Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

David,

I also lost a son eight years ago and nothing could be worse. It changed my life forever.
I wish I could tell you the pain will go away, but it will get better. The most important thing now is for you continue moving ahead in your life and to enjoy Chris through your grandchildren as much as you can. Easier said than done and I was in a funk for quite a while myself. I knew I had to get out of it and that is the main thing that brought me back to drag racing after a many year lay-off. It worked as I've made new friends with similar interests and have found that it's fun to be around people once again.

I see from your post that you've got profound insite that it took me quite a while to recover.
My prayers are with you and if you should need or want to talk please pm me.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

When I first read this post I thought it was a cruel hoax but upon further investigation unfortunately it was true. I met Chris for a brief time last winter and to say at that first meeting that he was a "kinda of a kooky, colorful ,seemed like a scatterbrained " kinda guy would be an understatement. But he definately got your attention and he for sure knew what he was talking about engine/racing wise although he admitted most of his racing had been the 2 wheeled kind not 4 wheel.

He had ideas, ambitions, projects that most of us had never attempted nor would we ever try to attempt . Seems like he was trying to re-invent the wheel or at least make it better. Some of his ideas seemed way out in left field but upon closer observation they really were not that far fetched--Take for example his latest idea of making a turbo 4 cylinder engine competitive not only in Super Comp but also as a Competition Eliminator entry.

I think we all are going to sense a tremendous void regarding future posts on Classracer.com I know I am going to miss his posts. "It just ain't gonna be the same anymore".
To his father ,I too have felt your anguish we lost a baby at 6 months,and believe me "you will never get over it", it will always be in that special place in the back of your mind!

Do not feel ashamed or embarrased to admit it and always think how it was the great times you all had together, the funny as well as sad moments but at least you had those moments. To his Dad -WE all have come to love you and offer our hand out for any help you might need don't be afraid to ask. Racers all stick together and they are probably the best bunch of people you will ever meet. You know Chris loved you.
to his children it is a great loss that will never go away but it will get better just never go away completely---Remember your Dad for the kind of man he was. You know he lived you.
To Mandie, Enjoy the thoughts of the great and not so great times you had together and take comfort in knowing that the racing community shares in your loss too. Our thoughts and prayers be with you, RIP Chris alias Drooze,---Dick & Sue Ullrich Comp 387

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Truly shocking news.
God Speed!

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I don't know what to say. I've typed many different things, but nothing seems to fit right. I, too, am speechless.

There are no words for this. Although I never met him - I feel like I lost a friend.

Godspeed Chris.

Brad

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

David, may God bless, and comfort you in this time of need. God and your faith will be your strength.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

David, In an earlier post I never mentioned it but my wife and I also lost a son, at age 15 the good Lord thought he needed Brian ,and that is now 27 years ago, and I'm here to tell you ,one never forgets for a day about looseing a child ! Again our prayers to David, and family ! Also our Prayers for to you with your battle !

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

David,

After meeting you, Chris and Mandie at the Indy divisional, speaking to you and reading all of the posts, I am sure Chris KNEW there was a better way to fight a fire and he was trying it.

God Love him, he is yours now.

Steve

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

You know what Jimmy, I think you're absolutely right. If he possibly could, he WOULD try and maximize this marketing opportunity.

Kenny, I'm glad you thought he was dressed well. Right before Norwalk Nationals I had taken him shopping for some spiffier clothes. We were trying to find him a new lady friend. ;)

I really enjoy reading what everyone had posted on here. I know Chris' mom did too. I talked to her on the phone a few hours ago and she said she had read this thread and it was nice to see that even people who had never met him appreciated his hard work.

Since I started working for NHR in April, I have spent more time with him than anyone else and we became very good friends. We had a lot of conversation about a lot of things, and I certainly learned a lot from him. If there's one lesson I learned from him, as many of you have pointed out, it would be to not give up. He didn't. There were a couple times we thought we wouldn't make it to race, but suddenly he would rally and we'd figure out a way to make it happen. I remember one time in particular I was really disappointed to not be going and an hour later he called me and said "Ok, I know you're disappointed, so this is how we're going to make it work." So I put on my rally cap, and drove 45mins to the shop and we worked all night. And we did it too. Kind of like when we were pushing for Vegas my very first trip and he didn't want to disappoint his dad by not making it. He practically killed himself (and me) trying to get there.

