I hope that I never have to write a tribute like this ever again, and that future losses are mourned, but understood to be the result of old age, not tragedy. Scott Kalitta was more than meets the eye in so many ways. I wish I could say that he and I were good friends, and enjoyed many long conversations. The truth is that, though I felt as though Scott and I would have been even closer given the time, our relationship centered mainly on the activities at NHRA races.

The first time I ever “really” spoke with Scott was after we had raced in Top Fuel at, ironically, Englishtown in 2005. At that time I was driving for Dexter Tuttle in the Menard’s/Mail Terminal Services dragster, and Scott was enjoying his “comeback” with a recent win in Chicago. We both smoked the tires, pedaled several times, and I felt fortunate to get the win light. My impression of Scott up until that time (probably mostly due to his looks) was that he was one intense dude, and wasn’t going to be too happy to lose to a “rookie”. I was almost afraid to approach him after we got out of our rides at the top end. What I found was, though obviously frustrated, a warm, good-natured man. Cool.

Subsequent talks and time spent together further raised my opinion of this two-time world champion. This guy really had character. He was FUNNY, and so down to earth as to be a pleasure to be around. Finally, you just HAD to be around Scott at least once when he approached the .08 or higher level. He was hilarious!

With both of us now racing Funny Cars, it was inevitable we would face in eliminations. Our sponsors last year (DHL and Mail Terminal Services) are actually strategic partners, but there was always a friendly rivalry. Rodger Comstock and Connie had a running dinner bet: lose the race and the other team got to eat, good, and you paid. It made it that much more fun competing against such a solid team.

In short, Scott’s serious appearing demeanor was, in all likelihood, just a byproduct of his contemplative side, (and maybe from not wearing sunglasses all of the time). I am so glad to have been able to spend time with Scott and his entire crew during our displays at Air Force bases, joking and just “being one of the guys” in an environment where there wasn’t any need to be competitive.

To his wife Kathy, and sons Corey and Collin: I would fail miserably trying to diminish your grief at this moment, and words alone would completely miss the mark. What I will do is grieve along with you, for the loss of a wonderful man at such a young age. What I can offer is remembrance -- wonderful memories of a champion, at the races and elsewhere -- stories and thoughts to make you smile when the grieving process passes and you desire to understand Scott’s impact on all who he touched.

To Connie: as a father I am dumbfounded to offer any words of solace for your grief. I only hope to be able to spend more time around you in the coming months and years and exchange fond remembrances of your son.

To the crew and teammates: all of you knew so many dimensions of Scott that will provide vivid, emotional, and fond memories once the grief subsides. I grieve along with each and every one of you.

To Scott: thanks, and you are missed. God bless you.

Jack

P.S.: Mail Terminal Services processes all of the military mail for the war zones, and Kalitta Air transports it to Bahrain, where it is trucked to its’ final destination. Now every carton that leaves the MTS terminal will have words and pictures attached to honor our “teammate” and fallen friend.