Subscribe to this blog's feed« Tire woes: Ay, there's the rub | Main | There's bumping, and then there's bumping »
October 20, 2005
one-year anniversary
By Krista Voda
I would imagine there's a tinge of sadness attached to every single day. But, for 8 families, this weekend will be especially difficult.
It will be a year ago Monday that 10 people, en route to Martinsville Virginia, lost their lives in a plane crash. (8 families because three victims were from the same household, John Hendrick and his daughters Kimberly and Jennifer).
Every NASCAR fan remembers the moment.
If you were watching the race at home you were probably wondering why Jimmie Johnson wasn't celebrating the win. Instead, the 48 and all other Hendrick teams, were being whisked away to learn of the tragic news.
In the days and weeks that followed, the NASCAR community lived up to its family-focused image. From drivers to mechanics to officials, hundreds attended memorial services. Thousands posted condolences. Millions said prayers.
Rick Hendrick said he's not yet sure whether he'll attend the race at Martinsville. I can't blame him.
As wonderful as I'm sure it would be to receive the love and support of his colleagues, I can't imagine having to re-live that terrible day. And to do so, under the scrutiny of television cameras.
As a member of the media, I understand the need to tell the story. But as a human being, I understand the desire for privacy.
No doubt, the sadness will swell from a tinge to a tidal wave.
As fans, all we can do is keep the families in our thoughts and reflect on the lives of ten people... Ricky Hendrick, John Hendrick, Kimberly Hendrick, Jennifer Hendrick, Joe Jackson, Jeff Turner, Randy Dorton, Scott Lathram, Richard Tracy, and Elizabeth Morrison...who are deeply missed.
October 20, 2005 | Permalink
Comments
As a fan of hendrick drivers i wish this is one race weekend that would just go away. It will espescially hard for those families because this week all the cameras will be following every move of rick hendrick.
I just saw it today that OCT 24th is also brian vickers birthday. It must be espescially hard on him to loose a best friend on your birthday.
Posted by: 48fan | Oct 20, 2005 5:35:36 PM
It's going to be so hard for all the Hendrick teams to go to Martinsville. As a HUGE Brian Vickers fan since the beginning of 2003, it has to be soo hard for him to race this weekend and to even think of celebrating his birthday. I pray for the families of the victims and lets hope a Hendrick team wins for them this weekend and Jimmie Johnson wins the championship this year.
Posted by: Natalie | Oct 20, 2005 5:48:21 PM
Me too also being a Vickers fan, I feel deeply sorry for this young guy, along with the other 8 families. This young boy has had to go through so much, and then to loose his best friend on his 21st b-day was just horrific..Prayers to every family and friend affected by this tragedy.
Posted by: bvfanforlife | Oct 20, 2005 6:12:36 PM
Let us not forget that it was not just the Hendrick drivers that suffered losses due to the tragedy.
Tony Stewart lost his helicopter pilot and good friend, Scott Lathram, on that plane. Scott was scheduled to go to Iraq; however, he wanted to go to Martinsville to see Tony before he left and to present Tony with a certificate from the ESGR. (Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve) When Scott was deployed and training in KY, Tony had continued paying 100% of his salary. Tony had told Scott that he would pay his entire salary and look out after Scott's family while he was in Iraq. Scott wanted to show his appreciation to Tony and to thank him before he left for Iraq. He never got the chance. Today, Tony continues to take care of Scott's widow and three children.
Posted by: NascarFan | Oct 20, 2005 6:25:28 PM
Krista--Thank you for differentiating between your media obligations of covering the one year anniversary and your compassion as a human being in the importance of privacy. I know when one of my friend's parents were killed in an airplane crash in western Kentucky years ago the media wasn't what I would call respectful in their coverage. I've only been a NASCAR fan for a little over a year; but I have always been impressed with how the media guards the private lives of the drivers, crews, and owners, especially during difficult times. This respect for personal boundaries in NASCAR coverage is an anomoly compared to the media microscope for other sports figures.
Posted by: Ashley S. | Oct 20, 2005 7:16:09 PM
Krista,
Thank you for helping us to remember. Sometimes we get lost in our own world and our own tradgedies. This helps us to remember that others suffer the same pains and sometimes painis that are more then ours. We should all say a prayer for them and hope that their pain is slowly subsiding.
Posted by: Michelle | Oct 20, 2005 10:49:32 PM
I'm a Hendrick MS fan too -- and was a fan of Ricky's as well, so this weekend will be hard. My birthday is the day before Brian Vickers' so it's one day I'll always remember -- and I can't imagine what Brian is going through losing his friend and mentor on what should have been a good day for Brian. My thoughts and prayers go out to the 8 families and to Hendrick Motorsports on the anniversary of the plane wreck.
And yes, my thoughts and prayers go out to Tony Stewart as well, who lost his good friend and employee. I'm not much of a fan of his as a driver, but from what I hear about him as a man, I think I could really like him.
Loralie
Posted by: Loralie | Oct 21, 2005 1:26:22 AM
Being a fan of RCR and DEI,I must say God Bless all those families. I can only imagine what losing a child would be like. Don't stop the race because of this sad time. We all know all those that parished that racing was their life. Most notabbly Ricky.All I can say is God Bless all that were lost, and we will never forget you.
Posted by: garfield geer | Oct 21, 2005 6:11:28 AM
Krista, I believe that all fans regardless who their driver is, feel the loss of the Hendrick organization, I feel that the media should pay homage to the loss this week but also be respectfull and give those involved some breathing room...lets not forget that our sport does not forget and must move on, remember those fateful days of Febuary 2001, May and October 2000.