I've been crying my eyes out off & on since yesterday Morning and my head is killing me. I'm pretty sure he'd be giving me crap about it and making fun of my boogers or something if he could. He became a very good friend to me and was always looking out for me. I'm hypoglycemic and need to eat every 3hrs or so, and you know its bad when the person who loses everything all the time can't find his phone or his wallet, but remembers that Mandie probably should eat something. LOL

I was also sad to learn that two of their cats also died in the fire. They had three, but the one had "gone on vacation" last week. (he's known to disappear for a couple months and then one day return.) R.I.P. cats Billy and Autumn. :'(

I guess the most comforting thing for me is that I know he had a really good week last week. He had told me a couple of times on Friday before I left in the evening. We had been working on his house (finally!) and had gotten a lot accomplished. He was really happy with that and as you all know he had been saying forever that he needed to get it done. Unfortunately, we didn't get that far. We were supposed to start dry walling today. I would take a month's worth of heavy drywall dust in 100 degree humid weather any day over being without my friend. :'(

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

A devastating loss to our racing community. My thoughts and prayers go out to Drooze and family.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

R.I.P. Chris. You certainly had our attention and will not easily be forgotten. Your family will be in our prayers.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I'm speechless. I'll aways remember him for his kind smile and hearty laugh. RIP Chris.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Like so many others, I thought this another joke. Sadly mistaken. Chris called after Denver with a couple thoughts on my 5.7 and said he was going to spend some time trying to get his house finished. So many projects and so little time. Had only known him since the just before the Atlanta race. Had a stock racer ask me "Why are you hanging around his pit?" at Atlanta. I told him that Chris was a Mopar guy and a New Hemi guy and that was enough reason for me. But it was more. What a character. Great to be around. I was hoping a little of his energy would wear off on this Grandpa. He will be missed.
David
I know many have offered but if I can do anything let me know. A trip to sunny Barberton to see old B&W folks and to lend a helping hand is only a call away
My thoughts are with you, your family, friends and Mandie.
So long my friend. RIP

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Very sad news. Prayers sent from Sealy - Polley and Gillettte Racing Families.



BP

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Good luck on your new project, and I know what you mean, I find myself seeing cars and thinking the same thing, only to go home an look for them in the guides and figure their class.....its a disease Im thinking

I myself hope after my next projects to be able to build another class car, its a challenge with rules I enjoyed so very very much.

Good luck Any idea when your new project will be tracking ?
__________________
Chris "Drooze" Wertman 3132 (F/SA 2009 Challenger Drag Pak #24 with a best of 10.59) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ this was a post to me from him~~~~ I may very well be the last person he talked to on here....this post was Saturday....I think it speak for it's self. He will be missed!!

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

David and Mandie,
I'm shocked and very sorry to hear of Chris passing. I only pm'd him once to tell him I would like to meet him in person and to disregard any negative replies to his posts. Our prayers go out to him.
Dave

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

My prayers and thoughts go out to you and his family. Also, to his crew, who we got to meet and know through his posts on CRF. I am not a racer, just a fan that loves to take pictures of S/SS and was looking forward to meeting him if he ever got to Charlotte or Atlanta in the fall.
His wit and good natured posts will be missed as I know his family will miss him also. God Bless you and his children and crew.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I'm numb.

How can this be?

Life is so fickle, so hard yet so easily lost.

Rest in peace my friend and know that you left only good behind and friends that will miss you.

My heart goes out to the family and friends.

Jim Rountree

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I'm as shocked to hear about his passing as I am to find he was only 38. A lot of life went through that man and his parents should be proud.
I am glad to hear his dad will carry the torch as I'm sure his friends will. I chided Chris to "let it all hang out" as him and I see racing in the same light. It's on to the record books for #24 in memoriam.
To his friends and family, we are saddened but please do not let the dream die!
RIP in racers heaven where the VP is always free!

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

An unbelievably cruel outcome to a truly amazing account of one man's determination. Chris represented a vanishing breed of individual; seemingly undeterred by setback and fearless in the pursuit of success. One could not help but be captivated by his accounts of the thrashes in the shop, the road trips and the small victories.

