David Poole, an award-winning motor sports journalist for the Charlotte Observer, died of a heart attack Tuesday. He was 50.
David would have liked that paragraph — short and to the point.
He had traveled to most NASCAR Sprint Cup races each year since he took over the beat 13 years ago. He developed a national following through the Observer's thatsracin.com Web site and his "The Morning Drive" show on Sirius satellite radio.
I first met him at the Las Vegas Cup race in 1999. I hadn't followed NASCAR very much before then and didn't know who he was.
At that time, I also hadn't met Bruton Smith, founder and chief executive of Speedway Motorsports, which owns the Las Vegas track and the one near Charlotte, N.C.
Interviewing Smith was a top priority for me.
I was given a time and location where Smith would be and was told that was the best way to catch him. It was at an announcement for something to do with his Speedway Children's Charities, I think.
David and I were the only reporters there.
After introducing myself to Smith as the new Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter who would be covering his speedway, Smith turned to David.
"David, you'd better take care of this man," Smith said. "He's going to need some of your help."
My reaction was to tell Smith, "Hey, I'm not going to be one of your shills like this guy must be."
Fortunately, I kept my mouth shut.
David wasn't a shill for Smith or anyone else. He was an excellent journalist and will be missed.
I echo the thoughts of LVMS president Chris Powell.
"David Poole became one of the most influential voices in NASCAR during his 13 years covering the sport as a journalist and broadcaster. It's a great professional loss for NASCAR and the journalism profession.
"I have known David since our days as classmates at the University of North Carolina and worked closely with him during my time as media relations manager for R.J. Reynolds.
"David was well-respected within the NASCAR community. Our prayers go out to his wife, children and grandson."
Are you taking the summer off?
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