Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

My condolences on your loss.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I've been reading everyone's responses and I have to comment on this one because of your word choice. He and I talked a lot on the road and in the shop, etc. about everything being an ADVENTURE (like your word choice), not a destination, or an experience even, but ADVENTURE.

I've found in my short life, and especially traveling and working with Chris that most times its really about the twists, turns, hills and valleys and how you navigate them getting to your goal or destination. Most of the time when you've taken the time to enjoy overcoming the setbacks and challenges on the way to the "reward" you don't even care about the reward when you get it because you've enjoyed yourself so much getting there.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I've also struggled with how to put words to this awful loss, of course my condolences to David, Mandie, the family and the kids. Chris and David, the ups and downs of their early efforts to race their new car and the circumstance of David's battle with cancer became of widespread interest on classracer. In the early days they had the doubters, those who mindlessly ridicule and tear down others, even mis-spelling his screen name and mocking his fledgling program. Well, he was above all that, set and totally determined to succeed, and rose above the negative naysayers. As others have said, his perseverance and determination were inspirational, and really what we'd all like to be if only we could. He was willing to be open about his hopes and dreams, to reveal failures as well as successes, defeats and victories. We can all learn and reflect on his too short life, he has left many better than when he came, such is the legacy of this unique young man. My prayers are for David, the family and many old as well as new friends he'd made and for thier loss. I hope the race program goes forward, and that will be as he'd have wanted. Although we never met, I've shed a few tears as I've absorbed the heartfelt comments posted by so many others and just wished to add my voice and prayers of support , God Bless and RIP, Chris....

Grant Eldridge

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

David my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this very sad time...I had not had the pleasure to meet Drooze but felt i knew his and your passion for life and racing,,,,he will be missed ...keep up the faith in this adventure we call life ...........my prayers again Bryan Dixon stk 5010

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Condolences to the family. Chris and the New Hemi racing family team were definitely a breath of fresh air. If you look under the definition of perseverance, Chris definitely would be in there.

Deepest Sympathy,
Alex Polewik and family.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

God speed, Drooze! David, Mandie and family, I just don't know what to say....my heart goes out to you........

RIP, you certainly earned it..

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

I too am late in reading this but I want to send my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I have enjoyed his posts because he had a very good sense of humor. RIP Drooze.

Steve Prado
Rudy, AR

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

RIP Chris, You will be missed......

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Whenever my passion for the sport overrules my excuses for not racing I'll think of Chris. Whenever someone tells me no use in trying and that I can't do it I'll think of Chris. Whenever I get just plain complacent about anything I'll thnk of Chris. Whenever I want to ask a question on this board and feel reluctant about exposing my lack of knowledge instead of wanting to simply know more I'll think of Chris. Lots of us will be thinking about Chris...RIP.

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Sorry to here about Chris. Glad that I had a chance to meet him and Mandy.
You will be missed.

John Dinkel

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

Sorry to hear the news. Live every day..... is so true.... My thoughts go to Mandy and the boys. I am wishing strength to Dad also.
Any more news? about the accident
Dick Butler

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

The Mopar family has lost one of our favorite sons..Prayers go out to his family and friends form all of us here @ Chris3 Racing

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

It's been a few days now and I'm still in shock and still have a lump in my throat. Chris and I had been talking back and forth about his new Funny car in Comp idea these past few days. And I had jokingly PM'd Mandie saying that she should be the driver of that new car. I nearly fell off the chair when I heard.

It's rare when some one you have known such a short time, makes such an impact on you.

The first time I officially met Chris is when He and Mandie dropped by the trailer at the Norwalk divisional. I remember saying to myself after they had left, That they were going to be a fun bunch to go racing with. I looked forward to sitting at the trailer after racing was over, and bench racing with them. I'm saddened to think I won't be able to know Chris better.

My Heart goes out to David and Mandie, We have truly lost one of the good guys.

RIP Chris

Re: Chris Wertman RIP
 

This ultra sad announcement is hard for me to come to grips with...no more "Drooze"? I've been away from this site since last week due there being no racing since the Mile Highs (now sadly Chris' last race, when he was just getting his new cars tires wet). :( As we got to know of him, he was so full of life...so optimistic...saw the positive in spite of the challenge before him (which underscores why it now seems befitting that his last race car was a Challenger!). Furthermore, his threads were some I always looked forward to reading. Drooze showed me our sport isn't about the cars (although the diversity of the combos we race is nice), but it's the people...people like Drooze! I never met him (sadly), but I was hoping someday to have that pleasure at one of the tracks on the western side of our great nation. Sadly, I won't get that opportunity, but I sure would've enjoyed a good brew, or other beverage with him while talking about our favorite sport. I guess now, I'll have to wait and plan to join him in quarter-mile heaven....

I couldn't believe my eyes when I noticed the other thread about a memorial fund for him. How could this be that the same racer who's plaudits I enjoyed reading about just two weekends ago in Denver, would be the same racer this thread would be about the weekend after? We lost one of the best people associated with drag racing that our sport will ever know, and WAY TOO SOON!!! So young, and with so much hope, and inspiration not just for those who knew him, but for those of us who followed his plights, and travels...his was one of the threads I most enjoyed reading about on this forum. David, your son must've been an awesome young man, partner, and friend for you. Mandie & Keith, being a teammate and friend to Chris, must've been one of the greatest blessings either of you could ever have. To his children, what a dad you had the pleasure of sharing such joys with...as that expressed in the photo taken of all four of you in the pool. I can only pray that GOD BLESSES & COMFORTS YOU ALL, as you try to cope with this very heart wrenching loss, of a great son, father, teammate, and friend. My heart, and prayers to you all...Indy will not be the same, but hopefully with his goodness smiling from above, all who compete there (and everywhere he did), will take some gratitude for his upbeat, never give up demeanor....I know I will the next time I strap my helmet on...THANKS DROOZE...REST WELL CHRIS, REST WELL.....