A Star Wars character, short in stature but long in wisdom said: "Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try."

I think Drooze may have been a fan of that little guy.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Terrible loss . I rarely post but always enjoyed what he brought to contribute. Even if it was just to stir the pot. Much too young and too dedicated.

RIP Drooze

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Only god knows why......Rest in Peace Chris.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

We really enjoyed reading all of Chris' posts, he was such a determined guy to reach that special goal, even with all the ups and downs that came with it he (the team) pushed on.

We are so saddened to hear of his passing. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. May you all find strength through this and keep the dream alive.
R.I.P. Chris


Dave & Vicki
Mission BC
Canada

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

RIP Chris,Class Racer will never be the same.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

RIP Chris. Godspeed

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I couldn't have said it better. Thanks for these words Dave, I have struggled to come up with something I thought fitting.

RIP Chris.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I too dont know what to say,rest in peace chris,take care of yourself david and remember your dad kids
scott

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Wow, what a shock. RIP Chris!

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

This is truly a tragic story and very surreal. I did not know Chris but he had such a profound effect in the short time he posted here at Class Racer.

After trying to post a reply on several occassions, what does one say about an individual who did so much in so little time. His posts were many and some controversial but Chris taught us all that passion, being positive and never giving up, are all true qualities we strive to achieve in our short lives.

My condolences to David, Mandie and Chris' children and family who were blessed to have Chris in their lives. RIP in Drooze. We will miss you.

Mike Ferstl

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Wow!!! I did not know Chris but from talking to him on classracer about tech stuff with the race car. RIP CHRIS!!!

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Once again I would like to thank all of you who have posted, and those who haven't because they could find the words. Your words, thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated.

For those interested in sending flowers, we suggest that you make a donation to a local charity instead. It is not that they wouldn't be appreciated, but we will have enough flowers and as I am sure Chris would have wanted, just help others closer to you.

Cards are welcome for any who wish to send them.

Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home Inc 566 West Park Avenue Barberton Ohio 44203

Calling hours are set for Thursday, August 5 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM and a final service will be held Friday Morning at 10:00AM

It has been a real encouragement to hear what so many others here have felt about Chris, and what they will remember most about him. He was indeed a unique individual, and leaves behind a most unique legacy.

David

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

After reading all the everyone has said on here and to me in private, this quote seems to apply.

One exemplary act may affect one life, or even millions of lives. All those who set standards for themselves, who strengthen the bonds of community, who do their work creditably and accept individual responsibility, are building the common future.
http://www.livinglifefully.com/images/invisible.gif
John W. Gardner

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

If a man is judged by his passion, he was a giant---truly inspirational. My deepest condolances to his family, his friends and to all who followed his posts. Many people pass through our lives--I"m sorry I missed him.
Godspeed Chris RIP JOHN

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

RIP Chris..You my friend were a true inspiration, though sadly we never had a chance to meet..Class Racer will never be the same! Thoughts and prayers go out to David and family.

Gordie and Laurie Kissner

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

My deepest condolences to his family;

This is why i try to be nice on every message broad i belong to you never know..

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I keep trying to write something but then find I can't finish it.
Even though I don't know Chris, his family or friends I followed along here on the forum reading all of his posts. I took from them the inspiration to keep going on my stocker project even when I became discouraged because of the lack of time and money.
I will miss his determination and self confidence. RIP

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Unbelievable.....I just don't believe this whole deal. I was so looking forward to meeting him at one of our races and talking to him for an unlimited amount of time! RIP my friend and I hope to have that conversation someday at the nicest drag strip ever built.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

OMG....even though I didn't know Chris I have always enjoyed his posts and would have loved to have been able to meet up with him.

Chris to your family, please accept my most heartfelt condolences...R.I.P.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Wow, I am so shocked............I never meet the man, but read most of the post he was involved in and just had to wonder "just where did this dude come from" his wit was awsome. And as of late, he was asking about super class racing.....My jest was "Oh boy" here comes "Drooze" lol lol . But I can't help but think we are going to miss "The Drooze" no matter what class he would have been in.

He has touched so many people on this site, and in racing in such a very short time.


Drooze, you are "Way Cool"


Rick Bailey
S/C 3439

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

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.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Yes. Shocking.
Care and concern to family.

RIP

Bruce Deveau