Chris Wertman RIP

[hemidup]

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

[Stewart Way]

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

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



BP

[greg fulk]

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!!

[HEMIDARTDAVE]

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

[butch8908]

Originally Posted by NewHemi

My sincere thanks to all who posted here. Chris was indeed a unique individual and my best friend, as well as my only child.

Most people will never know how truly brilliant he was, and he always flavored that intelligence with wit and humor. He could see things from a perspective that was indeed unique, and he was never afraid to step into the unknown as he learned a great deal from every life experience, good or bad.

He was a dedicated son and even more dedicated father. Continue to pray for his children. 13 year old David Michael Wertman is expecially hard hit by the loss. Max, 6 years old and Isabella, also know that Dad is gone, but don't have the perspective to understand what that really means. Some of the sting is muted by the time over the last couple of weeks that David Michael was with chris, and the last week the two younger ones were also. At least they have that time as a memory to hold for all time.

Nobody expects their children to go before them. And as have been observed here, the truth is that Nobody is promised tomorrow. Live every day as if it is your last. It may be. Make sure that the ones you love, know that you love them every day. Apologize to everyone you have wronged, and forgive everyone who has wronged you. Even if you live forever, life is still too short. Live it as fully as you can.

Drag Pak #24 was largely a product of Chris' efforts. And it will go forward as long as I can keep it going. We still need to get down the track competively, but have no fear, that is about to happen. We will start laying down records and living up to everything that Chris said.

I faced my own mortality when diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and can face this only though my faith in God, through my savior Jesus Christ. That doesn't mean that it is easy, but it does mean that I am not alone in my grief! He is with me.

Thanks again for your thoughs, good wishes, and prayers.

David

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.

[treessavoy]

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

[Jeff Lee]

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!

[Dave Turner]

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.

[Dustin Ward]

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