as simply turning the key in the safety of a garage. I think that is part of the allure of this sport. Probably the most commonly used phrase to describe a sprint car is "out of control". And it is an accurate description - from the moment the driver signals the push truck to start pushing, all the way to turning the fuel valve off to stop.

I'm proud of the fact our team takes great care in securing the street and driveways before any signal is given to start the car - despite the anxiety of hearing the motor come to life. I'm not so proud of the fact that the video camera seems to exploit my receeding hair line and adds about 40 pounds to my once youthful physique. But I am extremely proud of my son that he suits up with his safety gear without being reminded - even if it's just to start the car. That in and of itself is a reminder of just how dangerous things are in this sport - and how fast life can change.

My hair line and the additional pounds came at a much slower pace, and it doesn't help when a skinny freckled face kid with glasses is standing behind me and putting tape on my head and ripping it off! He better hope that trait skips a generation - or at the very least, that he wakes up thinking he was dreaming about getting a middle of the night haircut.

I think far too many people spend their lives doing things they don't enjoy - or for the wrong reasons. As I replay the events of this weekend over in my head, the things that come to mind are the smiles and laughter we shared. Even the dog with no home was happy. So, while no words can ever comfort the parent who has lost their child, perhaps understanding that someone losing their life at such a young age is in part, the result of the child doing something they enjoy.

That is what we try to remember on our private little road.

RIP Gregory

[Jerry Spencer]

I hope this does not sound cold but what happened? The family will be in our prayers.

Jerry #66j
www.joshspencer.com

[Bluteam]

Originally Posted by Jerry Spencer I hope this does not sound cold but what happened? The family will be in our prayers. Jerry #66j www.joshspencer.com

Not sure of all the details Jerry - other than he was at the family home, throttle hung open, and struck a tree. When I read the message I asked about an 11 year old in a sprint car - was told it was a Micro.