P.S I sure miss your infectous smile and Midwest charm on Speed
Posted by: 3 wide racin | Oct 21, 2005 7:23:44 AM
I plan to carry a sign at the race this weekend in Martinsville with a picture of the ones who perished in the plane crash last year in honor of their memory. It still is very sad for me, I attended the Memorial Service at the Hendrick Motorsports Complex and it was very moving for me, I will never forget them. God Bless their loved ones.
Posted by: sharon4 ward | Oct 21, 2005 8:34:41 AM
Just wanted to send a special prayer out to all the friends family and complete strangers who have suffered through this tragedy. For those on the outside it's easy to get back into the "swing" of life and forget those who are suffering. As someone who's seen MANY tragedies in the last month I am reminded of how much it hurts and must continue to hurt for those close to the deceased. Just know a special prayer goes out in their honor and memory and I hope everyone is able to just get through the day. Thanks.
Posted by: Kelly | Oct 21, 2005 8:50:03 AM
I'm moved by this and want to send out my prayers and thoughts to the Hendrick family, Jackson family, Turner family, Dorton family, Lathram family, Tracy family, and Morrison family. Also to all the other families that are grieving.
I lost my father in Feb. and I'm not looking forward to the 1 year anniversary either.. I've learned many things over the past year and the hardest thing to remember is life goes on with or without you.. God bless everyone and remember the important things in life..
Posted by: rock8and3 | Oct 21, 2005 11:30:51 AM
My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones. It is said that time heals all wounds but, it just seems to get tougher as the years pass. Rest in Peace!
Posted by: John | Oct 21, 2005 3:05:00 PM
I amd a HUGE Kyle Petty fan, and I do get saddend when ever a race team loses someone close to their hearts. I do like Brian Vickers and this must be tough for him not only to lose his childhhod friend in Adam Petty but also his other best friend in Ricky Hendrick. Time doesn't heal the wounds, only gives people a way to deal with the pain better. Kyle Petty said that I think it rings true for everyone who has ever lost someone that they love. Please let us think about all of those lost in the sport over the years as we are remembering those who we have all lost.
Posted by: Cassie | Oct 21, 2005 5:30:20 PM
Tons of love and prayers for all those still hurting from such an unbelievable loss.
Posted by: Christa | Oct 21, 2005 5:50:16 PM
Krista,
Thank you so much for this touching article. There is no doubt that every NASCAR fan's mind will not be far away from last year's tragedy this weekend. Sometimes songs can put into words what we feel inside, but can't seem to say ourselves. I listened to this song today by Superchick. I think it's appropriate for this weekend. God be with the families.
After all this has passed
I still will remain
After I've cried my last
There'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today
Someday I'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain
-"Beauty From Pain," Superchick
Posted by: Mallory | Oct 21, 2005 6:50:12 PM
Good Job Krista......
Posted by: Larry | Oct 21, 2005 7:13:08 PM
I have been a race fan for years and throughout the years we have lost a good many race drivers and people connected to racing. My thoughts and prayers go out to those 8 families that lost loved ones on this one-year anniversary as well as all of the other families that have lost loved ones. I am a big Petty fan (since Lee and Richard raced) and my thoughts are also with them. May God wrap his arms around each of you for strength and comfort.
Posted by: Nancy Davis | Oct 21, 2005 8:54:40 PM
Sometimes in life we are hit blindsided by things we have no control over.When the tragedy that happened last October occurred, I remember feeling the loss of all those who perishised. I personally could not imagine what it took to get up and go to work the next day.But I was totally amazed at how the 5 drivers and several crew chiefs came to the front for an organization that had been severely tested.What class! They were and still are a first class act.
Posted by: Lori | Oct 21, 2005 11:14:19 PM
Krista,
Thanks for allowing us to be simply people remembering lost friends.......as a long time Hendrick MS fan of Jeff Gordon, I remember watching Ricky "grow up" in racing and the media....John Hendrick "take over" for Rick when the leukemia was diagnosed, Randy talk about the engine that won the race in Texas....the others we didn't "know" as well, but they are missed just the same.....to family, close friends, co-workers, Life will go on and each day will bring new challenges......but the memories of these lost will never be forgotten.........May the Lord wrap you all in a special hug of comfort this weekend......
Posted by: JessieLC | Oct 22, 2005 1:50:36 AM
Krista, I also wish to
Thank You for reminding us of this terrible tradgedy. I miss seeing you on tv. Your knowledge and comments are so helpful. Hope to see you again next season. My thoughts and Prayers goes out to All of the Families.
Thanks Again.
Robert
Posted by: Robert Midgett | Oct 22, 2005 11:07:09 AM
Krista,
This was a very well written and thoughtful rememberence of those who lost their life on that tragic day. Your compassion for the families of all involved, I'm sure, is greatly appreciated. Those of us who have followed your career would have expected nothing less from you. Very nice!
Posted by: batchief | Oct 22, 2005 11:45:22 AM
it was nice to see a HMS car win again
Posted by: 48fan | Oct 23, 2005 5:56:13 PM
I hope Rick and Linda got to spend the day with Ricky's little girl. And for every ounce of sadness they feel, may they feel ten times the joy when they look into her eyes.
Posted by: Sharon | Oct 24, 2005 2:17:34 PM
Post a comment
Advertisements
