The old crank...

When I'm asked why I enjoy NASCAR I simply reply that my passion is not based on the turning left or the speed, but the personalities.

Racing is a community. It embraces all walks of life and for three hours on a Sunday it doesn't matter if you are blue or white collar - at the races we are all the same. Drivers, crews, fans and media are all in it together and that is why race fans are so passionate about their sport. The community becomes a part of us, because we are allowed to be part of their world.

I wanted to be a sports columnist when I first went back to school. How little I knew back then. They say if you want to write, you have to read - so I did. I picked up every racing book I could get my hands on, glanced through article after article and tuned into radio shows. One of those that I enjoyed reading was David Poole, a writer for the Charlotte Observer whose credibility was second to none. If Poole reported it, chances are there was some truth to it.

Mr. Poole was someone that I had on my list. It is a list I've been making in my head for about the last five years or so, it is the list of people I wanted to meet if I ever made it to the big show. Today I find out Mr. Poole passed away suddenly this morning at the age of 50.

I have never met Mr. Poole, but I feel as though I have a connection to him. I start my days with The Morning Drive on Sirius radio every morning at six a.m., and when a rumor surfaced he was the story I looked for. He was witty, smart and pointed, and he will be missed by NASCAR Nation. I could only hope that some day I can grow into a journalist of sorts with half as much integrity, ability and humility as Mr. Poole displayed.

I shared two things with Mr. Poole - the love for an incredible sport and a passion for words.