WELCOME, Northcarolina — The following are statements by Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, and drivers Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Casey Mears and Stephen Leicht on the passing of David Poole, lead motorsports writer for the Charlotte (N..C.) Observer:
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to David's family. He was a friend of everybody in the garage area. He could be controversial from time to time but he always wrote and spoke what he believed. He didn't pull any punches with anybody and that's what people respected about him. He was good for the sport and will be missed." – Richard Childress, President and CEO Richard Childress Racing
“David worked his ass off for our sport, whether it was in his writing or on his radio show. His life revolved around the sport and we're obviously very saddened by the loss. He will be missed.” – Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet
"I've gotten to know (David) Poole really well over the years. He spent a lot of time with the No. 31 team every weekend and would sit and have conversations with us on just about everything. He was fun to agree and debate with. I admired his professionalism and work ethic and he did a great job of reporting our sport to the fans. He's someone I have a lot of respect for and he will definitely be missed." – Jeff Burton, driver of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet
"David was a great person. I loved being on his radio shows because he always found a way to make you laugh during the interview. He always made you feel like you were best buds that had known each other for years. He was a superb writer that always had creative angles to make a story the best it could be. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time. We'll all miss seeing his face in the garage area. It's a sad day for our NASCAR community to lose this incredible writer and dear friend." – Stephen Leicht, driver of the No. 29 Holiday Inn/Holiday Inn Express Chevrolet
"David Poole was a professional and his passing is a big loss to our sport. I always had a very good working relationship with David. He always knew when the right time to approach a driver was and when it wasn't. He was a fair and objective reporter and someone who I had a great deal of respect for. I always appreciated his no nonsense approach. My thoughts and prayers are with his family." – Casey Mears, driver of the No. 07 Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet
